The 36th edition of Johannesburg Pride is set to take place this weekend, and it promises to be bigger, better and more vibrant than ever.
Last year, thousands of members of the local LGBTQIA+ community and allies gathered in the City of Gold to celebrate queerdom, speak out against discrimination and promote equality and inclusion.
The theme this year is “Purely, Queerly, African”. It touches upon the need to honour, uplift and protect those who form part of the national and continental queer communities.
If you want to join the loud and proud voices of the Rainbow Nation, here’s how you can:
JOHANNESBURG PRIDE: DATE, TIME AND VENUE
The event will take place this Saturday, 25 October 2025, at Katherine Street – between Rivonia Road and West Street – in the Sandton CBD. Gates open at 10:00 and will close at midnight.
In a recent interview with IOL, Kaye Ally, the founder of Pride of Africa and Johannesburg Pride, explained that due to high attendance last year, they have dedicated more venue space for this year’s event:
We have been working closely with the City of Johannesburg, in particular with the Executive Mayor’s office and his advisers, as well as [the] Operation Team. What we have done is allocate 12 000 square metres last year, and this year we have 15 000 square metres.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Thanks to the larger space, there is more room to explore the various bars and food and market stalls. You can also indulge yourself at the beer garden or take it easy in the expanded seating areas. Other activities include brand activations and live dialogue surveys.
There will be three designated entertainment hubs in the form of the Main Stage, the Beer Garden Stage and – for the first time in the event’s history – the VIP Stage.
At each stage, you can enjoy live music, drag showcases and DJing sets from the likes of Armand Joubert, Daddy Kholo, Focalistic, Mbali Nkosi, Odidiva, Sossi and many more!
The VIP Stage ramps up the lux factor by featuring a private bar, a hookah lounge, shaded seating, dedicated restrooms and front-row seats to exclusive performances.
JOHANNESBURG PRIDE: MARCH ROUTE
At 14:00, the Pride parade will commence. The route starts at the intersection of Katherine Street and 5th Street. After progressing up 5th Street, marchers will then proceed through Maude Street and Rivonia Road before returning to 5th Street.
Notably, Dada Morero, the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, will be participating in the march as a show of solidarity, as well as to reaffirm Joburg’s efforts to combat anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiments and foster inclusivity.
So, ready to show your pride purely, queerly and in African style? Then march down to Johannesburg Pride this Saturday!
General admission is free. Tickets for VIP are R250 and are available to purchase from www.howler.co.za.
