Johannesburg’s streets will once again belong to the people as Jozi My Jozi’s Main Street Sundays returns on Sunday, 9 August 2026, transforming the heart of the inner city into a vibrant, car-free playground in celebration of National Women’s Day.
Following a successful debut in April that attracted more than 5,000 visitors, the free community event invites residents and visitors to experience Johannesburg from a completely different perspective. Coming just weeks after the inaugural 702 Jozi My Jozi Walk the Talk, which drew more than 25,000 people into the city centre, Main Street Sundays continues the movement of reconnecting people with downtown Johannesburg.
A Car-Free Johannesburg for Everyone
Hosted by Jozi My Jozi in partnership with Young Urbanists, the City of Johannesburg, Proudly South African and Gautrain, Main Street between 44 Main and Gandhi Square will become a pedestrian-first space for the day.
Visitors can stroll, cycle, skateboard, roller-skate or simply relax while enjoying a safe, traffic-free environment designed for families, friends and communities to reconnect.
According to Jozi My Jozi’s Visitor and Creative Economy Catalyst, Dawn Robertson, the event is about slowing down and experiencing Johannesburg differently.
Rather than rushing between attractions, visitors are encouraged to explore the city at a leisurely pace while rediscovering its architecture, culture and people.
What’s Happening at Main Street Sundays?
There will be entertainment, art, wellness experiences and family-friendly activities spread across several themed zones throughout the day.
Highlights include:
- A wellness and mindfulness zone with yoga sessions, urban sketching and quiet relaxation spaces.
- Dedicated lanes for cyclists, skateboarders, roller-skaters, wheelchairs and prams.
- A children’s activity zone featuring interactive experiences from Play Africa.
- A walkable art mile showcasing galleries and public art.
- A creative makers’ market featuring local designers and artisans.
- A brand-new Vintage & Vinyl market.
- Live acoustic performances throughout the day.
- A bustling food court at Gandhi Square alongside restaurants and food trucks.
- Live outside broadcasts by Talk Radio 702 and VOW88.1 FM.
The atmosphere promises a relaxed festival experience where visitors can move freely between music, food, culture and wellness activities.
Celebrating Women’s Day in the Heart of Johannesburg
This year’s event places a special focus on celebrating Johannesburg’s mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers and women from every community.
Main Street Sundays offers families a unique way to spend Women’s Day together while enjoying the city’s growing public spaces.
Organisers believe events like these help reshape how residents experience Johannesburg by creating safer, more welcoming streets that encourage connection and community.
Getting There
Visitors are encouraged to make use of nearby parking facilities, including the Standard Bank parking garage on Frederick Street.
Alternatively, attendees can travel via Gautrain to Park Station, where a complimentary shuttle service will transport visitors directly to Main Street throughout the day. Parking at Gautrain stations will be available for just R1.
Families looking for an extra adventure can also arrive aboard the City Sightseeing Johannesburg Red Bus, hopping off near Main Street before exploring the festivities.
Entry is Free
Attendance is completely free, although organisers encourage visitors to register online to help manage attendance and ensure the best possible experience.
Whether you’re visiting for the markets, live entertainment, local art, delicious food or simply to enjoy Johannesburg without traffic, Main Street Sundays promises another unforgettable celebration of community and Women’s Day.
