Top 10 Concerts in Johannesburg (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

Johannesburg, South Africa’s dynamic City of Gold, pulses with a vibrant music scene that draws global superstars and local legends alike. From electrifying pop spectacles at FNB Stadium to soulful jazz at the Sandton Convention Centre, the city’s concert calendar is a cultural feast. This evergreen guide highlights the top 10 concerts in Johannesburg for 2025, selected based on artist prominence, venue quality, audience reviews, and cultural impact. Whether you’re a fan of Afrobeat, rock, classical, or hip-hop, these performances promise unforgettable nights. With insights on ticket prices, booking platforms, and nearby attractions, this article is your go-to resource for planning a musical adventure in Johannesburg. Discover the best venues, from Montecasino’s intimate Teatro to the iconic Ticketpro Dome, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich sonic tapestry, ensuring a memorable experience in Gauteng’s entertainment hub.

Top 10 Concerts in Johannesburg

1. Travis Scott: Circus Maximus World Tour

  • Location: FNB Stadium, Nasrec Rd, Soweto, Johannesburg, 2019
  • Rating: 4.8/5 (Anticipated, based on global tour reviews)
  • Ticket Price: R500–R2,500
  • Key Features: Multi-platinum rapper Travis Scott performs on October 11, 2025, delivering high-energy hip-hop with hits like “Sicko Mode” and “Goosebumps.” Expect immersive visuals and pyrotechnics in a 95,000-capacity stadium. Presented by Big Concerts.
  • Why Choose?: Ideal for hip-hop fans craving a blockbuster stadium experience.
  • Contact: +27 11 759 7200, bigconcerts.co.za
  • Nearby Attractions: Apartheid Museum (5 km), Gold Reef City (7 km).

2. Tems: Born in the Wild Tour

  • Location: Ticketpro Dome, Cnr Olievenhout Ave & Northumberland Rd, North Riding, Johannesburg, 2169
  • Rating: 4.7/5 (Global tour feedback)
  • Ticket Price: R300–R1,200
  • Key Features: Grammy-winning Afrobeat and R&B star Tems performs on March 20, 2025, with her soulful hits “Free Mind” and “Love Me JeJe.” The Dome’s 20,000-seat capacity ensures an intimate vibe.
  • Why Choose?: Perfect for fans of Afrobeat and neo-soul seeking a soul-stirring night.
  • Contact: +27 11 794 5800, ticketprodome.co.za
  • Nearby Attractions: Northgate Shopping Centre (2 km), Montecasino (10 km).

3. Sting: 3.0 Tour

  • Location: SunBet Arena, Time Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria, 0010 (30 km from Johannesburg)
  • Rating: 4.6/5 (Google Reviews for past SA tours)
  • Ticket Price: R800–R3,000
  • Key Features: 17-time Grammy winner Sting performs electrifying hits like “Every Breath You Take” on February 1, 2025, with guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Chris Maas. The 10,000-seat arena offers superb acoustics.
  • Why Choose?: Great for rock and pop fans wanting a legendary performance.
  • Contact: +27 12 003 2500, timesquare.co.za
  • Nearby Attractions: Pretoria National Botanical Garden (15 km), Union Buildings (10 km).

4. Andrea Bocelli

  • Location: SunBet Arena, Time Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria, 0010
  • Rating: 4.8/5 (Tripadvisor for global shows)
  • Ticket Price: R1,935–R5,160
  • Key Features: Classical icon Andrea Bocelli performs on April 12–13, 2025, with the Symphony Choir of Johannesburg and Johannesburg Festival Orchestra. Expect a 60-piece choir and 69-piece orchestra.
  • Why Choose?: Ideal for classical music lovers seeking a world-class experience.
  • Contact: +27 12 003 2500, ticketmaster.co.za
  • Nearby Attractions: Menlyn Park Shopping Centre (5 km), Freedom Park (8 km).
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5. Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival

  • Location: Sandton Convention Centre, 161 Maude St, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196
  • Rating: 4.6/5 (Google Reviews)
  • Ticket Price: R500–R1,500
  • Key Features: Africa’s premier jazz festival, held September 2025, celebrates 26 years with local and international artists. Past performers include Herbie Hancock and Thandi Ntuli. Features multiple stages.
  • Why Choose?: Perfect for jazz enthusiasts wanting a cultural immersion.
  • Contact: +27 11 779 0000, joyofjazz.co.za
  • Nearby Attractions: Nelson Mandela Square (1 km), Sandton City Mall (500 m).

6. Cigarettes After Sex: X’s World Tour

  • Location: Montecasino Teatro, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg, 2055
  • Rating: 4.5/5 (Global tour reviews)
  • Ticket Price: R400–R1,200
  • Key Features: Dream-pop band Cigarettes After Sex performs their evocative album X’s in March 2025. The 1,870-seat Teatro offers an intimate, acoustic experience.
  • Why Choose?: Best for fans of indie and ambient music seeking a cozy venue.
  • Contact: +27 11 510 7000, montecasino.co.za
  • Nearby Attractions: Montecasino’s Bird Gardens, Fourways Mall (3 km).

7. Roxette: Live Revival Tour

  • Location: SunBet Arena, Time Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria, 0010
  • Rating: 4.5/5 (Event feedback)
  • Ticket Price: R600–R2,000
  • Key Features: Swedish pop-rock band Roxette, led by Per Gessle, performs hits like “It Must Have Been Love” and “Joyride” in February 2025, with Lena Philipsson.
  • Why Choose?: Great for 80s/90s pop fans craving nostalgic hits.
  • Contact: +27 12 003 2500, ticketmaster.co.za
  • Nearby Attractions: Voortrekker Monument (12 km), Pretoria Zoo (15 km).

8. Back to the City Festival

  • Location: Mary Fitzgerald Square, 120 Lilian Ngoyi St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2001
  • Rating: 4.6/5 (Google Reviews)
  • Ticket Price: R200–R800
  • Key Features: Africa’s biggest hip-hop festival, held April 2025, features over 100 artists like Cassper Nyovest and K.O. Includes stalls and art installations.
  • Why Choose?: Ideal for hip-hop fans seeking a vibrant, urban experience.
  • Contact: +27 11 492 0709, backtothecity.co.za
  • Nearby Attractions: Museum Africa (500 m), Sci-Bono Discovery Centre (1 km).

9. Kaytranada: Milk & Cookies Festival

  • Location: To be announced (likely FNB Stadium or Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden), Johannesburg
  • Rating: 4.7/5 (Anticipated, based on Cape Town event)
  • Ticket Price: R400–R1,500
  • Key Features: Grammy-winning DJ Kaytranada headlines the inaugural Milk & Cookies Festival in January 2025, blending R&B, hip-hop, and electronic beats.
  • Why Choose?: Perfect for dance and electronic music fans wanting a festival vibe.
  • Contact: +27 11 759 7200, bigconcerts.co.za
  • Nearby Attractions: Soweto Towers (5 km, if at FNB), Roodepoort Museum (3 km, if at Walter Sisulu).

10. Fusion Festival

  • Location: To be announced (likely Sandton or Fourways), Johannesburg
  • Rating: 4.5/5 (Event feedback)
  • Ticket Price: R300–R1,000
  • Key Features: Mahindra’s Fusion Festival in May 2025 blends music, fashion, and art with acts like Kamo Mphela, Sjava, and Mi Casa. Features unique genre fusions like Amapiano and opera.
  • Why Choose?: Best for fans of eclectic, cross-genre performances.
  • Contact: +27 11 759 7200, ticketmaster.co.za
  • Nearby Attractions: Sandton City Mall (if in Sandton), Montecasino (if in Fourways).
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Why Choose Concerts in Johannesburg?

Johannesburg’s concert scene is a global draw for several reasons:

  • World-Class Artists: From Travis Scott to Andrea Bocelli, the city attracts top-tier talent across genres.
  • Iconic Venues: FNB Stadium, Montecasino Teatro, and Ticketpro Dome offer state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Affordability: Tickets start at R200 (Back to the City), with VIP options for premium experiences.
  • Cultural Diversity: Afrobeat, jazz, hip-hop, and classical reflect Johannesburg’s multicultural vibe.
  • Accessibility: Gautrain and Uber connect venues like Sandton and Soweto, making navigation easy.

Types of Concert Experiences

Johannesburg’s concerts cater to varied tastes:

  • Stadium Spectacles: Travis Scott and Kaytranada at FNB Stadium deliver high-energy, large-scale shows.
  • Intimate Gigs: Cigarettes After Sex at Montecasino Teatro offer cozy, acoustic vibes.
  • Festivals: Joy of Jazz and Back to the City feature multiple artists and cultural activities.
  • Classical: Andrea Bocelli’s orchestral performances appeal to refined audiences.
  • Pop/Rock: Sting and Roxette bring nostalgic hits to mid-sized arenas.
  • Afrobeat/R&B: Tems and Fusion Festival highlight African and diaspora sounds.

Factors Affecting Ticket Prices

  • Artist Popularity: Global stars like Travis Scott (R500–R2,500) charge more than local festivals (R200–R800).
  • Venue: Stadiums (FNB) are pricier than smaller venues like Teatro (R400–R1,200).
  • Seating: VIP seats (R2,000–R5,160) cost more than general admission (R200–R600).
  • Season: Festive periods (December–March) see higher prices; May–August offers deals.
  • Extras: Packages with dining or meet-and-greets (Montecasino) increase costs.

How to Choose the Right Concert

  • Budget: Opt for Back to the City (R200–R800) or Fusion Festival (R300–R1,000) for affordability.
  • Genre: Choose Tems for Afrobeat, Sting for rock, or Joy of Jazz for soulful vibes.
  • Location: Pick FNB Stadium for Soweto, Teatro for Fourways, or Sandton for central access.
  • Experience: Select stadium shows for spectacle or Teatro for intimacy.
  • Reviews: Check Google Reviews or Tripadvisor, e.g., Joy of Jazz’s 4.6/5 for quality.
  • Extras: Look for festival stalls (Back to the City) or dining packages (Montecasino).

Tips for Enjoying Concerts in Johannesburg

  • Book Early: Secure tickets via ticketmaster.co.za, webtickets.co.za, or bigconcerts.co.za for sold-out shows like Travis Scott.
  • Check Schedules: Visit joburg.co.za or whatsoninjoburg.com for 2025 updates.
  • Arrive Early: FNB Stadium and SunBet Arena get crowded; allow 1 hour for parking and entry.
  • Use Gautrain: Stations in Sandton (R20–R50) or Park Station ease transport to venues.
  • Bring Cash: Some festival stalls (Back to the City) may not accept cards.
  • Check Weather: Outdoor venues (Walter Sisulu) require sunscreen or jackets (15–25°C).

Benefits of Attending Concerts in Johannesburg

  • Cultural Immersion: Festivals like Joy of Jazz and Fusion showcase South Africa’s musical heritage.
  • Memorable Experiences: Stadium shows (Travis Scott) and intimate gigs (Cigarettes After Sex) create lasting memories.
  • Affordable Fun: Tickets from R200 make live music accessible.
  • Social Vibes: Venues like Mary Fitzgerald Square foster community and connection.
  • Tourist Appeal: Pair concerts with attractions like the Apartheid Museum or Sandton City.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

  • Sold-Out Shows: Popular acts (Tems) sell out fast. Solution: Book early via ticketmaster.co.za.
  • Traffic: Nasrec and Sandton face congestion. Solution: Use Gautrain or arrive 2 hours early.
  • Safety: Soweto and Newtown require vigilance. Solution: Use Uber after 10 PM and stay in groups.
  • Venue Acoustics: Older venues (Ticketpro Dome) may have sound issues. Solution: Choose seats near the stage or opt for Teatro.
  • High Costs: VIP tickets (R2,000–R5,160) strain budgets. Solution: Select general admission or festivals.
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Best Areas for Concerts in Johannesburg

  • Soweto: FNB Stadium hosts mega-shows like Travis Scott and Kaytranada.
  • Sandton: Sandton Convention Centre and Nelson Mandela Square cater to jazz and upscale gigs.
  • Fourways: Montecasino Teatro is ideal for intimate performances.
  • Newtown: Mary Fitzgerald Square is a hip-hop and cultural hub.
  • North Riding: Ticketpro Dome offers mid-sized pop and R&B concerts.

Things to Do Near Concert Venues

  • Soweto: Tour Soweto Towers or visit Vilakazi Street (5 km from FNB).
  • Sandton: Dine at Nelson Mandela Square or shop at Sandton City (500 m).
  • Fourways: Explore Montecasino’s piazza or Lion & Safari Park (20 km).
  • Newtown: Visit Museum Africa or Constitution Hill (1 km).
  • North Riding: Shop at Northgate or relax at Emmarentia Dam (8 km).

Safety and Practical Tips

  • Safe Areas: Sandton and Fourways are secure; use Uber in Soweto or Newtown after dark.
  • Best Time to Visit: March–May or September–November for pleasant weather (15–25°C).
  • Transport: Gautrain to Sandton (R20–R50) or Uber to Fourways (R100–R150 from Rosebank).
  • Verify Tickets: Book via ticketmaster.co.za or webtickets.co.za to avoid scams.
  • Health Protocols: Check bigconcerts.co.za for 2025 safety measures like mask policies.
  • Emergency Contacts: Police (10111), Netcare 911 (+27 82 911).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the biggest concerts in Johannesburg for 2025?

Travis Scott at FNB Stadium (October) and Andrea Bocelli at SunBet Arena (April) are among the largest, drawing massive crowds.

Where can I buy concert tickets in Johannesburg?

Purchase via ticketmaster.co.za, webtickets.co.za, bigconcerts.co.za, or quicket.co.za for verified tickets.

Are there affordable concerts in Johannesburg?

Yes, Back to the City (R200–R800) and Fusion Festival (R300–R1,000) offer budget-friendly options.

What venues host concerts in Johannesburg?

FNB Stadium, Ticketpro Dome, Montecasino Teatro, and Sandton Convention Centre are top venues.

Can I attend jazz concerts in Johannesburg?

The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival in September at Sandton Convention Centre is a must for jazz lovers.

Conclusion

Johannesburg’s top 10 concerts for 2025, from Travis Scott’s explosive FNB Stadium show to Andrea Bocelli’s classical masterpiece at SunBet Arena, offer something for every music lover. Book early via ticketmaster.co.za or bigconcerts.co.za, use Gautrain for easy access, and arrive early to venues like Montecasino or Ticketpro Dome. Enjoy affordable tickets from R200, world-class artists, and vibrant settings like Sandton and Newtown. Pair your concert with attractions like Nelson Mandela Square or the Apartheid Museum for a full experience. For the latest schedules, visit joburg.co.za or whatsoninjoburg.com to dive into Johannesburg’s musical magic in the City of Gold.