Johannesburg’s Mother’s Day weekend calendar is packed with live music, outdoor picnics, family festivals and luxury experiences taking place across Gauteng from Friday, 8 May to Sunday, 10 May 2026. From botanical garden concerts and rooftop brunches to deep house sessions and open-air cinema nights, venues across the province are preparing for one of the busiest lifestyle weekends of the season.
The weekend comes as Gauteng’s entertainment and hospitality sectors continue seeing strong demand for experience-driven outings, particularly around long weekends and seasonal celebrations. Music, food and outdoor events are expected to dominate the city’s social calendar throughout the weekend.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest gigs, concerts and Mother’s Day experiences happening across Johannesburg and Pretoria this weekend.
ALSO READ: Mother’s Day 2026: Gauteng Venues Release Pricing and Packages as Demand Builds
Friday Night Gigs and Music Events
Damian Lazarus at TRUTH, Midrand
International electronic music DJ Damian Lazarus headlines Friday night at TRUTH alongside local house music heavyweights including Culoe De Song and FKA Mash.
The event is expected to draw electronic music fans from across Gauteng for a late-night Afro-house and melodic techno experience.
When: Friday, 8 May | 8pm to 2am
Cost: From R400
For The Record by Vinny Da Vinci in Sandton
House music fans can head to Beerpark in Sandton for an all-vinyl deep house session hosted by Vinny Da Vinci.
Organisers say the event will focus on classic deep house and underground dance music.
When: Friday, 8 May | 6pm to midnight
Cost: Free entry via booking
Howler
Saturday’s Family Festivals and Cultural Experiences
Big Fat Greek Festival at Montecasino
Montecasino hosts the Big Fat Greek Festival this weekend, featuring Greek food, wine tastings, traditional dancing and live performances.
Festival organisers say the event is aimed at both families and social groups looking for a full-day cultural experience.
When: Saturday, 9 May | 12pm to 10pm
Cost: From R350
AfrikaBurn Decompression Party in Rosebank
The AfrikaBurn community returns to Johannesburg for its annual Decompression Party at The Naked Woolf in Rosebank.
The event will feature DJs, costumes, art installations and themed dancefloor experiences inspired by the Tankwa festival culture.
When: Saturday, 9 May | 9pm to 4am
Cost: From R100
Open-Air Mamma Mia Movie Night at Key West
Families looking for a quieter Saturday outing can attend the outdoor screening of Mamma Mia at Key West Amphitheatre in Krugersdorp.
Guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and camping chairs for the outdoor cinema experience.
When: Saturday, 9 May
Cost: From R30pp
Mother’s Day Sunday Headliners
Mother’s Day Concert at Johannesburg Zoo
Johannesburg Zoo hosts one of the weekend’s biggest live music events featuring Ami Faku, The Soil, Matthew Mole and the Phoenix Orchestra.
The event combines live music with family-friendly entertainment and picnic spaces.
When: Sunday, 10 May
Cost: From R80 to R150
MOM: A Concert Celebrating Mothers at NIROX
NIROX Sculpture Park hosts a full-day outdoor concert experience headlined by Lira.
Guests can also explore sculpture exhibitions, gourmet food offerings and wine experiences throughout the day.
When: Sunday, 10 May
Cost: From R750pp
Jeremy Loops at Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden
Jeremy Loops headlines the Sunset Music Series at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden.
The concert promises picnic-style seating and open-air performances surrounded by one of Gauteng’s most scenic natural spaces.
When: Sunday, 10 May
Cost: From R195pp
Sunday Society Picnic at The Maslow Sandton
The Maslow Sandton hosts an adults-only luxury picnic featuring gourmet baskets, sparkling wine and live entertainment.
The event is expected to attract residents looking for a more premium Mother’s Day social experience.
When: Sunday, 10 May
Cost: R875pp
Markets, Picnics and Daytime Experiences
Together We Grow Mother’s Day Market
The Pretoria National Botanical Gardens hosts a Mother’s Day market featuring local crafts, gifts, food stalls and family activities.
When: Saturday, 9 May
Cost: R80 adults | R30 children
Mom’s Day Out at Toadbury Hall
Toadbury Hall offers a picnic-style family experience with live music performances by Ross Learmonth, Majozi and Joneaux.
When: Sunday, 10 May
Cost: From R270
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Mother’s Day weekend has become one of Gauteng’s busiest lifestyle and leisure periods, supporting restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, artists and tourism operators across the province.
The increase in concerts, picnics and outdoor experiences also reflects a broader shift toward experience-driven social spending, particularly among families and younger consumers.
Hospitality and entertainment operators are expected to benefit from increased foot traffic and tourism activity throughout the weekend.
FAQ: Mother’s Day Weekend in Johannesburg
When is Mother’s Day in South Africa in 2026?
Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, 10 May 2026.
Which major concerts are happening this weekend?
Events include performances by Ami Faku, The Soil, Lira and Jeremy Loops.
Are there family-friendly events available?
Yes. Several concerts, festivals and picnic events cater for families and children.
Which Gauteng areas are hosting events?
Events are taking place across Johannesburg, Sandton, Midrand, Lanseria, Pretoria and Krugersdorp.
Do most events require tickets?
Yes. Most experiences require online bookings or advance ticket purchases.
What Happens Next
Hospitality and entertainment venues across Gauteng are expected to experience increased activity throughout the Mother’s Day weekend period.
Tourism and lifestyle operators say the strong calendar of concerts, picnics and family experiences is likely to contribute to local tourism spending as Gauteng’s winter events season begins gaining momentum.
