From Queertopia to Montreux Jazz Festival, here’s a guide to the key cultural events shaping South Africa’s creative scene in March 2026.
As summer softens into autumn, the cultural calendar shows no signs of slowing down. From heritage celebrations and queer music festivals to design gatherings, global jazz line-ups and community markets, the next few weeks offer a sweeping look at the energy shaping South Africa’s creative landscape. Here’s how the circuit unfolds from the end of February into March.
End of February: Heritage, Identity and Community
The season opens with the Sankofa Heritage Festival on 28 February 2026 at Carnival City. Anchored by performances from Thandiswa & Friends, Msaki and Somi, the festival centres African identity, storytelling and musical lineage, creating a space where heritage and contemporary expression meet.
At the same time, Johannesburg’s cultural landscape turns toward celebration and visibility as Queertopia ZA Festival takes over the historic Women’s Jail at Constitution Hill from 28 February to 1 March 2026. The multidisciplinary programme brings together music, performance and community-led experiences, positioning queer creativity at the centre of the city’s cultural conversation.
Early March: Big Stages and New Opportunities
March begins with scale and spectacle. On 7 March 2026, the Mahindra Fusion Fest lands at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, bringing together a wide-ranging lineup that reflects the diversity of South Africa’s music scene, from pop and gospel to Afro-pop and contemporary hits.
Later in the month, on 21 March 2026, the circuit splits into two distinct but equally significant moments.
At the Johannesburg Zoo, Jazz in the Lights transforms the space into an open-air night concert as part of the Arts Alive programme. With performances by Afrika Mkhize, Malcolm Jiyane, Xhanti Nokwali, Brenda Mtambo, Rorisang Sechele and Msaki, the event pairs live music with light installations and a relaxed picnic atmosphere.
On the same day, Johannesburg hosts the first Southern African edition of the Leading Vibe Initiative, brought to the city by Grammy-winning artist TEMS. Focused on mentorship, skills development and industry access for women in music, the programme reflects a growing shift toward long-term creative sustainability and empowerment behind the scenes.
Late March: Ideas, Stories and Global Sounds
As the month builds momentum, the focus turns toward the creative economy and cultural exchange.
On 24–25 March 2026, Making It! takes over the Kramerville Design District. Presented by the Craft and Design Institute as part of its 25-year milestone, the two-day gathering brings together designers, makers, educators and investors through workshops, live demonstrations and conversations about building sustainable creative businesses.
The following evening, on 26 March, global storytelling organisation The Moth returns to Johannesburg for a live Mainstage event at the Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre at UJ Arts & Culture. Hosted by Lebogang Mashile, the one-night-only experience features true personal stories from across Africa, shared live and without notes.
The month closes with one of the season’s biggest cultural moments as the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek makes its African debut from 27–29 March 2026. Spread across the Arches main stage and the intimate Jazz Village, the programme brings together international icons and leading African artists for a weekend of deep listening and musical exchange, ending with a public Sunday Slowdown along Huguenot Street.
Back in Johannesburg, the city’s creative economy comes full circle with The Linden Market – Autumn Edition on 28–29 March 2026 at the Emmarentia Botanical Gardens. Celebrating a decade of supporting small businesses, the market gathers independent designers, makers, food vendors and performers in a relaxed outdoor setting that highlights the power of local creativity.
From large-scale festivals to intimate storytelling, March reflects a creative sector that is collaborative, community-driven and increasingly future-focused. Stay glued to Between 10and5 for the latest on what’s happening in your city!
