What’s on in Johannesburg

Rand Show

12 — 17 April 2024

The Nasrec Expo Centre at the corner of Randshow and Nasrec Roads.

For more than a century, the renowned, annual Rand Easter Show has drawn Johannesburg's crowds during the Easter break. It started as an agricultural show but has grown in popularity, size, and scope to become South Africa's largest consumer exhibition, as well as an entertainment extravaganza that is eagerly awaited every year.

Exhibitions cover a range of categories, offering entertaining stalls and shopping specials, while a varied live entertainment programme keeps show-goers buzzing until late each night. Exhibition categories include a Kids Expo, Sports Expo, Showcase SA, Lifestyle Expo, and Into the Future.

The vast entertainment programme includes a diverse array of attractions, including things like show-jumping, working dog displays, and, in keeping with its agricultural origins, livestock judging. This is in addition to live music concerts, circus performances, snake shows, fireworks displays, parades, and stunt shows. Anyone interested in attending should check the official website to see the full programme.

Website www.randshow.co.za

Joy of Jazz Festival

TBC 2024

various venues in Newtown

Every year, top South African and international jazz performers come to Johannesburg's vibrant Newtown complex to revel in the joys of jazz music. The festival features concerts and collaborations among the artists, often spontaneous and experimental, in the true spirit of jazz. More experienced artists give workshops and classes to budding artists and work closely with them, offering a rare platform to showcase their talents at the festival. The festival now attracts about 20,000 people to seven pumping venues in Newtown.

The growing popularity of Newtown as a centre for creativity, culture and nightlife has played an integral role in the regeneration of Johannesburg's inner city, and the jazz festival has played a big part in this exciting revitalisation process. There is a five month build up to the main festival, which sees various live jazz concerts piquing the excitement of audiences across Johannesburg in preparation for the main event. The festival also organises community concerts to bring jazz to audiences that don't usually get the chance to enjoy it, like hospices, orphanages and retirement homes.

Website www.joyofjazz.co.za

Vaal River Meander Wine Route

TBC 2024

Various estates along the Vaal River. Inventory available online

As the name suggests, travelling this route is a casual, relaxed experience. Much like a fine wine, it's meant to be enjoyed at leisure and taken in stride. 20 venues along the banks of the picturesque Vaal River are selected every year to showcase South Africa's most elegant wines over a designated period of time. The route can be travelled by car, taxi or river cruiser. Game drives at the neighbouring reserves, golf on the nearby courses or a visit to the Emerald Casino (which has an indoor water world, bowling and miniature golf facilities) are optional side meanders for an enjoyable family outing.

The Vaal is South Africa's second longest river and the Upper Vaal is the main recreational hub, where guesthouses and lodges line the riverfront and various watersports are popular. The Upper Vaal is centred on the towns of Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark. Power-boating, jet-skiing, canoeing, fishing and even white-water rafting are enjoyed on the river, making it a fun excursion from Johannesburg, even when the wine route is not active. The wine route gives the area a festive atmosphere and the event is eagerly awaited by locals.

Website www.vaalwineroute.co.za

Johannesburg