Gauteng residents can celebrate Heritage Day on Thursday, 24 September 2026, with live music, food festivals, family activities and visits to historical attractions across the province. Confirmed events include a major braai at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, a concert at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, a charity fun run in Brakpan and the opening of the boating season on the Vaal River. This guide covers Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, the West Rand and Sedibeng, with named dining options and heritage sites in each region.
The 2026 Heritage Month theme is “Celebrating Our Living Heritage: Strengthening the Ties That Bind Us,” according to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. Heritage Day recognises South Africa’s cultural diversity and encourages communities to preserve and share their traditions.
Events in this guide take place on 24 September unless another date is specified. Restaurant opening hours and holiday menus should be confirmed directly before visiting.
ALSO READ: 2026 Heritage Month Dining in Gauteng: Where to Taste African and Global Cuisines
Johannesburg: Live Music, Food and Cultural Experiences
Johannesburg offers concerts, cultural activities, restaurants and historical attractions for residents planning a Heritage Day outing.
Visitors can choose between an outdoor music event, a family festival or a meal in Soweto.
Heritage Day Sing & Paint at Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill in Johannesburg will host a Sing & Paint experience on Thursday, 24 September 2026, offering visitors a creative way to commemorate Heritage Day.
The programme runs from 10:00 to 16:00 and combines music and art at one of South Africa’s significant heritage precincts.
Visitors can also explore the former prison complex and learn about its connection to the country’s history and constitutional democracy.
Event details
- Date: 24 September 2026
- Venue: Constitution Hill, Johannesburg
- Time: 10:00 to 16:00
- Activities: Music, painting and heritage exploration
- Admission: Confirm participation fees and booking requirements with the venue.
Comic Con Africa
Comic Con Africa takes place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec from 24 to 27 September.
The four day event features comics, gaming, cosplay, merchandise, artist exhibitions and entertainment.
Tickets are listed from R250 per day, with different ticket categories available. Families should check the event’s age and admission requirements before booking.
Where to eat: Sakhumzi Restaurant
Sakhumzi Restaurant on Vilakazi Street in Orlando West serves African and South African cuisine.
The restaurant provides an opportunity to combine a meal with a visit to Mandela House and other attractions in the neighbourhood.
Its menu and Heritage Day reservation availability should be checked before arrival.
Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill preserves the history of a former prison complex and is home to the Constitutional Court.
Visitors can explore exhibitions connected to South Africa’s history of imprisonment, resistance and constitutional democracy.
A Heritage Day programme includes Sing & Paint activities from 10:00 to 16:00, while free admission arrangements have also been advertised. Visitors should confirm the conditions attached to free tickets before travelling.
Tshwane: A Major Braai and Pretoria’s Historical Landmarks
Tshwane residents can choose between a Heritage Day food event, a cultural festival and visits to historical attractions.
Big Save Presents the World’s Biggest Braai
Loftus Versfeld will host the World’s Biggest Braai on Thursday, 24 September.
The event is scheduled from 09:00 to 20:00 at the stadium’s D Field.
Organisers plan a simultaneous braai record attempt at 10:00, with registered participants taking part in a coordinated cooking session.
The programme also includes live music, food vendors and activities for children.
Mi Casa, GoodLuck and Booshle G are among the advertised performers. Ticket prices were not confirmed in the event listing at the time of publication.
Event details
- Date: 24 September 2026
- Venue: Loftus Versfeld, D Field, Pretoria
- Time: 09:00 to 20:00
- Braai record attempt: 10:00
- Tickets: Confirm current pricing with the organiser
Erfenisfees at the Voortrekker Monument
The Voortrekker Monument is scheduled to host Erfenisfees on Heritage Day.
The advertised programme runs from 07:00 to 17:00, with general admission listed at R50 per person. Children younger than six enter free.
Reserved seating in front of the stage is listed at R200 per person.
Visitors should confirm the full entertainment programme and ticket availability before travelling.
Where to eat: Afro Boer
Afro Boer in Pretoria East offers a bakery and café experience drawing on African and Boer culinary influences.
It is an option for visitors who want to include a restaurant meal in their Heritage Day plans.
The restaurant’s public holiday trading hours and menu should be confirmed directly.
Freedom Park
Freedom Park is a memorial and museum precinct in Pretoria.
Its attractions include the Wall of Names and the //hapo museum, which explore South African and African history.
Visitors can combine a heritage visit with another activity in Tshwane, depending on the precinct’s public holiday operating arrangements.
Ekurhuleni: A Charity Fun Run and Liberation Heritage
Ekurhuleni’s Heritage Day programme includes an outdoor event in Brakpan, while the region’s historical attractions offer opportunities to learn about South Africa’s liberation history.
Empower Her Charity Fun Run at Brakpan Airfield
The Fly In and Empower Her Charity Fun Run takes place at Brakpan Airfield on Thursday, 24 September.
Gates open at 07:00, with the five kilometre fun run starting at 08:00.
The programme includes aircraft displays, helicopter appearances, entertainment, food stalls and family activities.
The event supports an initiative providing menstrual products to schoolgirls. Entries are available through iTickets.
Event details
- Date: 24 September 2026
- Venue: Brakpan Airfield
- Gates: 07:00
- Fun run: 08:00
- Entry: Check iTickets for current categories and prices
Tribes African Grill and Steakhouse
Tribes African Grill and Steakhouse at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park serves African and South African influenced dishes alongside grilled meats and other meals.
The restaurant offers a dining option for residents planning to spend the public holiday in Ekurhuleni.
Confirm table availability and Heritage Day operating hours before visiting.
OR Tambo Cultural Precinct
The OR Tambo Cultural Precinct in Wattville, Benoni, commemorates the life and legacy of Oliver Reginald Tambo.
Visitors can explore the history associated with Tambo and his contribution to South Africa’s liberation struggle.
Access arrangements and guided visit availability should be confirmed with the precinct.
West Rand: A Heritage Day Braai and the Cradle of Humankind
The West Rand combines cultural attractions, restaurants and outdoor experiences.
Residents can spend Heritage Day at a dedicated food event or visit the Cradle of Humankind.
Heritage Day Shisanyama Braai Day
The Bridge Venue in Muldersdrift will host its Heritage Day Shisanyama Braai Day on Thursday, 24 September.
The event runs from 12:00 to 22:00 and includes music by DJ Kwekwe and DJ Nathi.
General admission starts at R150. A R245 braai package includes steak, chicken, wors, two salads and a choice of pap or rolls.
The event is restricted to adults aged 18 and older. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.
Event details
- Date: 24 September 2026
- Venue: The Bridge Venue, Abraham van Wyk Road, Muldersdrift
- Time: 12:00 to 22:00
- Admission: From R150
- Braai package: R245
- Age restriction: 18 and older
Carnivore Restaurant
Carnivore Restaurant at Misty Hills in Muldersdrift offers an open fire dining experience featuring grilled meats and selected game dishes.
The restaurant serves South African accompaniments alongside its meat selection.
It is another dining option for visitors exploring the West Rand, although Heritage Day reservations and operating hours should be confirmed directly.
Cradle of Humankind
The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site associated with important fossil discoveries and research into human evolution.
Maropeng Visitor Centre provides exhibitions introducing visitors to this history.
Families planning a trip should check whether Maropeng is operating on 24 September and confirm which exhibitions are accessible.
The Sterkfontein Caves should not be included in a travel itinerary without separately confirming their operating status.
Sedibeng: Celebrate on the Vaal River and Explore Sharpeville
Sedibeng offers riverside activities, dining and historical attractions for residents planning to remain in southern Gauteng.
Official Opening of the Vaal Boating Season
Stonehaven on Vaal has announced the official opening of the boating season for Thursday, 24 September.
The Heritage Day event will bring together the river community for a flotilla of boats, music and activities on the water.
The venue is located next to Baddrift Bridge in Vanderbijlpark.
Visitors should contact Stonehaven directly for the programme, participation arrangements and any applicable charges.
Event details
- Date: 24 September 2026
- Venue: Stonehaven on Vaal, Vanderbijlpark
- Activity: Official boating season opening
- Programme and prices: Confirm with the venue
Stonehaven on Vaal
Stonehaven on Vaal also offers a riverside dining experience.
Visitors interested in combining lunch with the boating season opening should confirm restaurant reservations and whether a special Heritage Day menu will be offered.
The venue can be contacted on 016 982 2951 or 016 982 2952.
Sharpeville Human Rights Precinct
The Sharpeville Human Rights Precinct commemorates the 69 people killed when police opened fire on protesters opposing apartheid pass laws on 21 March 1960.
The memorial preserves the history of the massacre and its significance in South Africa’s struggle for human rights.
Residents can include the precinct in their Heritage Day plans, subject to access arrangements.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Heritage Day offers Gauteng residents opportunities to explore local culture through food, music, community activities and historical attractions.
The five regions have different options for the public holiday, including family events in Ekurhuleni, a major braai in Tshwane, music in Johannesburg, a shisanyama event on the West Rand and a boating celebration in Sedibeng.
Restaurants also provide opportunities to explore different food traditions, from South African cuisine in Soweto to open fire dining in Muldersdrift.
Residents should distinguish between events taking place on 24 September and attractions that operate throughout the year.
Ticket prices, availability and restaurant opening hours can change. Confirm arrangements directly with organisers before making payments or travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Heritage Day 2026?
Heritage Day falls on Thursday, 24 September 2026.
What events are happening in Gauteng on Heritage Day?
Events include the World’s Biggest Braai in Pretoria, Heritage Day Sing & Paint at Constitution Hill, the Empower Her Charity Fun Run in Brakpan, the Heritage Day Shisanyama Braai Day in Muldersdrift, and the Vaal boating season opening.
Are there family activities on Heritage Day?
Yes. Families can consider Comic Con Africa, the Brakpan charity fun run and selected heritage attractions. Age restrictions and admission requirements vary.
Where can I eat on Heritage Day in Gauteng?
Options include Sakhumzi Restaurant in Soweto, Afro Boer in Pretoria, Tribes African Grill in Kempton Park, Carnivore Restaurant in Muldersdrift and Stonehaven on Vaal in Vanderbijlpark. Confirm public holiday trading hours and reservations before visiting.
Which events take place after Heritage Day?
The Vaal River Carnival has activities scheduled for 26 September, while Johannesburg’s Joy of Jazz takes place on 25 and 26 September. Check organiser programmes for current details.
Plan Your Heritage Day Across Gauteng
From food and music to museums and memorials, residents have options across all five Gauteng regions on 24 September.
Whether the plan involves attending an event, exploring a historical site or sharing a meal, checking the latest information before travelling will help visitors make the most of the public holiday.
