The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival is gearing up to welcome thousands of jazz lovers to a two-day celebration of music, culture and community, taking place from 25–26 September 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre.
In preparation for the large crowds expected, the festival is urging motorists and commuters to consider alternative routes due to road closures and anticipated traffic congestion.
Here’s what you need to know:
Maude Street will be diverted into one-way traffic from 5th Street to West Street.
On West Street, lanes closest to the Convention Centre will be closed, while the lanes furthest from the venue will remain open for two-way traffic.
Similarly, on Alice Lane, the lanes nearest the Convention Centre will be closed, with the lanes further away open for two-way traffic. These road closures and traffic changes will be in effect on Friday and Saturday from 2PM until midnight.
For festival-goers, here are a few key tips to help make your experience even more seamless:
l The festival operates on a cashless system, and no cash payments will be accepted at any of the service points.
l To ease traffic congestion near the venue, Uber drop-off and pick-up points will be available at two designated locations: the corner of West and Maude Streets, and the intersection of West and 5th Street. Please do not request e-hailing services at the venue doors or share your pin from there, as this will cause significant delays.
l Ticketmaster will be on site for ticket verification, with sales available from 5PM–10PM.
l Bars will be available at multiple locations across the venue. The stages are laid out as follows: Mbira Stage on Level 2 (Exhibition 2), Conga Stage on Level 0 (Exhibition 1), Diphala Stage on Level 2 (Ballroom), and Dinaledi Stage on Level 5 (Pavilion), which also has a bar counter. The Lounge Jazz Stage is on Level 0 near the food court (Exhibition 1).
l A food court will be set up at the Maude Street Loading Bay, offering a variety of menu options for attendees.
l Ablution facilities at the Sandton Convention Centre can accommodate up to 5,000 guests.
l Smoking is not permitted inside the venue. Patrons wishing to smoke may exit the building to do so on Maude Street or in the designated smoking area on Level 2. The use of vapes and e-cigarettes is also prohibited inside the venue.
The 2026 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is more than a music festival. It is a cultural and economic catalyst. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster:
● R1 150 – Friday/Saturday Day Pass, General Admission
● R2 250 – Weekend Pass | Friday and Saturday
Ticket Master will also be available on site at the Sandton Convention Centre for last minute purchases.
Standard Bank cardholders qualify for up to 15% discount. The offer is limited to two tickets per person, and only on usage of a valid Standard Bank debit, cheque or credit card and is subject to availability (Ts & Cs apply).
