South Africa’s cultural calendar is alive with energy this season. From art fairs and gallery openings to music festivals, motorsport spectacles, and culinary experiences, the Creative Circuit is buzzing with events that celebrate the country’s vibrant Art, Music, and Lifestyle scene. Whether you’re an art aficionado, music lover, or thrill seeker, here are the must-attend happenings from August through September 2025.
Candice Berman Gallery: Nespresso x Pam Friedman – Matriarchs
Date: 2 August | Category: Art
Matriarchs, a solo exhibition by Pam Friedman in collaboration with Nespresso, honors eight extraordinary women whose courage, compassion, and leadership shaped history across continents and centuries. From Jewish tradition to Southern African resistance movements, these women’s stories shine as pillars of spiritual and political power.
Celebrate Women’s Month at this powerful exhibition opening on Saturday, 2 August, from 11:00 to 16:30 at Candice Berman Gallery.Link: Candice Berman Gallery
FNB Art Joburg
Date: 5–7 August | Category: Art
Africa’s leading and longest-running contemporary art fair returns to the Sandton Convention Centre. FNB Art Joburg is the ultimate destination for art lovers, collectors, and cultural enthusiasts, showcasing the continent’s top galleries, artists, and installations
Link: FNB Joburg Art Fair
Rosefest
Date: 9 August | Category: Music
On National Women’s Day, Shekhinah presents her Rosefest: Festival of Fantasy, a celebration of women in music and the legacy of her debut album. Expect a magical day of performances, vibrant energy, and musical empowerment at Nasrec, starting at 12:00.
Link: Webtickets – Rosefest
Red Bull Shay’iMoto Durban
Date: 10 August | Category: Motorsport
Part theatre, part driving art, the motorsport of spinning takes over Durban. Sixteen of South Africa’s top spinners go head-to-head in a thrilling elimination format, judged on skill, creativity, control, and style. Witness the adrenaline-pumping action that will crown the 2025 Red Bull Shay’iMoto Champion.
Link: Red Bull Shay’iMoto
Scorpion Kings Live With Friends
Date: 29 August | Category: Music
AmaPiano royalty DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small bring the heat with a once-in-a-lifetime performance at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Scorpion Kings Live unites the story of AmaPiano with electrifying sets, live medleys, and guest appearances that will keep you dancing all night.
Link: Webtickets – Scorpion Kings
Basha Uhuru – Sounds of Freedom Music Festival
Date: 13 September | Category: Creative Festival
The 13th edition of Basha Uhuru kicks off the summer with a celebration of creativity, freedom, and music. Festival-goers can explore a curated market, food stalls, activations, and performances by local megastars and emerging talent. Hosted at Constitution Hill, it’s a full day of culture and connection starting from 10:00.
Link: Webtickets – Basha Uhuru
DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival
Date: 20–21 September | Category: Food & Music
Back for its 12th year, DStv Delicious is South Africa’s ultimate food and music experience. From gourmet meals to street food, and legendary performances to cutting-edge fashion and art installations, the festival celebrates the country’s cultural heartbeat. Two spectacular days of indulgence and entertainment await.
Link: DStv Delicious Festival
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz
Date: 26–28 September | Category: Music
Africa’s premier jazz festival returns to Sandton Convention Centre with three days, four stages, and over 50 incredible acts. The 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz promises soulful melodies and world-class performances from both local and international jazz legends.
Make Your Creative Circuit
From the high-octane energy of motorsport to soulful jazz nights and inspiring art showcases, the Creative Circuit is a guide to the best of South Africa’s cultural experiences. Mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the creativity shaping our cities this August and September.
