REDFEST2025: JOBURG'S FAVOURITE ARTS WEEKEND RETURNS 13 - 16 JUNE - NOW POWERED BY 5FM
The countdown is on. In just four weeks, Redhill School will once again transform into Johannesburg’s cultural epicentre as it hosts RedFest2025 – the city’s most exciting celebration of the arts, creativity, and community.
Taking place over the Youth Day long weekend (Friday 13 – Monday 16 June 2025), the Redhill Arts Festival (#RedFest2025) promises four full days of unforgettable experiences. This year’s programme combines dynamic live music, powerful theatre, children’s entertainment, a buzzing artisanal market, immersive art exhibitions, and a curated comedy festival – all set in the heart of Morningside.
“RedFest has always been about access, inspiration, and community,” says Joseph Gerassi, Executive Head of Redhill School and Festival Director. “It’s where world-class acts meet emerging voices, and where families, artists, and audiences come together to celebrate everything that makes the arts in South Africa so vibrant.”
POWERED BY 5FM: A NATIONAL STAGE FOR LOCAL VOICE
In 2025, RedFest takes a bold step forward in being Ampli5ed by 5FM, South Africa’s favourite youth radio station – firing up its energy and reach like never before.
As a leading youth-driven station under the SABC, 5FM brings its trademark mix of Top 40 hits, entertaining segments, and bold personalities to the festival experience. Broadcasting nationally via FM and worldwide via live streaming, 5FM reaches a diverse and dynamic audience – and its presence at RedFest promises to spotlight the festival on a truly national stage.
Festivalgoers can expect a live outdoor broadcast direct from the Village on Oval, featuring 5FM’s very own hit jock, Smash Afrika, as well as some super engaging activations.
“This amplification through the top national youth station reinforces our vision of RedFest as a platform for connection, cultural celebration, and national conversation,” says Gerassi. “We’re proud to work with a brand that shares our passion for youth, music, and creativity.”
WHAT'S ON OFFER THIS YEAR
Live Music for All
Over three nights, the main stage will come alive with performances by some of South Africa’s most acclaimed musical talents:
• BOOSHLE G (Friday)
• MATTHEW MOLE, MZANSI YOUTH CHOIR, and RUBBER DUC (Saturday)
• ARNO CARSTENS, ZOLANI MAHOLA, and WAVELENGTH CITY (Sunday)
Theatre for Everyone
This year’s festival offers a carefully curated programme of approximately 20 outstanding theatre productions, including: GROWING OLD DISGRACEFULLY; NEXT LEVEL; KiDDING; THE KING OF BROKEN THINGS; YOU STRIKE A WOMAN, YOU STRIKE A ROCK; A DOLL’S LIFE, plus two not-to-be-missed comedy festival lineups and world-class magic shows.
Children’s Entertainment
RedFest is perfect for families, with a magical children’s theatre programme featuring: THE RAILWAY CHILDREN; MOTHER GOOSE; and GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS – professionally produced and packed with joy and imagination.
Village on Oval (13–15 June)
From Friday through Sunday, the popular Village on Oval will serve as the heart of the festival – with live music, a festive atmosphere, and a vastly expanded artisanal market featuring over 80 carefully curated vendors. For 2025, the market also extends into a large indoor venue, ensuring a warmer and even more enjoyable shopping experience for winter festivalgoers.
YouthFest – Monday 16 June
To mark Youth Day, the final day of the festival celebrates the next generation of talent with YouthFest:
• A Choir Festival, Orchestra Festival, and Marimba Festival
• The four top student theatre productions from this year’s FEDA (Festival of Excellence in Dramatic Arts) competition
WHY REDFEST MATTERS
More than just a weekend event, RedFest is a platform – a place where emerging artists share stages with celebrated professionals, where diverse communities come together, and where the arts are made accessible to all.
“Whether you're a theatre fan, a foodie, a parent, a shopper, or just someone looking for an unforgettable weekend – this is the place to be,” says Gerassi.
With its inclusive, all-in-one format, RedFest2025 offers unmatched value and access – a celebration of theatre, live music, art, literature, food, comedy and connection, all in one vibrant space.
FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE
• Dates: Friday 13 – Monday 16 June 2025
• Venue: Redhill School, Morningside, Johannesburg
• Tickets: Available via TicketPro – visit www.redfest.co.za
• Public Access: Open to all – families, students, creatives, shoppers, and live music fans across Gauteng
There’s no better place to be in Jo’burg over the long weekend than RedFest2025 – powered by 5FM – where music, theatre, food, art, books, shopping, and family fun collide in a truly world-class festival experience.
Media Contact:
Mandy Roff
E-mail: mroff@redhill.co.za
Tel: (011) 783 4707
Web: www.redfest.co.za
