From live music and theatre productions to food festivals, family outings, markets, and sporting events, Pretoria's calendar is packed with exciting experiences throughout the year. Whether you're planning a weekend with friends, searching for something to do with the kids, or looking for your next date-night idea, we've rounded up the best upcoming events happening across the Jacaranda City. Check back regularly as we update this guide with the latest events, helping you make the most of everything Pretoria has to offer.
September 2026
Sacrifice Arrives in South African Cinemas
Date: From 18 September 2026
A glamorous charity gala descends into apocalyptic chaos in Sacrifice, a darkly comic action-adventure starring Chris Evans and Anya Taylor-Joy. When Joan and her radical followers become convinced that three lives must be sacrificed to prevent a volcanic catastrophe, they take a troubled movie star, a billionaire, and an unlucky performer hostage. Directed by Romain Gavras, the film also features Vincent Cassel, Ambika Mod, Sam Richardson, John Malkovich, Salma Hayek Pinault, Charli XCX, and Yung Lean. Sacrifice opens at participating cinemas on 18 September.
October 2026
Dave: The Boy Who Played the Harp Tour
Date: 3 October 2026
British rap star Dave makes his South African debut when The Boy Who Played the Harp Tour arrives at SunBet Arena at Time Square on Saturday, 3 October 2026. Known for the sharp storytelling and social observation behind albums including Psychodrama and We’re All Alone in This Together, Dave has become the first UK rap artist to debut three consecutive studio albums at number one on the UK Albums Chart. Pretoria is one of only two South African stops on the tour, alongside Cape Town, giving Gauteng fans a rare opportunity to experience his acclaimed live show. Doors open at 18:00, and the concert begins at 20:00. Standing-ticket holders must be older than 12 and at least 1.2 metres tall. Book through Ticketmaster via Big Concerts.
Melkfest VI
Date: 3 October 2026
Turn the volume up when Melkfest VI takes over SuperSport Park in Centurion for a full day of Afrikaans music and festival energy. The line-up features Karen Zoid, Jack Parow, Bernice West, Early B, Elandré, Van Pletzen, Zaan Sonnekus, Biggy, Loufi, Droomsindroom, Glaskas, G String, Booshle G, MaezTro, Loki and Margot Rothman, and more. Gates open at 10:00, with performances continuing until approximately 23:00 and food and drinks available throughout the day. General-admission tickets start at R399, with premium packages also available through iTickets.
Homecoming Africa 2026
Date: 3 October 2026
Homecoming Africa celebrates ten years of music, culture, fashion, and memories with a nostalgic return to the energy of 2016. Taking place at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden from 10:00 to 22:00, the festival promises multiple stages, immersive environments, and performances from artists including Uncle Waffles, Zee Nxumalo, A-Reece, Blxckie, and Scotts Maphuma. The event is strictly for guests aged 18 and older, and the festival will operate entirely without cash. All official ticket phases are currently sold out, but visitors can check the Howler event page for updates or possible additional releases.
In the City JHB presents Isaiah Rashad
Date: 4 October 2026
Pretoria hip-hop fans can head to Montecasino for Isaiah Rashad’s first South African performance as part of the In the City concert series. The acclaimed Top Dawg Entertainment rapper will headline a full day of live music alongside UK R&B artist Sinéad Harnett, US soul singer rum.gold, local alternative artist Marcus Harvey, and South African rap star Nasty C. Taking place at the Montecasino Outdoor Events Arena from 12:00 to 22:00, the event will also feature food, dancing, and plenty of open-air festival energy. Tickets start at R599, and no under-18s are permitted. Book through Quicket.
MAMMA MIA! The Musical
Date: From 16 October 2026
Pretoria theatre lovers can take a short trip to the Teatro at Montecasino for the return of the global smash hit MAMMA MIA! The Musical. Set on a sun-soaked Greek island, this feel-good story of love, friendship, family, and identity unfolds to ABBA favourites including “Dancing Queen”, “Super Trouper”, “Take a Chance on Me”, and “Mamma Mia”. The Johannesburg season includes evening performances and selected weekend matinees, making it easy to plan a day or night out from Pretoria. Tickets range from approximately R250 to R580, and the production is suitable for audiences aged three and older.
NE-YO Live in Pretoria
Date: 18 October 2026
Three-time Grammy Award-winning R&B star NE-YO brings his catalogue of era-defining hits to the SunBet Arena for a rare South African performance. Fans can look forward to favourites such as So Sick, Closer, Because of You, Miss Independent, and Sexy Love, alongside songs that have made him one of contemporary R&B’s most recognisable voices. NE-YO is also the celebrated songwriter behind global hits including Beyoncé’s Irreplaceable and Rihanna’s Take a Bow. Tickets range from R950 to R2,950, excluding booking fees, and are available exclusively through Webtickets.
December 2026
Sean Paul Live in Pretoria
Date: 4 December 2026
Dancehall superstar Sean Paul brings his first South African tour to Pretoria for one massive Gauteng show. Fans can expect a hit-packed set featuring favourites such as Get Busy, Temperature, She Doesn’t Mind, and No Lie, with a local supporting act starting the evening before Sean Paul takes the stage. The concert takes place at SunBet Arena at Time Square on Friday, 4 December 2026. Doors open at 18:00, the support act begins at 20:00, and Sean Paul is scheduled for 21:00. Tickets range from R750 for Silver Seated to R1 750 for Golden Circle Standing. The event is open to guests aged three and older, although standing sections are restricted to attendees aged 12 and above who are at least 1.2 metres tall. Book through Blu Blood Tickets.
AFROTRAX Presents French Montana & Guests
Date: 5 December 2026
Pretoria hip-hop fans can head to Fourways for AFROTRAX’s Johannesburg edition, headlined by international star French Montana. Taking place at The Canvas on Saturday, 5 December 2026, the event brings together global and South African talent for ten hours of music and festival energy. French Montana leads a line-up that currently includes B.o.B, Cassper Nyovest, Kabza De Small, BLXCKIE, Lucasraps, Rarri, K.Keed, and Teddy Tumi, with further experiences and hospitality options forming part of the programme. The festival runs from 13:00 to 23:00, advance tickets start from R300, and entry is restricted to guests aged 18 and older. Book through PLAYY. Music.
Jack White Live in Johannesburg
Date: 11 December 2026
Pretoria rock fans can head to Newtown for Jack White’s first South African performance when the 12-time Grammy Award winner takes over The Old Park Station. Expect a career-spanning set drawing on his work with The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather, and his solo catalogue, alongside material from his latest album, Frozen Charlotte. Gates open at 17:00, the concert starts at 19:00, and the event ends at 23:00. Tickets start at R1,695, excluding the R35 booking fee, and an official park-and-ride option is available separately. No children under five are permitted, and guests under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian. Book through Webtickets.
+LIVE+ at SunBet Arena
Dates: Friday, 11 December and Saturday, 12 December 2026
Alternative-rock legends +LIVE+ return to South Africa for the first time in almost a decade, performing at the SunBet Arena at Time Square, the venue they helped open in 2017. Fans can look forward to a high-energy set packed with era-defining hits such as Lightning Crashes, I Alone, and All Over You. Both concerts begin at 19:00, with tickets ranging from R895 to R2,995, excluding the booking fee. The 11 December performance is currently sold out, but tickets remain available for 12 December. Selected VIP packages include premium seating, a meet-and-greet and group photograph with Ed Kowalczyk, a signed poster, and priority merchandise access. Book through Webtickets.
J. Cole: The Fall-Off Tour
Date: 12 December 2026
Pretoria hip-hop fans can head to FNB Stadium in Johannesburg for the final performance of J. Cole’s extensive global Fall-Off Tour. Supporting his seventh studio album, The Fall Off, the concert marks the Grammy-winning rapper’s first return to the region in a decade, as well as his first solo headline tour in five years. Doors open at 16:00, and the show begins at 18:00, so allow plenty of time for the drive, parking, and stadium entry. Standing-ticket holders must be older than 12 and at least 1.2 metres tall. Fans should buy tickets only through Ticketmaster or Big Concerts, as tickets purchased from unauthorised resale sites may be refused.
Fatboy Slim Live at James and Ethel Gray Park
Date: Saturday, 12 December 2026
Pretoria dance-music fans can head to Johannesburg for Fatboy Slim’s long-awaited return to South Africa, more than 15 years after his last local appearance. The legendary British DJ behind Right Here, Right Now, Praise You, and The Rockafeller Skank will headline an open-air party at James and Ethel Gray Park in Melrose. The event runs from 12:00 to 22:00 and is strictly for guests aged 18 and older. Current general-admission tickets cost R850, while a two-ticket combo works out to R800 per person. The festival is cashless, and VIP tables are also available. Book through Howler.
Limp Bizkit Live at FNB Stadium
Date: 13 December 2026
Nu metal icons Limp Bizkit are returning to South Africa for a highly anticipated one-night-only performance at FNB Stadium on 28 August 2026. Fronted by Fred Durst, the band will bring their signature blend of rap, rock, and high-energy anthems to Johannesburg, performing fan favourites such as Break Stuff, Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle), My Way, and Nookie. Whether you've been a fan since the late 1990s or are discovering their music for the first time, this promises to be one of the biggest rock concerts of the year.
Brandy Live in South Africa
Date: 17 and 18 December 2026
Multi-platinum superstar Brandy brings the All White Soul Sessions Concert Tour Experience to SunBet Arena at Time Square. Affectionately known as “The Vocal Bible”, the Grammy-winning singer will draw on a career spanning more than three decades, with timeless hits including “The Boy Is Mine”, “Have You Ever?”, “Almost Doesn’t Count”, “Full Moon”, and “Never Say Never”. Both concerts begin at 18:00, with tickets priced from R950 to R2,850. Given Brandy’s influence on contemporary R&B and the rarity of her South African appearances, these shows are likely to attract strong demand.
