October has arrived, Joburg is slipping properly into spring, and this weekend is giving us plenty of reasons not to stay home.

From live music and theatre to art, markets, family days out and a Sunday afternoon worth dressing up for, Johannesburg has a little bit of everything happening from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October.

So, clear a little space in the diary. Here are some of the best things to do in Joburg this weekend.

First Lets Start with My Best 5 HALAAL POP UPS This Weekend. These POP Up spots Get my Simply Sublime Tag.

1. MARLBORO MARKET. 49 JUMMA CRESCENT MARLBORO GARDENS

11AM TILL LATE

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2. RENDEVOUZ POP UP  . SUMMER PLACE,HYDE PARK

3/4 OCTOBER 2026

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2. PRISON BREAK MARKET  . 10 MacMillan Rd, Glenferness AH, Johannesburg, 2191

Sat/Sun

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Catch Carmen: The Ballet Before It Closes

If you’ve been meaning to squeeze a little theatre into your plans, this is your last chance to catch Carmen: The Ballet at Joburg Theatre.

The production wraps up on Saturday, making this a great pick for a date night or an evening out that feels a little more special than the usual dinner reservation.

Expect all the drama, passion and spectacle of Carmen told through dance.

Where: Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein
When: Until Saturday, 3 October
Tickets: From R150

Spend Saturday at the Roedean Art Fair

Art lovers can make their way to Parktown for the Roedean Art Fair, which runs until Saturday.

It’s the kind of outing that works beautifully when you don’t necessarily want a huge event but still want to get out, wander around and discover something new.

Make a morning of it, take your time browsing and perhaps follow it with lunch somewhere nearby.

Where: Roedean School, Parktown
When: Until Saturday, 3 October
Tickets: From R25

Take the Kids to the Joburg Family Picnic & Kids Festival

Parents looking for somewhere to spend Saturday can head to Johannesburg Zoo for the Joburg Family Picnic & Kids Festival.

Alongside the usual zoo adventure, the day brings games and activities into the mix, turning a familiar Joburg outing into a full family day.

Pack accordingly, arrive early and give yourselves enough time to explore.

Where: Johannesburg Zoo
When: Saturday, 3 October from 10am
Tickets: From R150 for adults, with children’s tickets also available

Make Sunday a Rosebank Market Day

There’s something about a slow Sunday morning in Rosebank that just works.

The Rosebank Sunday Market returns to the rooftop at Rosebank Mall, with its familiar mix of food, local finds, shopping and relaxed weekend energy.

And if vintage treasures are more your thing, you can also stop by The Firs Antique Fair nearby. With both happening on Sunday, it’s easy to turn Rosebank into a leisurely morning-to-afternoon outing.

Rosebank Sunday Market: 9am–4pm, Rosebank Mall rooftop
The Firs Antique Fair: 10am–4pm, The Firs

Come hungry. Leave room in the boot.

Discover African Storytelling at Joburg Theatre

Sunday is also the final day to experience Imagine Africa: Our Stories Brought to Life at Joburg Theatre.

Inspired by the stories of celebrated storyteller Dr Gcina Mhlophe, the interactive production brings African storytelling to the stage in a format designed to feel alive, imaginative and engaging.

If you’re looking for something cultural this weekend — particularly an experience to share across generations — put this one on the list.

Where: Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein
When: Until Sunday, 4 October

Spend Sunday With Isaiah Rashad, Sinead Harnett and rum.gold

Sunday afternoon gets considerably louder at Montecasino.

In the City JHB brings Isaiah Rashad to Johannesburg, joined by Sinead Harnett and rum.gold for an outdoor show at the Montecasino Outdoor Events Arena.

It starts at midday, which means this isn’t one of those concerts where the entire day disappears while you wait for something to happen. Make it your Sunday plan, round up your people and prepare for an afternoon of live music.

Where: Montecasino Outdoor Events Arena
When: Sunday, 4 October from 12pm

Catch the Gravity-Defying Thrills at Red Bull Box Cart Race

If you want sheer entertainment, head down to Sandton Drive on Sunday morning. The legendary Red Bull Box Cart Race takes over the leafy inclines of the financial district for a day of pure, unadulterated, human-powered spectacle.

Watch wildly creative teams hurtle down a custom obstacle course in hand-built, engine-free carts held together by engineering genius and sheer optimism. From street-art-inspired builds to hilariously bizarre pop-culture homage, each team must perform a showmanship skit at the start line before braving the jumps. It is fast, loud, free to attend, and completely unique.

• Pro Tip: Set up near the mid-way jump markers along Sandton Drive for the best view of the airborne action. Pack sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat, and plenty of water.

When: Sunday, 4 October 2026 | From 09:00 AM

Where: Sandton Drive, Sandton

Entry: Free

Experience Outdoor Soul & Vocals: Sjava In The Park

When: Sunday, 4 October 2026 | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Where: 4Ways Farmers Market, Modderfontein Reserve

If your ideal Sunday involves picnic blankets, open skies, and soul-stirring storytelling, book your spot for Sjava In The Park. Set against the lush outdoor backdrop of the 4Ways Farmers Market, multi-award-winning artist Sjava takes the stage for an intimate afternoon concert.

Sing along to his soulful mix of Afro-fusion, Hip Hop, and traditional Zulu influences while sampling delicious artisanal bites and craft drinks from market vendors. It is an easygoing, beautiful way to wind down the weekend with great music and unbeatable Joburg spring weather.

• Pro Tip: Pair your afternoon with craft eats from the market, and get there early to secure a prime shaded spot on the lawn.

Dance through the Season at Ekurhuleni Spring Fiesta 2026

When: Saturday, 3 October 2026 | From 12:00 PM

Where: Wild Waters Complex, Boksburg

Celebrating its 16th edition, the Ekurhuleni Spring Fiesta is the massive, undisputed season-opener for dance, house, and Amapiano fans in Gauteng. Featuring multiple stages, world-class production, and a star-studded lineup of local icons and international guests, this festival is designed for non-stop energy from noon till late.

• Pro Tip: Check the stage set-times in advance to make sure you catch your favorite DJ sets across the venue.