Autumn is settling in and the city calendars are looking good. Whether you are after something cultural, musical, outdoorsy or just a reason to get out of the house, here is our pick of the best events happening across Johannesburg and Cape Town from Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 April 2026.
Cape Town
The biggest event in the Mother City this weekend is undoubtedly LUMENOCITY, billed as Africa’s first large-scale festival dedicated entirely to light-based art and immersive technology. Running from 9 to 12 April at Company’s Garden, the event transforms one of Cape Town’s most beloved public spaces into a glowing playground of light installations, projections and creative technology after dark. Tickets are available via the LUMENOCITY website.
Pretty Woman: The Musical continues its run at the Artscape Theatre Centre in the Foreshore, with performances on Friday and Saturday evenings and a Sunday matinee. Based on the beloved film, the production has been warmly received since opening in March. Tickets are available via Artscape’s website.
If you are after something more intimate, Basement Jaxx headline Cape Palooza on Saturday 11 April, a culture-led daytime festival celebrating youth culture with music, food stalls and good energy. Check the Cape Palooza social pages for venue details and tickets.
For those who would rather stay closer to nature, the Two Oceans Marathon returns to Cape Town from 10 to 12 April. Even if you are not running, the routes along the scenic peninsula make for excellent spectating, and the city comes alive with the particular atmosphere of a major running event.
Johannesburg
Joburg’s most distinctive event this weekend is the contemporary ballet work JUXTAPOSE by dance company WGRUV, running at the Roodepoort Theatre from 9 to 12 April. The show places the human body under tension as its central theme and promises the kind of physically demanding, visually striking performance this company is known for. Tickets are available via Webtickets.
On Friday evening, Candlelight: Tribute to the Beatles brings the iconic songbook to Shepstone Gardens in Johannesburg. Performed live by candlelight in the garden setting, these Candlelight concerts have become a beloved fixture on the Joburg events calendar for their intimacy and atmosphere. This one is a great option for a Friday date night. Tickets are available through the Candlelight events website.
Saturday brings Deep Town Jozi presents LATIQUE to The Nest from 2 pm, an afternoon into evening electronic music event. And on Sunday 12 April, Brent Harris of Just Jinjer performs at The Troyeville from 12h30 alongside Thee Jam and Naming James, making it a solid option for a more relaxed Sunday afternoon of live music.
Also worth noting: Main Street in the Joburg CBD closes to cars and opens to pedestrians on Sunday, 12 April as part of the recurring open streets initiative, a great excuse to explore the city centre on foot.
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