Event Gig Guide: What’s Happening in Gauteng This Weekend?

Events in Gauteng: What to do in Joburg, Pretoria, Soweto and more this weekend – concerts, shows, festivals and markets

Gauteng Gig Guide: Gauteng comes alive on the first weekend of May! In Joburg and surrounds you’ll find top live music and theatre, markets, fairs and foodie festivals; Grammy-winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo bring their legendary isicathamiya harmonies to the Joburg Theatre.

Comedy lovers can laugh it up at the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival. Movie fans can enjoy family drive-in nights at Clearwater Mall. Even sports make the cut: the Soweto Derby (Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates) kicks off at the FNB Stadium. Not to be missed!

Events in Gauteng – Here’s Your Complete Weekend Gig Guide:

🎶 Live Music & Concerts

• Snotkop Live.
  Date: May 2, 9:00 PM
  Venue: Stoetbul Parkview, Pretoria
  Tickets: From R150
  Details: Enjoy an energetic performance by Afrikaans pop star Snotkop.
• Francois Van Coke at Melk Fest.
  Date: May 3, 10:00 AM
  Venue: Melk Fest, Pretoria
  Tickets: From R200
  Details: Rock out with Francois Van Coke at this lively festival.
• Appel Live Performance.
  Date: May 3, 10:00 AM
  Venue: Idlewild Country Estate, Gauteng
  Tickets: From R180
  Details: Experience Appel’s unique blend of music in a picturesque setting.
• Riaan Benadé at Hennie’s Jolly Prawns.
  Date: May 3, 12:03 PM
  Venue: Hennie’s Jolly Prawns, Centurion
  Tickets: From R150
  Details: Enjoy a soulful afternoon with Riaan Benadé.
• Soulscene: The Alternative
  Date: May 4, 12:00 PM
  Venue: Johannesburg
  Tickets: From R100
  Details: Dive into alternative sounds with Soulscene.
• Easy Freak Presents: Old School Love Weekend.
  Date: May 4, 1:00 PM
  Venue: Johannesburg
  Tickets: From R120
  Details: Relive the classics with Easy Freak’s old-school vibes.

🎭 Theatre & Performances

• “The Fall” at Market Theatre
  Dates: April 9 – May 4
  Venue: Market Theatre, Johannesburg
  Tickets: R110 – R220
  Details: A reimagined staging of the acclaimed protest theatre piece, acknowledging the 10th anniversary of the #FeesMustFall movement.
• “Romeo & Juliet” at Joburg Theatre
  Dates: May 2–4
  Venue: The Lesedi at Joburg Theatre
  Tickets: R100 – R120
  Details: Experience Shakespeare’s classic love story in a modern setting.
• “Have You Seen Zandile” at Soweto Theatre
  Dates: May 2–4
  Venue: Gibson Kente Theatre, Soweto
  Tickets: R100
  Details: A compelling drama exploring themes of identity and belonging.

🎤 Comedy & Festivals

• Laugh Africa Comedy Festival
  Dates: May 2–4
  Venue: Sandton Convention Centre
  Tickets: From R425
  Details: A star-studded lineup of comedians from across the continent.
• Roast and Toast Comedy
  Date: May 2, 5:00 PM
  Venue: Ethiopia Midrand, 59 Richard’s Drive
  Tickets: Early Bird: R150, General: R200, VIP: R300
  Details: An evening of laughter with top local comedians.
• Vaal Comedy Festival By the River
  Date: May 1, 10:00 AM
  Venue: 136 River Road, Vanderbijlpark
  Tickets: R250 – R400
  Details: A riverside comedy extravaganza featuring renowned acts.

🍽️ Food & Drink Festivals

• Festival De Mexico
  Date: May 3, 2:00 PM
  Venue: Montecasino Outdoor Arena
  Tickets: R220 – R320
  Details: Celebrate Mexican culture with food, music, and tequila.
• KAMERS/Makers Autumn Market
  Dates: April 30 – May 4
  Venue: St David’s Marist, Sandton
  Tickets: R100 – R140
  Details: Shop over 150 of South Africa’s finest artisans.

READ: Why Johannesburg is Africa’s Art Hub: A Guide to the Best Historic Galleries & Street Art

🛍️ Markets & Fairs

• Benoni Night Market
  Date: May 2, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  Venue: Benoni Northerns Sports Club
  Details: A vibrant mix of artisan stalls, live entertainment, craft drinks, and kids’ play zones. Perfect for families or a casual Friday night out.
• Irene Village Market at The Big Red Barn
  Date: May 4, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  Venue: The Big Red Barn, Irene
  Details: A popular monthly outdoor market featuring handmade crafts, gourmet food, and local music under towering eucalyptus trees.
• Bryanston Organic Market – Moonlight Market
  Date: May 3, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  Venue: Culross Road, Bryanston
  Details: This special evening market includes organic goods, live acoustic music, delicious bites, and eco-friendly products in a relaxed garden setting.

🏃‍♂️ Sports & Outdoor Activities

• Soweto Derby Experience
  Date: May 3, 12:00 PM
  Venue: FNB Stadium
  Tickets: R80 – R350
  Details: Experience the electrifying match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
• Colgate Road Race
  Date: May 4
  Venue: Boksburg
  Details: Participate in 5km, 15km, or 32km races.

🧘 Wellness & Workshops

• World Labyrinth Day Festival
  Date: May 3
  Venue: R’new at Vaal Dam
  Tickets: R200 – R250
  Details: A wellness festival featuring yoga, drumming, and guided labyrinth walks.
• Che Gourmet Fermentation Workshop
  Date: May 3
  Venue: Randburg
  Tickets: R950
  Details: Learn pickling and fermentation techniques in a hands-on workshop.

🎨 Art & Culture

• First Sundays at Keyes Art Mile
  Date: May 5, All Day
  Venue: Rosebank, Johannesburg
  Details: While slightly beyond the weekend, this is a cultural must-see. Expect art exhibitions, rooftop food experiences, live jazz, and pop-up design installations across the Art Mile.
• Cradle of Humankind Guided Tours
  Dates: May 2–4
  Venue: Maropeng Visitor Centre
  Details: Explore ancient fossils, interactive displays, and take in the stunning views of Gauteng’s UNESCO World Heritage site. A great mix of history and adventure for families or history buffs.

🎡 Family-Friendly Fun

• Gold Reef City Theme Park
  Dates: May 2–4, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  Venue: Ormonde, Johannesburg
  Details: Thrill rides, kiddie zones, live entertainment, and great food. A classic day out for the whole family.
  Tickets: R250 (adults), R190 (children under 1.3m)
  More info: goldreefcity.co.za
• Zoo Lake Picnic Day
  Date: May 4
  Venue: Zoo Lake, Parkview
  Details: Bring a blanket and enjoy the open lawns, rowboat rides, dog walks, and local food vendors. No entry fee – just vibes.
• Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
  Dates: May 2–4, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  Venue: Newtown, Johannesburg
  Details: An interactive science museum perfect for kids and curious minds.
  Tickets: R50 (adults), R40 (kids)

📍 Final Tips for the Weekend

• Weather Forecast: Expect partly cloudy conditions with mild temperatures ranging between 14°C in the mornings and 25°C midday. Bring a jacket for the evening events!
• Transport: Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and the Gautrain are all running normally. Pre-book where possible, especially for late-night gigs.
• Hygiene Reminders: Some venues have health and safety protocols in place-carry a sanitiser just in case.

📅 Plan Your Weekend Right

With a full mix of live music, festivals, markets, theatre, and outdoor adventures, Gauteng has something for everyone this weekend. Whether you’re craving tacos at Montecasino or deep lyrics at Soulscene, this weekend’s events in Gauteng have the province’s energy unmatched.

Don’t forget to check ticket availability and arrive early to make the most of your weekend.

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