Spring is in full swing, and the first weekend of September brings a packed calendar of music, sport, food, art, theatre and literature.
Image used for illustrative purposes/Thokozani Nkala/Unsplash
Open Book Festival
Cape Town | 4 to 6 September
Bookworms can spend the weekend exploring the Open Book Festival at venues across Cape Town. The annual literary festival brings together South African and international writers, poets and thinkers for talks, workshops, readings and conversations. This year’s programme covers topics including climate change, heritage, future thinking, poetry and African and diaspora experiences. Individual events start at R50, while some are free. Advance booking is required even for free events.
📅 4 to 6 September 2026
🕒 Various times
🎟️ Open Book Festival programme and bookings
Mamma Mia! The Musical
Cape Town | 4 to 6 September
Get ready for a weekend of ABBA classics as Mamma Mia! The Musical takes over the Artscape Opera House. The much-loved musical follows a mother and daughter preparing for a wedding on a Greek island, with the story told through a soundtrack of ABBA hits. Performances this weekend are scheduled for Friday at 19:30, Saturday at 15:00 and 19:30, and Sunday at 17:00.
📅 4 to 6 September 2026
🕒 Fri 19:30; Sat 15:00 and 19:30; Sun 17:00
🎟️ Artscape Theatre Centre
FNB Art Joburg
Johannesburg | 4 to 6 September
Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre becomes a showcase for contemporary African art during the 19th edition of FNB Art Joburg. The fair brings together galleries, artists, collectors and art lovers, with exhibitors representing countries across the continent. The 2026 edition features more than 100 artists across eight curated sections, making this a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in the contemporary African art scene.
📅 4 to 6 September 2026
🕒 Various times throughout the weekend
🎟️ FNB Art Joburg
947 Joburg Day
Johannesburg | 5 September
Gather your friends and family for one of Joburg’s biggest outdoor music events. 947 Joburg Day takes place at Crocodile Creek Polo Club in Lanseria, with a line-up including Cassper Nyovest, Kabza De Small, DJ Zinhle, Mi Casa, Sun-El Musician, Will Linley, Zee Nxumalo, Locnville, Lordkez and Morda with the Soweto Gospel Choir. Gates open at 10:00. General admission costs R550, while children’s tickets are R250.
📅 5 September 2026
🕒 Gates open 10:00
🎟️ 947 Joburg Day via Ticketmaster
Springboks vs All Blacks
Johannesburg | 5 September
One of international rugby’s most celebrated rivalries returns to FNB Stadium when the Springboks take on the All Blacks. The match forms part of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry and is set to be one of the weekend’s biggest sporting events. Kick-off is at 17:10 on Saturday evening, with thousands of fans expected to head to the stadium for the clash.
📅 5 September 2026
🕒 17:10
🎟️ Ticketmaster
Randburg Night Market
Johannesburg | 5 September
The Randburg Night Market combines its regular evening market with a big-screen Springboks experience this month. Taking place at Diggers Rugby Club, the market opens at 16:00, with the Springboks vs All Blacks match shown on the big screen. Expect street food, craft stalls and live music alongside the rugby. Online presale tickets cost R40, while entry at the door is R50.
📅 5 September 2026
🕒 16:00 to 22:00
🎟️ Randburg Night Market tickets
Circle of Dreams
Krugersdorp, Gauteng | 4 September
Head to The Barnyard Theatre Silverstar for Circle of Dreams, a live songwriter experience featuring Neon Dreams, Ross Learmonth and Jesse Clegg. The show combines live music with conversation, exploring the stories and inspiration behind the songs. The performance starts at 19:00, with tickets from R295.
📅 4 September 2026
🕒 19:00
🎟️ Circle of Dreams via Tsogo Sun
Love, Levies & Lies
Cape Town | 4 to 5 September
Figure of 8 Dance Theatre brings its dramedy Love, Levies & Lies to Theatre Arts in Observatory. The production follows seven twenty-somethings sharing a flat and dealing with friendship, belonging, money and the realities of navigating adulthood in modern-day Cape Town. Performances take place on Friday at 19:00 and Saturday at 15:00 and 19:00, with concession tickets available.
📅 4 and 5 September 2026
🕒 Fri 19:00; Sat 15:00 and 19:00
🎟️ Theatre Arts
Msaki in the Park
Johannesburg | 6 September
Round off the weekend with an afternoon of live music at 4Ways Farmers Market, where acclaimed South African singer-songwriter Msaki takes to the stage for Msaki in the Park. The outdoor event combines live music with food stalls, bars and a relaxed picnic atmosphere. The concert runs from 12:00 to 19:00, giving visitors plenty of time to settle in for a Sunday afternoon of music. Tickets start at R300.
📅 6 September 2026
🕒 12:00 to 19:00
🎟️ Msaki in the Park
From contemporary African art and literary discussions to live music, street food and one of rugby’s biggest rivalries, there is plenty happening around South Africa this weekend. Whether you’re looking for a full-day festival, a night of theatre or a Sunday afternoon outing, these events offer plenty of ways to make the most of the first weekend of spring.
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