October is shaping up to be a busy month for live music in Johannesburg and the surrounding Gauteng region, with international rap stars, hip-hop festivals, dance music, jazz and intimate live performances all competing for your weekend plans.
From Dave bringing The Boy Who Played the Harp Tour to South Africa to the 20th anniversary of Back to the City, here are some of the gigs worth adding to your October calendar.
Dave — The Boy Who Played the Harp Tour
British rapper Dave is bringing his The Boy Who Played the Harp Tour to South Africa on October 3. The performance takes place at Sunbet Arena in Pretoria, making it an easy Gauteng option for Joburg concertgoers.
The award-winning rapper is expected to bring his acclaimed catalogue to the stage, including music from his latest album The Boy Who Played the Harp.
Date: October 3, 2026
Venue: Sunbet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria
Tickets from R855
Spring Fiesta 2026
Spring Fiesta is back for another massive day of dance music, with the festival taking over Wild Waters Complex on October 3.
The festival runs from 12.00pm until 1.00am, with multiple stages bringing together house, deep house, hip-hop and electronic sounds. The Stay True Sounds stage includes British producer Atjazz alongside South African deep-house pioneer Jullian Gomes, while other names on the lineup include Dwson, Kid Fonque, KUDbEU, Aquatone and Vinny Da Vinci with DJ Christos.
It is an 18+ event, with organisers recommending that patrons use Uber.
Date: October 3, 2026
Wild Waters Complex, Boksburg
From R400
In The City JHB: Isaiah Rashad
Just one day after the October 3 concert rush, Isaiah Rashad heads to Johannesburg for In The City JHB.
The American rapper will be joined by Sinead Harnett and rum.gold at Montecasino Outdoor Events Arena.
For hip-hop fans, this makes the first weekend of October particularly stacked.
Date: October 4, 2026
Venue: Montecasino Outdoor Events Arena
Tickets available through official ticketing platforms
Miriam Altman — The Butterfly Project Live in Concert
For something more intimate, jazz vocalist, songwriter and producer Miriam Altman brings The Butterfly Project to the Wits Theatre.
Blending contemporary vocal jazz with soul, poetry, African rhythmic influences and a classical vocal foundation, the project explores a deeply personal journey through darkness, resilience and renewal.
Altman will perform with an impressive ensemble of South African jazz musicians, including Tlale Makhene, Tendai Shoko, Dalisu Ndlazi, Sunnyboy Mthimune, Lungile Kunene and Kuki Mokubetsi. The album was co-produced with award-winning pianist and producer Luyanda Madope.
The Johannesburg concert celebrates the arrival of The Butterfly Project album with an evening built around storytelling, contemporary jazz and musical transformation. The Johannesburg date is confirmed for October 10, with tickets from R200 via Quicket.
Date: October 10, 2026
Wits Theatre, Johannesburg
Doors: 6.00pm | Show: 7.00pm
Tickets R200 via Quicket
Back to the City Festival — 20th Anniversary
Johannesburg’s hip-hop faithful have another big date for the diary as Back to the City celebrates its 20th anniversary.
The 2026 festival brings together international names including Ab-Soul, Slum Village and Blu & Exile, alongside South African acts including Cassper Nyovest, Emtee, Blxckie, Stogie T, Reason, Tuks, Touchline and Trompies.
But this isn’t just about the music. Expect street art, fashion, skateboarding, gaming, food, DJ and MC battles and a wider celebration of hip-hop culture.
Date: October 10, 2026
Venue: Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown
Time: 12.00pm
Tickets from R200
Giuseppe Ottaviani — Chapter IV: South Africa
Electronic music lovers can head to The Soundroom for Giuseppe Ottaviani, who returns to South Africa for another We Are Trance experience.
The international trance DJ will be joined by Dirkie Coetzee, Pierre Pienaar, Corrie Theron, Eggsta and That Girl.
Date: October 17, 2026
Venue: The Soundroom, Kyalami
Tickets from R500
Mthunzi — A Night with Mthunzi & Friends
Mthunzi brings his live show to Carnival City for an evening centred around collaboration.
The singer will be joined by special guests and musical friends for performances of songs from his catalogue alongside collaborations and crowd favourites.
Date: October 24, 2026
Venue: Big Top Arena, Carnival City
Tickets from R250
Zawadi Yamungu — Live at the Basement
For those looking for something a little more intimate, Zawadi Yamungu takes over Untitled Basement for a live presentation of her evolving sound.
The performance follows her album “NGIMUHLE”and explores her continued musical journey, drawing on indigenous instrumentation, contemporary African sounds and themes around identity and transformation.
Date: October 24, 2026
Venue: Untitled Basement, Braamfontein
Time: Doors: 6.00pm | Show: 8.00pm
Tickets: R300 via Quicket | R350 at the door
