In South Africa, warmer weather can only mean one thing: event season is here. And it’s safe to say the time has come, with the next few months already jam-packed with exciting first-time experiences, returning favourites and events that have us planning our weekends weeks in advance.
October is kicking things off with a calendar that has a little bit of everything. South Africa has become an increasingly popular stop for international artists, with Cape Town and Johannesburg regularly making their way onto global tour schedules. At the same time, our local music scene continues to give us plenty to get excited about, from homegrown artists and DJs to festivals that have become fixtures on the annual calendar.
But event season isn’t only about who’s performing. It’s about the experiences that bring people together, from live music and festivals to food and culinary experiences, art, fashion and everything in between.
For those who like to have their plans locked in early, October is a good month to start looking ahead. There are concerts to add to your calendar, festivals to book tickets for, new restaurants and dining experiences to try, and plenty of live experiences that make a strong case for getting out of the house.
From international acts and local favourites to festivals, food experiences and new additions to the calendar, we’ve rounded up the events worth having on your radar this month. Whether you’re planning ahead or looking for something to add to the weekend, consider this your October gig guide. All that’s left to do is pick your plans, send to the group chat and secure your tickets.
October gig guide
1 October | First Thursday | Cape Town & Johannesburg
October starts with First Thursday, when Cape Town and Johannesburg come alive after dark. Galleries, restaurants, bars, shops and creative spaces across both cities open their doors for a night of art, culture, food and good company.
1 October | Night on the Square | Cape Town
Cape Town’s city centre gets another after-dark outing with Night on the Square, bringing together food, entertainment and a social atmosphere.
3 October | In The City | Cape Town
In The City returns to Cape Town on 3 October, bringing an international line-up to the Mother City. This year’s bill includes US rapper Isaiah Rashad, UK singer-songwriter RUM.GOLD and British R&B artist Sinéad Harnett, alongside local talent. The festival then heads to Johannesburg on 4 October, giving music fans in both cities a chance to catch the line-up live.
3 October | Dave | Pretoria
UK rapper Dave brings his live show to Pretoria’s SunBet Arena on 3 October, giving fans a chance to see the award-winning artist perform live.
3 October | You Me & RnB | Durban
For the R&B lovers, You Me & RnB promises an evening dedicated to the genre, with the kind of soundtrack made for singing along with your friends.
4 October | In The City | Johannesburg
Following its Cape Town stop, In The City heads to Johannesburg on 4 October with Marcus Harvey joining Isaiah Rashad, RUM.GOLD and Sinéad Harnett.
6 October | Dave | Cape Town
Dave then heads to Cape Town on 6 October, bringing his live show to the Mother City' GrandWest Arena for a second South African date.
10 October | Back to the City Festival | Johannesburg
Back to the City returns to Johannesburg for another celebration of hip-hop culture, bringing music, art and street culture together.
10 October | Zibonele FM Maskandi Experience | Cape Town
Maskandi takes centre stage in Khayelitsha at the Zibonele FM Maskandi Experience, celebrating one of South Africa’s most distinctive musical traditions.
10 October | Piano Fest | Johannesburg
Amapiano fans have another date for the calendar with Piano Fest, bringing the genre’s sounds and energy to Johannesburg.
17 October | Ne-Yo | Cape Town
R&B favourite Ne-Yo heads to Cape Town for a night of hits, nostalgia and plenty of songs you already know all the words to.
18 October | Ne-Yo | Pretoria
Ne-Yo continues his South African run with a Pretoria date the following night.
23 October | The Promiseland | Durban
The Promiseland brings another opportunity to get out, hear live music and soak up the atmosphere in Durban.
24 October | Corona Sunsets Summer Tour | Lanseria
The Corona Sunsets Summer Tour brings its signature blend of live music, summer energy and laid-back good times to Lanseria.
30 October | Halloween Party | Cabo Beach Club, Cape Town
Halloween gets a glamorous Cape Town setting as Cabo Beach Club transforms for a night of costumes, music and after-dark fun.
30 October | Hours | Old Biscuit Mill, Cape Town
Hours brings another reason to head to the Old Biscuit Mill on 30 October, with a night of music, good energy and an after-dark crowd. Add it to the calendar if you’re looking for somewhere to be on Halloween weekend.
31 October | Funky Fest | Durban
Close out the month with Funky Fest in Durban, a Halloween weekend option for anyone looking to keep the party going.
Culinary calendar
Restaurant Week | Cape Town | Johannesburg | Durban | Pretoria
If your idea of a good outing involves a table rather than a dance floor, Restaurant Week is worth adding to the calendar. Running from 25 September to 1 November, it gives diners the chance to explore participating restaurants and discover new spots, menus and dining experiences across the country.
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