Heritage Day 2026: Things to do in Gauteng over the long weekend
There are festivals, markets and live music, chess, museums, history, art and enough to keep the kids occupied.
Gauteng has a plethora of activities lined up for Heritage Day 2026 over the long weekend. From music festivals to museums and chess tournaments, there's something for everyone.
GoWest! is returning to Coronation Park in Mogale City on Saturday, 26 September. The festival will feature popular artists such as Kwesta, Mdu, Big Zulu, and Nhlanhla Mafu, among others. Be sure to catch Trompies perform live on the festival grounds.
In Irene, the Vintage and Decor Show is taking place at Irene Village Mall on Thursday, 24 September. Over 120 stallholders will be selling vintage jewellery, clothing, collectables, and décor. The venue is wheelchair-friendly, and pets are welcome on a leash. Entry is free.
Fourways Mall is extending Heritage Day festivities into a three-day event. Friday, 25 September, will see a night market with food, shopping, and entertainment for children. Saturday, 26 September, is the Community Day, highlighting local talent and businesses. Sunday, 27 September, will wrap up with a Game Day Market, rugby screenings, food, drinks, and kids' entertainment. Tickets for the Friday night market are R20 (free for under-12s), while the Community Day is free, and Sunday's events start at R50.
Chess enthusiasts can participate in various tournaments over the long weekend. Johannesburg Metro Chess is hosting the CPH Heritage Day Open at the Mint Hotel in Randburg on Thursday, 24 September. Tshwane Chess has its 2026 Clash Open Team Tournament scheduled for Saturday, 26 September, in Midrand. Sedibeng Chess will host its Chess in the Vaal Blitz and Doubles Tournament on Saturday, with nine rounds of ChessSA-rated blitz and cash prizes.
Gold Reef City Theme Park offers a full-day alternative to Heritage Day events. With nine family rides, 20 rides for children, a mine tour, gold pour demonstration, and museums housed in historic buildings, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained. The park is also home to a 4D cinema, mini golf, and more.
For a quieter experience, head to Irene Farm's Heritage Day Watercolour Workshop. The session, suitable for ages 16 and older, will guide participants in creating a Strelitzia painting. Online booking is required for this activity.
Constitution Hill in Johannesburg offers free admission on Heritage Day, with the first 100 self-guided tour tickets also being free. Visitors can learn about the site's role in South Africa's history and enjoy the intergenerational Sing & Paint programme, which combines art, music, and storytelling with the history of Pride activism.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
