The Rand Show has announced a major new attraction for 2026: a dedicated Tech and Gaming Arena, set to run from 2 to 6 April at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec. The new zone is expected to draw families, gamers, students and tech enthusiasts, adding a strong digital and innovation focus to one of Gauteng’s longest-running public events.
Organisers say the arena will shift the experience from passive viewing to interactive participation, allowing visitors to engage directly with gaming, robotics, esports and emerging technologies. The addition comes as demand for tech-driven entertainment and skills-based experiences continues to grow across the province.
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A Major Shift In The Rand Show Experience
The Rand Show has historically focused on exhibitions, live entertainment and family activities. The introduction of the Tech and Gaming Arena signals a strategic shift towards future-focused content.
According to organisers, the new space is designed to bring together:
• Gaming and esports experiences
• Hands-on technology demonstrations
• Educational STEM activities
• Pop culture and digital communities
The arena will operate as a central attraction within the broader Rand Show programme, which runs over five days during the April school holiday period.
What Visitors Can Expect Inside the Tech and Gaming Arena
The Tech and Gaming Arena will include multiple interactive zones aimed at different age groups and interests.
Key features include:
• A LAN gaming arena with free play stations and competitions
• A PlayStation 5 football gaming experience
• Robotics demonstrations and hands-on control systems
• Virtual reality and augmented reality activations
• 3D printing showcases demonstrating product development
According to event organisers, the focus is on participation, allowing visitors to test, build and explore technology in real time rather than simply observing displays.
LEGO Experiences and Entry-level Coding Exposure
A significant portion of the arena will focus on creative learning, particularly for younger visitors.
The LEGO experience will include:
• A large-scale interactive build zone
• A LEGO pit with millions of bricks
• A collaborative bridge-building installation
• Custom LEGO minifigure creation for attendees
Visitors will also be introduced to basic coding concepts through unplugged activities using LEGO systems. Organisers say this approach allows children to understand programming logic without requiring screens or prior technical knowledge.
Live Hackathons and Innovation Challenges
The arena will also host a live hackathon environment where participants work in teams to solve problems within a limited time.
According to New Age Gaming Director Len Nery, the inclusion of hackathons and robotics aims to expose visitors to real-world applications of technology and innovation.
These elements are designed to:
• Encourage problem-solving skills
• Promote teamwork and collaboration
• Introduce visitors to innovation-driven careers
The hackathon format is increasingly used in education and industry to simulate real-world tech challenges.
Township Esports and Grassroots Gaming Development
A key feature of the 2026 programme is the inclusion of Kasi Flare, a competitive gaming platform focused on township-based esports talent.
The live tournament will showcase emerging players from township communities, providing:
• Competitive exposure for local gamers
• Access to structured esports environments
• Opportunities for networking and development
According to organisers, the initiative reflects broader efforts to make esports more inclusive and accessible across South Africa.
School-based Esports and Digital Skills Development
RGB Gaming will host inter-school esports tournaments during the event, building on participation from more than 50 schools in previous editions.
These tournaments are structured to emphasise:
• Teamwork and communication
• Strategic thinking and decision making
• Discipline and sportsmanship
The programme also highlights how gaming is increasingly being integrated into educational environments as part of digital literacy and STEM development.
Visitors will be able to observe competitions and participate in public gaming sessions throughout the event.
Anime and Pop Culture Integration
The Tech and Gaming Arena will also include a dedicated anime and pop culture section, led by Anime After Hours.
This segment will feature:
• Live cosplay and performance events
• J Pop and K Pop showcases
• Interactive audience games
• Panels on copyright and intellectual property
• Information on international study and career pathways
A marketplace will also be set up, offering:
• Collectables and figurines
• Manga, comics and trading cards
• Apparel and merchandise
• Independent artist products
Organisers say this addition reflects the growing influence of global pop culture communities within South Africa.
Economic and Tourism Impact for Gauteng
The Rand Show remains one of Gauteng’s largest public events, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
The introduction of the Tech and Gaming Arena is expected to:
• Increase foot traffic at the Johannesburg Expo Centre
• Attract younger audiences and families
• Support local vendors and small businesses
• Strengthen Gauteng’s position as an events destination
The event also aligns with broader efforts to promote innovation and digital skills within the province.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The addition of a Tech and Gaming Arena reflects a broader shift in how large-scale events in Gauteng are evolving.
For residents, this means:
• Greater access to interactive technology experiences
• Exposure to digital skills and emerging industries
• More family-friendly activities during school holidays
• Increased opportunities for young people to explore careers in tech and gaming
The event also highlights how entertainment spaces are increasingly being used to introduce practical skills linked to the digital economy.
FAQ: Rand Show 2026 Tech and Gaming Arena
When is the Rand Show 2026 taking place?
The event runs from 2 to 6 April 2026.
Where is the event being held?
It will take place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec.
What is the Tech and Gaming Arena?
It is a new interactive zone focused on gaming, robotics, esports, coding and digital experiences.
Will there be activities for children?
Yes. The arena includes LEGO zones, beginner coding activities and family-friendly gaming experiences.
Are there competitive events?
Yes. The arena will host esports tournaments, including township-based competitions and inter-school events.
What Happens Next
Organisers are expected to release additional details on ticketing, schedules and specific programming closer to the event dates. Preparations for the April showcase are currently underway as the Rand Show expands its offering to include more technology-driven experiences.
The 2026 edition will test how successfully large-scale public events can integrate entertainment with education and digital skills development, particularly for younger audiences in Gauteng.
