Gauteng’s entertainment calendar is packed this weekend with comedy shows, live music festivals, theatre productions, ballet performances, book fairs and immersive cultural events taking place across Johannesburg, Pretoria and surrounding areas. From Tall Ass Mo’s stand up comedy night in Emmarentia to Bassline Fest at Constitution Hill and Michael Jackson-inspired ballet at Montecasino, residents have dozens of events to choose from between 22 and 24 May 2026.
The weekend lineup also includes family friendly experiences, literary gatherings, art fairs and wellness events as Gauteng enters one of its busiest cultural weekends of the month.
With many productions ending this weekend and some annual festivals already nearing sold out status, organisers expect strong attendance across multiple venues.
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Tall Ass Mo Headlines Funny Galore Comedy Night
Comedy fans can catch comedian Tall Ass Mo at the Funny Galore Stand Up Comedy Nights taking place on Thursday evening in Emmarentia.
The show forms part of a wider comedy weekend hosted at Simas Funny Galore Comedy Club, which will also feature:
- Kedibone Mulaudzi on Friday
- Ndumiso Lindi on Saturday
Comedy Schedule at Funny Galore
| Date | Comedian | Venue | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 May | Tall Ass Mo | Simas Funny Galore Comedy Club | R100 |
| 23 May | Kedibone Mulaudzi | Simas Funny Galore Comedy Club | R100 |
| 24 May | Ndumiso Lindi | Simas Funny Galore Comedy Club | R100 |
The comedy venue in Emmarentia has become increasingly popular for intimate stand up performances featuring both established and emerging South African comedians.
Michael Jackson’s Music Reimagined Through Ballet
Mzansi Ballet’s Heal The World continues its Johannesburg run this weekend at the Pieter Toerien Montecasino Main Theatre.
The production reimagines Michael Jackson’s music through contemporary ballet and features choreography inspired by songs including:
- Thriller
- Smooth Criminal
- Black or White
- Heal The World
The production combines ballet, storytelling and visual theatre while exploring themes of healing, unity and resilience.
Mzansi Ballet’s Heal The World
| Event | Venue | Dates | Ticket Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heal The World | Pieter Toerien Montecasino Main Theatre | Until 7 June | R200 to R350 |
Bassline Fest Returns to Constitution Hill
Bassline Fest returns to Constitution Hill on Saturday with a lineup featuring established and emerging African music acts.
This year’s festival includes performances by:
- Vusi Mahlasela
- Maleh
- Brandon Aura
The festival also includes:
- food vendors
- craft stalls
- cultural markets
- family friendly entertainment
Organisers say the festival continues its focus on Afro centric music and cultural collaboration.
Bassline Fest Details
| Event | Venue | Date | Ticket Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bassline Fest | Constitution Hill | 23 May | R250 to R350 |
Kingsmead Book Fair Draws Readers to Rosebank
The annual Kingsmead Book Fair returns this weekend with authors, literary discussions and panel sessions taking place at Kingsmead College in Rosebank.
The event has become one of Gauteng’s major literary gatherings and is expected to attract readers, publishers, authors and students.
Visitors can attend:
- author talks
- debates
- book signings
- literary discussions
- food and lifestyle experiences
Kingsmead Book Fair
| Event | Venue | Date | Ticket Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingsmead Book Fair | Kingsmead College | 23 May | R60 to R115 |
Australopithecus Brings Satire to Wits Theatre
The satirical stage production Australopithecus continues its run at Wits Downstairs Theatre this weekend.
The production explores themes linked to colonial anthropology, race and historical scientific practices through dark satire and political commentary.
The play has drawn attention for its bold storytelling and historical themes tied to South African identity and institutional history.
Australopithecus at Wits Theatre
| Event | Venue | Dates | Ticket Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australopithecus | Wits Downstairs Theatre | Until 24 May | R60 to R100 |
Art, Museums and Cultural Festivals Across Joburg
Johannesburg’s cultural spaces remain active this weekend with multiple exhibitions and public programmes taking place.
Highlights include:
- JOZI aMUSE Festival of Museums
- RMB Latitudes Art Fair
- IDAHOBIT events at Goethe Institut
- Main Street Sunday Art Fair
The citywide museum festival includes:
- workshops
- guided tours
- artist talks
- after parties
- storytelling sessions
Meanwhile, the RMB Latitudes Art Fair continues drawing visitors to Shepstone Gardens with contemporary African art exhibitions and installations.
Theatre Productions Continue Across Gauteng
Several theatre productions are also running this weekend including:
- Pretty Woman: The Musical
- Sarafina!
- The Wizard of AAHS
- Fathers, Sons and Soft Vengeance
Many productions are approaching the end of their Johannesburg runs before closing later this month.
Wellness, Markets and Family Events Expand Weekend Options
Beyond concerts and stage productions, Gauteng residents can also attend:
- yoga and wellness sessions
- outdoor markets
- cycling events
- padel experiences
- dog friendly obstacle events
- roller skating pop ups
Popular family friendly experiences this weekend include:
- Wits Digital Dome shows
- Pop Up Roller Rink
- Oneplan Muddy Puppy
- City Sightseeing Johannesburg tours
- Woodlands Boulevard Art Exhibit
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
This weekend’s event lineup reflects Gauteng’s growing role as one of South Africa’s busiest entertainment and cultural hubs.
Residents have access to:
- large scale festivals
- affordable local comedy
- family activities
- literary events
- theatre productions
- live music experiences
The concentration of events across Johannesburg, Pretoria and surrounding areas also supports:
- local tourism
- hospitality businesses
- restaurants
- transport services
- creative industries
Many events additionally create opportunities for emerging artists, performers and small businesses operating within Gauteng’s cultural economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which major events are happening in Gauteng this weekend?
Major events include Bassline Fest, Funny Galore Comedy Nights, Kingsmead Book Fair, Heal The World ballet and multiple theatre productions.
Where is Tall Ass Mo performing?
Tall Ass Mo performs at Simas Funny Galore Comedy Club in Emmarentia on 22 May 2026.
Are there family friendly events available?
Yes. Family friendly activities include Wits Digital Dome shows, museum festivals, roller skating and sightseeing experiences.
Which events are already selling out?
Some sessions at RMB Latitudes Art Fair and selected theatre productions are already nearing capacity.
Are there affordable events available?
Yes. Several events offer tickets below R100, including comedy shows, theatre productions and museum experiences.
What Happens Next?
Many of Gauteng’s current productions and festivals will conclude before the end of May, while organisers are expected to announce additional winter events and school holiday programmes in the coming weeks.
Event organisers have also indicated that several annual festivals featured this weekend will return in 2027 with expanded programming and larger audience capacity following growing public demand.
