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Springboks vs All Blacks (Greatest Rivalry)
More information/Booking"The world champion Springboks lock horns with their greatest foes, the All Blacks, in a massive Ellis Park showdown."
Vibe: Fierce, noisy, and properly historic.
Joburg, this is the one. On 22 August, the Boks welcome New Zealand to Ellis Park for the opening Test of a once‑in‑a‑generation tour – the All Blacks’ first full‑blown series in South Africa in nearly 30 years. Four Tests, one trophy, and it all kicks off right here in the City of Gold. The atmosphere at Ellis Park is always next level, but this one? Expect fireworks from the first whistle. If you’ve ever wanted to see these two giants go at it with everything on the line, this is your chance. Get in early – Jozi sells out fast.
Details:
- Date & Time: Sat 22 Aug 2026, 17:00
- Location: Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
- Price: Via Ticketmaster (various categories)
- Tips: Pack a stadium cushion and earplugs; use the Park & Ride from malls to skip the post‑match traffic jam and sing *Shosholoza* all the way back.
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Festival of Motoring 2026
More information/Booking"The biggest automotive expo in Africa with new car debuts and test drives."
Vibe: High‑energy & family‑friendly.
The Festival of Motoring is a three‑day mega‑expo (28‑30 Aug) at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit featuring the latest vehicles, 4×4 demos, boating and adventure gear. It’s one of the year’s largest shows – think showrooms of cars, caravans and off‑road rigs plus kids’ attractions and test tracks. With single‑day tickets around R315 and weekend passes under R900, you can plan a full‑day family outing.
Details:
- Date & Time: 28‑30 Aug 2026, 08:30‑18:30
- Location: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Midrand
- Price: Tickets from R315/day
- Tips: Buy advance tickets online (saves a bit); allow extra time for parking and traffic on R55.
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Afro Geek Fest
More information/Booking"Soweto’s biggest art, tech, gaming, and esports expo – a vibrant celebration of African geek culture."
Vibe: High‑energy & innovative.
The Afro Geek Fest is the biggest art, tech and gaming expo in Soweto, a vibrant, high‑energy festival where African geek culture takes centre stage. It serves as a premier showcase for African innovation, featuring esports, comics, cosplay, animation, virtual reality, and much more. Described as “Soweto becomes Wakanda”, the event brings together creators, fans, and innovators from across the continent for an unprecedented celebration of Pan‑African geek culture.
Details:
- Date & Time: Sat 22 Aug 2026, 10:00‑17:00
- Location: Uncle Tom’s Community Centre, Orlando West, Soweto
- Price: free entry
- Tips: Bring a power bank and cash – your phone will die from cosplay photos, and the network’s too spotty for cards; turn it into a full Vilakazi Street cultural crawl.
video @Afro Geek South Africa
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Zee Nation Fest – Women’s Day Celebration
More information/Booking"Day‑to‑night women’s month music festival."
Vibe: Energetic, empowering party.
Hosted by DJ Zinhle, Zee Nation Fest is a one‑night dance music festival (9 Aug) marking National Women’s Day. Expect top female DJs and performers in a massive indoor venue, plus special women‑led pop‑up events. The ticketed event spans afternoon into late night, highlighting iconic musical acts and empowering themes.
Details:
- Date & Time: 9 Aug 2026, 12:30‑01:00
- Location: Nasrec Expo Centre, Johannesburg
- Price: Tickets from R200 on Ticketpro
- Tips: Early entry at noon; drink plenty of water (crowd and dancing).
video @zeenationfest
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Tamia – Live in Pretoria
More information/Booking"Six‑time Grammy‑nominated R&B superstar Tamia headlines a three‑city Women’s Month tour."
Vibe: Smooth & uplifting.
Six‑time Grammy‑nominated R&B superstar Tamia is set to grace South African stages this August. Known for classics like “So Into You” and “Stranger in My House,” Tamia headlines The Ultimate Women’s Month Tour, with stops in Cape Town (6 Aug), Durban (7 Aug), and Pretoria (10 Aug). South African stars Sjava and Zonke have joined the line‑up as special guests.
Details:
- Date & Time: Mon 10 Aug 2026
- Location: SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria
- Price: Via Webtickets and Pick n Pay outlets
- Tips: Co‑ordinate matching outfits with your girlfriends for a squad photo‑op, and book a hotel room on‑site if you’re driving from Joburg – Monday traffic is brutal.
video @Remoakantse Holdings
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CANCELLED: Maxwell Live – Women’s Day Weekend
More information/Booking"Grammy‑winning R&B icon Maxwell performs in Pretoria as part of his 30‑year career celebration over Women’s Day weekend."
Vibe: Soulful & intimate.
The revered R&B singer known for chart‑topping hits like “Pretty Wings” and “Ascension” makes his return to Mzansi’s shores with two shows to commemorate Women’s Day weekend. Maxwell will perform at Pretoria’s SunBet Arena on 8 August before heading to Cape Town on 11 August. These shows form part of his 30‑year career celebration, hosted by Vertex Events.
Details:
- Date & Time: Sat 8 Aug 2026 (Pretoria show)
- Location: SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria
- Price: Via Webtickets and selected Pick n Pay stores
- Tips: Turn it into a date night – book a steak at The Grillhouse inside the casino before the show, and use the dedicated SunBet garage to dodge the parking crush.
video @Vertex Events SA
