Johannesburg is a vibrant, bustling metropolis with an assortment of activities and events on offer. The city boasts numerous art, culture, entertainment and sport activities for expats to explore. Whether they're looking for something to do solo, with the family or with newfound friends, new residents of Joburg won't have a shortage of options.

Below are a few of the top yearly events in Johannesburg.

Annual events in Johannesburg

The Rand Show (April)

Founded more than 120 years ago, the Rand Show is a multi-day festival with non-stop entertainment throughout. Festivalgoers will have plenty to keep themselves occupied, with the show split into seven main areas, each dedicated to a particular type of entertainment and interests. There's a play zone, a foodie zone and a proudly South African zone, to name just a few.

The Wine Show (June)

Attendees at the Wine Show can join fellow wine enthusiasts in tasting and buying wines from dozens of estates around the country. There are also opportunities to learn about winemaking and wine pairing.

Johannesburg Arts Alive Festival (September)

Arts Alive celebrates the city's awakening from its winter slumber and the onset of spring. This vibrant and eclectic feast of arts and culture takes place at various venues in and around the city throughout September and features the very best in home-grown theatre, dance, music, visual art and entertainment.

FNB Art Joburg (September)

This once-a-year art event is exclusively devoted to African art and features pieces from local and international galleries, as well as photography, sculptures and installations.

Soweto Marathon (November)

Starting and ending at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, this well-known event can be run in various distances to suit different fitness levels. This includes traditional full- and half-marathon lengths as well as a shorter 6-mile (10 km) option.

Further reading

►For info on raising expat children in the city, see Kids and family in Johannesburg

►See and do in Johannesburg gives the lowdown on the city's best attractions

Expat Interviews

"Be excited, seek out the positive things available here, try not to compare backwards to a country you have left, rather look forward and create a bucket list of things you want to do, then book them in. Day trips, weekends away, learning about wine, history, culture, there is so much on offer, you need to choose to embrace it." Hannah's advice as a Brit living in Johannesburg.

"The Bryanston Organic Market on a Saturday morning or the Rosebank Rooftop Market on Sundays for African craft shopping, Montecasino or Melrose Arch for dinner and evening entertainment, a Soweto tour or the Apartheid Museum for some South African culture and history, and perhaps a visit at the DeWildt Cheetah Centre or the Lion Park to see animals." Sine's tips for visitors as an expat living in Johannesburg.

Are you an expat living in Johannesburg?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Johannesburg. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.

Expat Health Insurance

Cigna Health Insurance -

Cigna Global Health Insurance

With Cigna, you won't have to rely on foreign public health care systems, which may not meet your needs. Cigna allows you to speak to a doctor on demand, for consultations or instant advice, wherever you are in the world. They also offer full cancer care across all levels of cover, and settle the cost of treatments directly with the provider. Cigna is currently offering a 10% discount for seniors (over 60) on their Silver package.

Get a quote from Cigna Global

Moving Companies

Sirelo logo

Moving Internationally?

Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.

Get your free no-obligation quotes from select removal companies now!