Arts Alive Festival

About

Arts Alive Festival transforms Johannesburg into a vibrant celebration of African creativity each spring, offering families an incredible introduction to South Africa's rich cultural tapestry through music, dance, visual arts, and interactive performances. Kids are captivated by the colorful street parades, hands-on art workshops, and energetic live performances that bring the city's creative spirit to life. This multi-venue festival provides an authentic, family-friendly way to experience Johannesburg's diverse arts scene while creating lasting memories.

What to Expect

Families can explore multiple venues across downtown Johannesburg featuring everything from outdoor concerts and street performances to children's theater and interactive art installations. The festival atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with many events specifically designed for young audiences including storytelling sessions, puppet shows, and craft workshops where kids can create their own artworks. Expect bustling crowds during peak times, vibrant African music filling the streets, and opportunities to meet local artists and performers. Many venues offer both indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing families to move between different experiences throughout the day.

Highlights for Kids

• Vibrant street parades featuring elaborate costumes, traditional dancers, and drummers that wind through downtown streets
• Hands-on art workshops where kids create African-inspired crafts, paintings, or sculptures to take home
• Interactive storytelling sessions featuring African folktales and legends performed by talented local storytellers
• Live music performances showcasing everything from traditional African rhythms to contemporary jazz and hip-hop
• Face painting and costume stations where children can dress up and join impromptu street performances

Pro Tips for Families

1. Download the festival program in advance and pre-book popular children's workshops as they fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Many events are free but require registration.
2. Base yourself at Newtown Cultural Precinct, which serves as the festival hub with family facilities, multiple venues within walking distance, and secure areas where kids can enjoy outdoor performances safely.
3. Visit during weekday mornings for smaller crowds and easier access to interactive exhibits. Save the Saturday street parades and outdoor concerts for when you want the full festival energy.
4. International visitors should arrange accommodation within 2-3km of downtown venues and use metered taxis or Uber rather than walking between distant venues with children, as distances can be deceptive and not all areas are pedestrian-friendly.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (9am-1pm) offer the most relaxed experience with easier access to workshops and shorter queues at popular activities. If visiting on weekends, arrive early (before 10am) to enjoy indoor exhibitions and workshops before crowds peak, then transition to outdoor performances in the late afternoon when the energy is highest. The opening weekend features the most spectacular street parades and main stage performances, while the second weekend typically offers better availability for children's workshops and a slightly calmer atmosphere.

Food & Drinks

Food vendors throughout festival venues offer a mix of South African favorites like bunny chow, boerewors rolls, vetkoek, and braai (barbecue) alongside international options. Many areas have designated food markets with kid-friendly choices including grilled meats, chips, fresh fruit, and local treats like koeksisters and melktert. Pack water bottles as Johannesburg's spring weather can be warm, though vendors sell drinks throughout. The Newtown Cultural Precinct has several family-friendly restaurants with indoor seating and restrooms. Note that some venues allow picnics, so check individual venue policies if you prefer bringing your own snacks.

Parking & Access

Most festival venues offer paid parking (expect R20-40 per day), with the safest options at Market Theatre Complex and Newtown Junction Mall where secure parking is available. International visitors should pre-arrange taxi services or use Uber/Bolt for transport between venues rather than relying on public transport with children. Stroller accessibility varies by venue—Newtown Cultural Precinct and Museum Africa are stroller-friendly, but some outdoor street performances and older buildings have limited accessibility. Consider using a baby carrier for very young children to navigate crowds more easily. For overseas visitors, the festival is approximately 30-40 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport by taxi.