Follow the basslines into the heart of Joburg's underground.

Jupiter King brings a dynamic Sgidla Vah DJ set to August House, blending stripped-back grooves, deep percussion, and the unmistakable pulse of South African dance culture.

Expect immersive rhythms, infectious energy, and a soundtrack built for exploring one of Johannesburg's most iconic creative spaces

Visit The Creatory, an ArtLab dedicated to supporting emerging artists, and experience the work of resident artist Vuyi Qubeka.

An interdisciplinary artist and founder of GASA EARTH, Qubeka's practice brings together painting, writing, moving image, performance, material exploration, and public engagement. Her work explores beauty, memory, embodiment, relationship, and our connection to the living world.

Discover an artist's creative process in motion.

Explore a space dedicated to experimentation and contemporary art.

Step inside The Creatory and encounter the work of resident artist Vuyi Qubeka, whose interdisciplinary practice explores memory, beauty, embodiment, and our relationship with the living world.

Some artists you visit in a gallery. Others you meet where the work begins.

Contra Joburg invites you inside the studio of Usha Seejarim, one of Johannesburg's most important contemporary artists. From international biennales and museum exhibitions to major public artworks, her work has captivated audiences around the world.

Now, for one weekend only, visitors can step into her creative space, explore her practice up close, and experience the making behind the work.

This is exactly what Contra Joburg is about: access, proximity, and extraordinary encounters.

Living Artists Emporium is less a conventional gallery than a treasure hunt through contemporary African art. Housed in the historic former Ellis Park Tennis Club, its colourful rooms are filled with original works by emerging and established artists, offering visitors the thrill of discovering something unexpected around every corner. Come to meet artists, encounter bold new creative voices and perhaps find the piece that begins—or transforms—your own collection.

Discover the art behind the frame at Framing @ 223, home to South Africa’s only Guild-certified Advanced Conservation Framer and a proud member of the Fine Art Trade Guild.

Specialising in custom, boutique, and museum-standard framing, the team works with artists, collectors, designers, architects, and institutions to preserve and present artworks at the highest standard.

• Learn about conservation framing and art preservation.

• Explore the craftsmanship behind exceptional art presentation.

Bring the whole family along for a day of creativity and fun! Kids can enjoy art-making activities, face painting, and hands-on creative experiences in a safe, child-friendly space.

Looking for something unique?

Explore the Different Is Good Market, where local crafters, fashion designers, beauty brands, and wellness entrepreneurs come together for a weekend of creativity and discovery.

From handcrafted goods and statement fashion pieces to self-care essentials and one-of-a-kind treasures, you'll find exclusive festival specials and deals available only during Contra Joburg.

Support local. Shop independent. Discover something different.

Discover the art of tea at Cup Classique Premium Tea.

Crafted from slow-grown natural ingredients and packaged in biodegradable muslin tea bags, these premium South African blends are made without additives or preservatives, reflecting a commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical production.

• Enjoy a cup of tea in the café.

• Explore and shop premium South African tea blends.

Discover the world of USM Modular Furniture, the iconic Swiss design brand represented in Africa by Magicode.

For more than 50 years, USM has combined timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and modular functionality to create furniture systems that adapt to changing spaces and evolving needs.

• Explore award-winning Swiss design.
  Experience furniture that blends innovation, flexibility, and longevity.

What happens when people become part of the artwork?

Join artist Bev Butkow for BodyWeaving, a unique participatory experience where movement, thread, and collaboration come together to create a living, evolving artwork.

Step into the weave, connect with others, and help shape an artwork that grows throughout the day.

Experience a solo exhibition by Nabil Assaf (NAB), a Beirut-born multidisciplinary artist, filmmaker, and stencil artist.

Working across photography, painting, installation, and street art, NAB's practice explores human connection, memory, identity, and the stories that shape our lives. His work brings together personal encounters and lived experiences to create powerful visual narratives.

Through photography, painting, installation, and street art, NAB creates layered works that invite reflection on the people, places, and moments that define our shared humanity.

Step into Back To Wonder, where The Little Artist transforms its studio into a playful art maze filled with colour, creativity and art gems.

Wander through the maze, discover artworks created by little and senior artists, and follow the journey until the original artworks reveal the minds and imagination behind them.

playful celebration of creativity, curiosity and the joy of seeing the world through an artist's eyes.

Make The Little Artist one of your essential stops on the Contra Joburg Festival route.

Your Contra Joburg Weekend Pass gives you access to the exhibition and all 16 festival venues across the Johannesburg Inner City.

Experience The Uncurated, a group exhibition and open studio experience featuring the artists of Ellis House Art Studios.

Discover the work of resident artists including Ofentse Links, Cassius Khumalo, Phumzile Buthelezi, Percy Maimela, and other emerging and established creatives working within this thriving artistic community.

Explore painting, sculpture, and multimedia works while gaining insight into the creative ecosystem that makes Ellis House one of Johannesburg's most important artist-led spaces.

Ready to get creative? Becoming the Little Artist invites children and adults to spend the day making something uniquely their own.

Choose your creative activity:

Tote Bag Painting

Pencil Case Painting

For all ages — little artists and big kids at heart are welcome!

Come create, play, experiment and take home something you made yourself.

The workshop fee is separate from your Contra Joburg Weekend Pass. The festival pass gives you access to the festival programme, while the creative workshop costs R120 per participant, payable on arrival.

Come curious. Leave Creative.

Experience A Gritty Fairytale, a film by Daria Tchapanova in collaboration with META Foundation Johannesburg.

Featuring August House artists and facilitators including Gift Khoza, Ayola Goxo, Dustin August, Nicola Bouwer, Bekezela Mabena, Kamogelo Masemola, Simon Mashapo Jr., Nanini Mgandela, Khotso Motsoeneng, Alpheus Ngoepe, Sara Hallatt, David Mayers, Thembekile Mlilo, Kelvin Mwale, Mbali Tshabalala, Andrew Wessels and many more.

A cinematic portrait of one of Johannesburg’s most iconic creative communities.

Sundowners and music in the CITY! Join us on the roof of August House for a Contra.Joburg after party.

We’ll have a fantastic DJ, mouth-watering food, and refreshing drinks available for purchase. It’s the perfect place to relax, socialize, and keep the celebration going.

If you have already got a Contra.Joburg ticket, then you are welcome to join the party for FREE. If you are not coming to Contra.Joburg, you can join us just for the party.

Tickets are R50. Booking is required.

You're invited to join the panel discussion, "Custodians of the Inner City: The Role of Creatives and Creative Interventions," happening at 12:30pm – 1:30pm on Sunday, May 26th, at Victoria Yards. This event explores the role of creative and innovative thinking in addressing the complex social and economic issues in Johannesburg's inner city.

Jozi, with its rich cultural diversity, faces unique urban challenges. However, creative thinkers and innovative projects are leading the way in transforming the cityscape. The panel aims to dive into the roles of artists, designers, and other creatives in tackling these challenges, showcasing inspiring stories of collaboration and breakthrough solutions.

We've assembled a group of esteemed panellists who bring diverse perspectives to the discussion:

- Robbie Brozin from Jozi my Jozi, an advocate for urban renewal through creativity

- Tanya Zack, co-author of “Wake Up,This is Joburg” and planner specialising in urban policy, regeneration, informality and sustainable development.

- Heather Dodd, an architect with extensive experience in urban development

- Mary Corrigal, an acclaimed journalist, and art critic, who will moderate the conversation

This event is FREE. There is no booking required for this activation but space is limited. First come, first serve.

Multifaceted visual artist and musician, Stompie Selibe, will be performing as part of the vibrant Contra.Joburg open studios. Enjoy his unique combination of new-age, indigenous and meditative music as you browse through the wonderful spaces at Victoria Yards.

This activity is FREE. There is no need to book for this event.