Must-see events in South Africa this March

24 Feb 2026 - 15:45

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

There is a unique kind of magic that settles over South Africa as summer draws to a close and the days slowly yield to autumn. It is a time of urgency, when the country collectively seeks to soak up every last golden-hour ray and balmy evening breeze.

Doja Cat will headline the Move Afrika Tour in Pretoria on 20 March.

March delivers that final cultural surge, offering a spectacular mix of music, art, and nightlife across Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Here are the events that promise to make this month unforgettable:

Bazique Festival 2026

Cape Town’s “Most Creative Art & Music Festival” returns for three days near Tulbagh, inviting visitors into a playful, imaginative world of music, art, and whimsy. The event will be headlined by Frida Darko, Lemonella and Oliver Koletzki.

Venue: Near Tulbagh (outside Cape Town)

Date: 6 to 8 March

Buy tickets here.

BandaBanda Zinza 3-City Tour

Afro-house and electronic music take centre stage as BandaBanda and guest artists tour South Africa, bringing vibrant grooves to Johannesburg audiences.

Venue: The Lesedi at Joburg Theatre, Johannesburg

Date: 6 March

Buy tickets here.

Mahindra Fusion Fest

A bold cultural collision of music, art, and fashion, the festival features genre-defying performances that celebrate South Africa’s contemporary creative landscape. Headlines include Zöe Modiga, Mafikizolo, Blxckie, Maglera Doe Boy, Karen Zoid, Nomfundo Moh, Zee Nxumalo, Focalistic and Daliwonga

Venue: SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria

Date: 7 March

Buy tickets here.

Catch A Fire Reggae Festival

South Africa’s premier reggae festival returns to Soweto, delivering conscious vibes, roots rhythms, and a celebration of positivity across the genre. Confirmed headliners include Reemah (St. Croix), Boom Shaka, Kingblack Yellow, Bhubesi Simba and Rastaman Nkhushu.

Venue: Ubuntu Kraal, Soweto, Johannesburg

Date: 14 March

Buy tickets here.

Move Afrika Tour

The pan-African music touring initiative is aimed at supporting the continent’s creative economy. Grammy-winning artist Doja Cat will headline the event.

Venue: SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria

Date: 20 March

Buy tickets here.

Makoro Music Festival

Limpopo will celebrate its rich musical heritage with a festival dedicated to Lekompo music, local culture, and community spirit. Makhadzi, King Monada and Shandesh will headline the event.

Venue: Pietersburg Rugby Stadium, Polokwane

Date: 21 March (Human Rights Day)

Buy tickets here.

Montreux Jazz Festival

The legendary Swiss festival makes its African debut in the Cape Winelands, blending international prestige with South African excellence. Headliners include Salif Keita (Mali), Robert Glasper & Bilal (US), Thandiswa Mazwai, Wet Wet Wet (UK), Roisin Murphy (Ireland), Msaki featuring Jesse Clegg, Stacey Kent (US), Madala Kunene and Sibusile Xaba

Venue: The Arches Main Stage and Jazz Village, Franschhoek

Date: 27 to 29 March

Buy tickets here.

Cape Town International Jazz Festival

Africa’s Grandest Gathering returns for its 23rd edition, bringing together South African talent and international jazz innovators for two days of world-class performances. Headliners include Jacob Collier (UK), Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse (SA), Yellowjackets (US), Nduduzo Makhathini (SA), and Scorpion Kings (SA).

Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre

Date: 27 to 28 March

Buy tickets here.