Johannesburg is preparing for a packed Women’s Day weekend filled with food, music, theatre, poetry and family-friendly entertainment.
Whether you want to dance until sunset, discover local traders or enjoy a relaxed Sunday meal, the city has something for you. Here are 10 exciting events happening from Friday, 7 August, to Sunday, 9 August 2026.
1. Taste your way through the Pick n Pay Wine and Food Festival
Wine lovers can spend Saturday or Sunday exploring the Pick n Pay Wine and Food Festival at The Wanderers Club in Illovo.
Guests can sample selected wines, enjoy delicious food and meet some of South Africa’s leading winemakers. General admission starts at R350 and includes a tasting glass and 20 tasting tokens.
The festival runs from 13:00 until 18:00. However, early-access ticket holders can enter from midday. Only guests aged 18 and older may attend.
2. Enjoy a Mexican fiesta at Marks Park
The Tequila and Mexican Food Festival takes over Marks Park in Emmarentia on Saturday, 8 August.
Festivalgoers can look forward to tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tequila tastings, live music and energetic salsa performances. The event runs from 11:00 until 21:00, giving visitors a full day of entertainment.
General tickets start from R250, while VIP packages are also available. Since alcohol will be served, the festival is strictly for adults.
3. Dance with GoldFish at Huddle Park
Electronic music duo GoldFish will bring their high-energy Submerged experience to Huddle Park on Saturday.
The open-air event begins at midday and continues until 22:00. Therefore, fans can expect hours of electronic beats, dancing and festival-style entertainment.
The venue operates as a cashless environment. Guests should also arrange safe transport beforehand, especially if they plan to drink.
4. Support local creators at the Field Market
For a more relaxed Saturday, head to the Field Market in Sandton.
The popular outdoor market brings together independent traders, local designers and food vendors. Visitors can shop for handmade products, sample street food and listen to live music in a laid-back setting.
Moreover, the market offers an easy daytime outing for families and groups of friends. Visitors should check the official website for the latest trading hours before travelling.
5. Watch A Good House at the Market Theatre
The Market Theatre in Newtown is staging A Good House, a sharp South African social satire written and directed by Amy Jephta.
The story explores prejudice, privilege and the tensions that emerge between neighbours. Its humour makes the production entertaining, while its subject matter gives audiences plenty to discuss afterwards.
The production runs throughout August, with performances available during the Women’s Day weekend.
6. Experience live poetry at Kippies
Some of Johannesburg’s most exciting poets will compete in the Word N Sound Poetry League at Kippies on Saturday.
The live poetry slam begins at 13:00 and gives both rising and established performers a platform to share powerful original work. Tickets cost R50, making it one of the weekend’s most affordable cultural events.
In addition, its location at the Market Theatre makes it easy to combine with lunch or another Newtown attraction.
7. Join the colourful Hey Hillbrow parade
The seventh Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! parade begins at the Windybrow Arts Centre at 10:00 on Saturday.
This year’s “ARISE” procession takes place ahead of Women’s Day and marks 70 years since the historic 1956 Women’s March. More than 350 children and young people are expected to participate.
The programme includes handmade bird costumes, dancing, music and community performances. As a result, the parade promises to bring colour and energy to Hillbrow’s streets.
8. Celebrate Women’s Day at the Soulful Garden Experience
The Soulful Garden Experience offers a relaxed way to celebrate Women’s Day on Sunday, 9 August.
Taking place at 26 on Pierre in Ruimsig, the event combines soulful live performances with food, drinks and an outdoor garden atmosphere. Doors open at 11:00, while tickets range from R150 to R400.
It could be an ideal choice for couples, friends or families looking for a slower Sunday celebration.
9. Browse the Rosebank Sunday Market
The Rosebank Sunday Market remains one of Johannesburg’s most dependable weekend attractions.
Located on the rooftop of Rosebank Mall, the market trades from 09:00 until 16:00. Shoppers can explore stalls selling crafts, local fashion, antiques, books, records and vintage clothing.
Meanwhile, food vendors serve meals and snacks from different cultures. Live music and a dedicated children’s area add to the welcoming atmosphere.
10. Start the weekend with a comedy showdown
Comedy fans can begin their weekend at CROWNED: The Comedy Shutdown at the Market Theatre on Friday, 7 August.
The show brings established comedians and rising performers together at the John Kani Theatre. They will battle for laughs, bragging rights and a R20,000 prize.
With the show taking place just before Women’s Day, audiences can expect an energetic evening filled with sharp observations and South African humour.
Johannesburg offers plenty of reasons to leave the house this weekend. However, popular events may sell out quickly. Book tickets early, confirm schedules with organisers and arrange reliable transport before heading out.
