Back to the City Festival 2025: Jozi’s Biggest Hip-Hop Celebration
Back to the City Festival 2025 | Johannesburg Event Guide
Back to the City Festival 2025 returns to Johannesburg on 11 October. Full lineup, ticket info, venue details, and why this is South Africa’s biggest hip-hop cultural gathering.
Back to the City Festival 2025 — Hip-Hop, Culture & Unity
Johannesburg is about to come alive with the return of Back to the City Festival 2025, happening on Saturday, 11 October at Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown. This legendary festival has become Africa’s largest hip-hop and youth culture gathering, and this year’s theme — “Power in Numbers” — promises an even bigger celebration of music, art, and street culture.
Back to the City Festival 2025 | Johannesburg Event Guide
What to Expect at BTTC 2025
- Lineup & Performances:
From Pretoria’s finest — Mochen RSA, Loatinover Pounds, PdotO, Jay Jody, 25K, Blaklez, N’veigh — to international superstar Lupe Fiasco, the lineup blends local heat with global fire. Expect over 100 artists, 20 DJs, and 40 graffiti writers showcasing their talent. - Street Culture Highlights:
- Graffiti battles & live murals
- Breakdance crews & cyphers
- Sneaker & Streetwear culture activations
- Basketball games, skate sessions, and game zones
- Panel discussions and heritage tributes honoring icons like Mdu Masilela and Tuks Senganga
- Food & Lifestyle: Expect food trucks, street vendors, and activations that fuse Urban Food with lifestyle culture.
Tickets & Pricing
- General Access: From R250–R600 (tiered pricing)
- VIP Packages: Premium access with better viewing, lounges, and extras
- Where to Buy: Back to the City official site | Webtickets | Pick n Pay outlets
- Festival Hours: 12 PM until 2 AM — one massive day into night
Why It Matters
Back to the City is more than a festival — it’s a live showcase of South African hip-hop evolution. It’s where underground meets mainstream, where Sneaker Culture, graffiti, fashion, and music come together under one skyline.
For over a decade, BTTC has stood as a platform for youth empowerment, community voices, and cultural pride — and 2025 is set to raise the bar.
Quick FAQ
When is Back to the City 2025?
Saturday, 11 October 2025.
Where is it happening?
Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, Johannesburg.
How much are tickets?
From R250 (early bird) to R600+ for general access. VIP packages available.
Who is performing?
A mix of South African stars like 25K, PdotO, Blaklez, and international acts including Lupe Fiasco.
What time does it start?
Gates open at 12 PM. Performances run until around 2 AM.
Back to the City Festival 2025 is the heartbeat of South African urban culture. From rap cyphers to sneaker drops, graffiti walls to live performances — this is where culture, fashion, and music collide.
