Great Johannesburg festivals for everyone

If you haven’t been to a festival near where you live in the last 12 months in South Africa then you must be living under a rock. The festival bug has bitten here in SA and in most cities it’s easy to find a great selection of food, music, art or cultural festivals all year round. Johannesburg is certainly no exception. Work hard and play hard is the mantra most Joburgers swear by and what better way to spend your weekends than sipping beer in the sunshine or having a picnic in a park listening to some top music act.

Search flights to Johannesburg

Here is a list of some of the great JHB festivals that will turn just another weekend into just another great weekend. Some are new but some have been around for donkey’s years. Take your pick.

Good Food and Wine Show

This one has been around for a few years and while it’s more of an exhibition, it certainly offers a festival type atmosphere with plenty of great food, wine and lots of show. For foodies, it is a great way to spend a day in July (23 – 26 July in 2015), in Jozi. Most of the day is spent wandering around browsing the stalls, tasting, and most likely purchasing, bag loads of deliciousness. There are also a hundred different types of gadgets and gizmos to help you cook this and chop that but the highlight of the festival are the shows and live cooking demos; mainly because of the big name chefs and TV personalities. This year plays host to John Torode from MasterChef UK, Adriano Zumbo from Australia, household name Jenny Morris and SA’s favourite Siba Mtongana to name a few. The best part is the focus on fine local wine and speciality produce, but if you want to make it worthwhile book ahead for the bigger shows and demonstrations.

Parklife Festival Jozi

A popular new inner city festival held in both JHB and Cape Town that combines a gourmet food market with stellar music acts. Basically a great big picnic with superb vibes and some of the best local market style food resulting in lots of happy people chilling in the sun. This year the music line-up included big time acts such as American Authors, Prime Circle and Jeremy Loops. It starts in the morning and people drift in and out all day long, literally enjoying park life. The only downside is the ticket price ranging from R 395 – R 495 per person.

The Rand Show

This is more than just an exhibition or a show; it is a South African icon. Having been around for almost 120 years this is one of the last true carnivals type festivals left in South Africa. Held at the massive Nasrec Expo Centre it is the biggest consumer exhibition in Africa. Many South Africans will have memories of visiting the Rand Show as a child and now probably visit with their children and possibly even grandchildren. Aside from hundreds of stands, specials and shopping it is an arts festival, music festival, entertainment festival, film festival and even has small roller coasters. It’s not very expensive and truly is a great JHB festival for the whole family; wear comfortable shoes.

Jozi Craft Beer Festival

Usually held in May this festival is right on trend with its focus on ‘local is lekka’ love of all things South African and what people are really after. Celebrating the beauty of beer they get it right by keeping the tickets limited and the choice extensive. While this did result in many unhappy people who had to be turned away at the door those that planned ahead and bought their tickets early were treated to over 100 different local and international craft beers, a gourmet food court and entertainment. Crowd pleasers like beer pong, craft gin and boutique wine really helped make it one of a kind festival. No doubt this will grow in years to come; but seriously book early so you’re not left with your tongue hanging out on the wrong side of the entrance gate.

Lusito Land

Lusito Land is a classic JHB family festival that has been around for 34 years. Not as well-known as some of the others this festival celebrates everything that is Portuguese and peri-peri. Held in winter and boasting many local artists like DJ Fresh and Euphonik, Karlien van Jaarsveld, Mi Casa, Kurt Darren and even Jack Parow it is a fundraising event for the local Lusito Association. Last year they boasted 160 000 visitors so if you have a craving for Portuguese peri-peri chicken and caipirinhas, this is where you need to be.

Holi We Are One Color Festival

Inspired by India’s Holi One festival, this trendy dance and colour festival has been to many venues across the world. Basically everyone comes dressed in white (preferably not your best whites) and spends the day in the sun dancing, drinking and throwing colour paint powder on one another. The aim is to celebrate togetherness, unity, transformation, happiness and music which are all good things in SA and when it comes to partying, the Jozi crowds certainly know how to do it best.

So whether you’re a food snob, head banger or craft beer aficionado you’re bound to find a great JHB festival in this list that you’ll enjoy. Why not share with us which is your favourite or let us know if we missed any?

(Feature image: Meraj Chhaya