Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: The Rand Show 2026 returns to the Johannesburg Expo Centre this Easter weekend, promising five days of live music, immersive family experiences and non-stop entertainment. Photo Credit: Supplied
Johannesburg – The iconic Rand Show 2026 is set to return with a bold new format, promising a five-day entertainment festival packed with live music, immersive experiences and family-friendly attractions over the Easter weekend.
Taking place from 2–6 April 2026 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, the event will run daily from 09:00 to 19:00, positioning itself as one of the city’s most comprehensive entertainment offerings.
A Festival Built for Experience
Organisers say this year’s show is designed around a key shift in audience expectations—moving beyond passive viewing to interactive, immersive participation.
Visitors can expect a wide range of experiences included in the ticket price, allowing families to enjoy a full day of entertainment without constant additional costs.
At the centre of this year’s offering is Jungle Magic, a large-scale indoor attraction transforming an entire hall into a vibrant, sensory jungle world.
The experience features:
- Giant animal installations
- Immersive jungle soundscapes
- An indoor waterfall feature
- Interactive “brave zone” encounters with live creatures
Music Festival Line-Up Brings Star Power
The Rand Show Music Festival will headline each day with a strong lineup of local talent, including:
- JazziQ and Mr Keyz kicking off on Thursday
- Nkosazana Daughter and OVERJOY on Friday
- Morda and Soweto’s Finest on Saturday
- A packed Sunday lineup featuring Zola 7 and DJ Young
- Kelvin Momo closing the festival on Monday
The music programme is expected to draw large crowds, blending amapiano, house and hip-hop into a dynamic live entertainment experience.
Family Entertainment at the Core
Families remain a central focus, with Hall 8 dedicated to younger visitors through an expanded Kids Zone featuring daily shows such as:
- Dienkie & Doodles
- Freddy the Frog
- Ivy’s Wild Adventure
Beyond the stage, children and families can enjoy the Big Bounce, a massive inflatable attraction the size of a rugby field, included at no additional cost.
Action, Spectacle and Outdoor Attractions
The outdoor programme adds adrenaline and spectacle to the mix, with:
- Live drifting and spinning exhibitions
- Marching band performances
- Interactive displays and roaming entertainment
These elements reinforce the festival’s ambition to cater to a broad audience—from thrill-seekers to families looking for a relaxed day out.
Affordable Access and Special Offers
To make the experience more accessible, organisers have introduced Throwback Thursday on opening day (2 April), offering R50 entry tickets for all ages, alongside discounted food, parking and partner promotions.
Ticket options also include a Family Package priced at R340 for two adults and two children, available online.
A Signature Johannesburg Experience
Adele, CEO of the Rand Show, says this year’s edition is designed to deliver maximum value and engagement.
“The Rand Show 2026 is a full-day entertainment experience. Take Jungle Magic, our big family headline, add the live music programme and the opening-day R50 special, and you’ve got Joburg’s best day out,” she said.
Reviving a Legacy Event
Long regarded as one of South Africa’s most recognisable consumer exhibitions, the Rand Show continues to evolve—blending its traditional roots with modern festival culture.
With its expanded entertainment offering and focus on immersive experiences, Rand Show 2026 is poised to once again become a highlight on Johannesburg’s events calendar, drawing thousands of visitors for a weekend of music, fun and shared moments.
