Ten Gauteng events to diarise in November, from kota to marathon

Gauteng has a busy November ahead, with events ranging from township street food to electronic music, obstacle courses and a major road race, IOL reported in its monthly what’s-on guide. Here is a closer look at what is planned.

Music and culture

The month opens with the Tembisa Kota Festival on 7 November at the Transnet School of Rail in Esselen Park. Vendors from across the township will serve their own versions of the quarter-loaf sandwich, and Sjava, Big Zulu and DJ Maphorisa are on the line-up. Adult tickets cost R200, students pay R150 and children R110.

On the same day, KUNYE returns with its Jozi XI edition at Huddle Park in Linksfield. The platform was founded by DJ and producer Shimza, who performs alongside Francis Mercier, DJ Kent and other acts. The outdoor event starts at noon and ends at 10pm, and only people aged 18 and older are admitted.

On 8 November, Xigaza Nation Fest at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park centres on Tsonga music and culture. It takes place at the Centre Court.

Later in the month, on 28 November, Oskido’s Big Day Out returns to Huddle Park for its third edition. Kwaito, house, amapiano and hip-hop will be played across two stages between noon and 10pm. Liquideep, B.O.P and Mdu are the first names announced, with more expected. Tickets range from R495 to R1,950. IOL noted that Oskido was recently honoured with the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver and the SAMA32 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sport, games and outdoor fun

• Nine Hours of Kyalami (13 to 14 November): endurance racing at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand, with a fan zone. Tickets start at R100 and children under 12 enter free.
• Muddy Princess Pretoria (14 to 15 November): a 5km obstacle course at Legends Adventure Farm and MX Track in Rhino Park, built around teamwork and female empowerment rather than competition. Tickets start at R499, excluding booking fees.
• The Wobble Open (15 November): a playful nine-hole inflatable golf challenge at Bryanston Country Club, with players in inflatable costumes, plus padel.
• FNB Whisky Live Festival (19 to 21 November): tastings and talks in Johannesburg, with tickets from R496.
• rAge Nation 2026 (27 to 29 November): a gaming, technology and pop-culture event at Fourways Mall with esports, cosplay and exhibitors.
• Soweto Marathon (29 November): known as The People’s Race, it winds through Soweto and finishes at FNB Stadium, with several distances on offer.

What to check before you go

Costs vary widely, so it helps to compare ticket prices early. Muddy Princess allows participants as young as six, but a registered adult has to accompany anyone younger than 14. The whisky festival is aimed at adults, and visitors should confirm age limits and entry conditions beforehand. Soweto Marathon fees depend on the race category, and the source did not list them.

Several of the events fall on the same weekends, so it is worth planning ahead if you want to attend more than one.

This story is based on reporting by IOL.