Contra Joburg

This August, Contra, Johannesburg’s boldest visual arts festival returns with a daring new theme: “Expect the Unexpected.” The 2025 edition invites you to immerse yourself in a curated collision of surprise interventions, unscripted artistic encounters, and thought-provoking visual experiences that push the boundaries of what art can be.

Festival Dates & Times

Saturday, 30 August | 10:00 – 17:00

• Asisebenze Art Gallery – Gallery & coffee shop

• Bag Factory – Artist studios, gallery & drinks

• EspressOn – Live music, food, drinks & gallery

• Play Braamfontein – Studios, drinks & food

• Rand Club – Gallery, live music, food & drinks

• Creative Uprising Hub @ Transwerke – Studios

• Stephan Welz & Co. – Exhibition

Sunday, 31 August | 10:00 – 17:00

• Asisebenze – Artist studios & drinks

• August House – Gallery, studios, food & drinks

• Ellis House – Gallery, studios & drinks

• Living Artists Emporium – Gallery & drinks

• Oovookoo – Gallery, studios & drinks

• Victoria Yards – Gallery, studios, food & drinks

• Stephan Welz & Co. – Exhibition

A complimentary shuttle service will run every 20 minutes, connecting all participating venues.

Contra tickets can be purchased online through Quicket.

Click here for more events.