Wondering what to do this weekend in Gauteng? This is your guide to what’s on: the markets, gigs, matches, festivals, theatre and family outings happening across Johannesburg, Pretoria and the East and West Rand. Bookmark it and check back; we refresh it as new events are announced.
This weekend at a glance
A typical Gauteng weekend offers something for everyone: Saturday-morning food and craft markets, big-match days at FNB Stadium, Ellis Park or Loftus Versfeld, live music from small venues to arena shows, and family days out at the zoo, the theme parks or a nature reserve. Browse all current listings in our Events category.
Plan around the practical stuff
Two things shape a Gauteng weekend: the weather and the power schedule. Check the forecast before an outdoor market or match on our Weather hub, and check whether load reduction affects your area on the Load Reduction hub. Heading to a big venue? The Gautrain and its buses serve several event nodes; see Stay and Transport.
Weekend Guide: 17 to 19 July 2026
Gauteng’s weekend calendar from Friday, 17 July to Sunday, 19 July 2026 features Mandela Day volunteer opportunities, theatre, comedy, live music, family-friendly experiences, markets and culinary events across Johannesburg, Pretoria, Centurion, Kempton Park, Roodepoort and the East Rand. Ticket prices start from R45, with several community events also offering free entry.
ALSO READ: 702 Walk the Talk 2026: How to Use Gautrain and PRASA to Get to Ellis Park
Gig Guide (17–19 July 2026)
- FoodForward SA Mandela Day Packing Event (Johannesburg) – 17 July
- Woza Albert! at the Market Theatre (Johannesburg) – 17 July
- Dan Corder Presents: The News Is A Joke at the Market Theatre (Johannesburg) – 17 July
- Brenda Mtambo Live Experience: Amahubo Kagogo at Emperors Palace (Kempton Park) – 18 July
- Nathi Mankayi – The Buyelekhaya Tour at the South African State Theatre (Pretoria) – 18 July
- Walk with Dignity at Groenkloof Nature Reserve (Pretoria) – 18 July
- Market Wa Pitori Family Market (Centurion) – 18 July
- The Big Bad Musical at Roodepoort Theatre – 17–19 July
- HomeGrowers Culinary Cooking Experiences (Sunninghill & Edenvale) – 18 July
- Funny Galore Comedy Club Weekend Shows (Emmarentia, Johannesburg) – 17–19 July
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
This weekend’s selection includes events across several parts of Gauteng, with options for theatre audiences, music fans, families, comedy lovers and people looking for a creative social activity.
Families can choose between school-holiday programmes at Clearwater Mall and The Glen Shopping Centre, while theatre and cultural events are concentrated around Johannesburg’s Market Theatre and Joburg Theatre precincts, as well as the SA State Theatre in Pretoria.
The programme also includes lower-cost events, such as Word N Sound Poetry League, alongside larger ticketed concerts and stage productions.
FAQ: Gauteng Events This Weekend
What are the biggest events in Gauteng this weekend?
Major events include The Cry of Winnie Mandela, The Bacchae: An African Choral Ballet, Skhumba’s Weekend Comedy Special and A Night With Mthunzi – JHB.
What family-friendly events are on this weekend?
Family options include Oh Happy Days! Family Fun at Clearwater Mall and The Glen Kids Club Craft Corner.
Where can I watch theatre in Gauteng this weekend?
Theatre productions are taking place at the Market Theatre, Joburg Theatre and SA State Theatre.
Are there events in Pretoria this weekend?
Yes. Girls of Golden West is running at the SA State Theatre as part of the Kucheza Festival.
What are the cheapest events on the list?
Word N Sound Poetry League costs R50, while Oh Happy Days! Family Fun at Clearwater Mall also costs R50.
What Happens Next
Most of the listed events take place between 10 and 12 July, although some theatre productions and school-holiday activities continue beyond the weekend.
Ticket availability, showtimes and age restrictions may change. Visitors should confirm booking details with the relevant venue or ticketing platform before attending.
- Gauteng Travel and Events Hub
- Events in Gauteng
- Top Attractions
- Restaurants in Gauteng
- Nightlife and Entertainment
- Shopping in Gauteng
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Joburg this weekend?
Markets, sport, live music, theatre and the theme parks are the staples; see the dated listings above for this weekend’s picks.
Are there free things to do in Gauteng?
Plenty. Parks, some museums and the weekend markets cost nothing to wander. Start with our Visit Gauteng section.