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"Join forces with Hennessy Back to the City Hip Hop Festival on October 11th in Newtown and become part of South Africa's biggest hip hop celebration! Partner with us to amplify your brand and connect with thousands of passionate fans and culture-makers. Let’s make history together—are you in?

ABOUT

Back to the City” taking place at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, Johannesburg. Featuring artists representing the pinnacle of artistic expression from South Africa and abroad, this unique annual youth event has grown into the largest public display of both commercial and underground Hip Hop in Africa, presenting a day of live music, street art, break-dancing, art installation, skateboarding, film, street fashion, gaming, speakers and panel discussions. From the daytime events to the nightly performances, this is one time that the inner city comes alive with true freedom of expression providing a destination for hip hop fans, artists and industry related individuals to converge and celebrate the experience of hip hop and youth culture.
The day begins with an educational Hip Hop Summit offering an exchange of knowledge from industry gurus working within the media, advertising and music business arenas. The aim of these workshops was to effectively empower the artist with as much knowledge to enable her/him to efficiently administrate their career and brand growth. We wanted to utilise the culture as a tool to encourage critical thinking, social change and unity while empowering communities through media, arts, education and independent initiatives.
Topics such as Publishing, Distribution, Recording, Independent versus Mainstream, Funding, and Entrepreneurship are openly discussed allowing audience members a chance to actively engage speakers, facilitating access to resources as well as empowering the youth with valuable knowledge. Live performances and DJs entertain throughout the day while graffiti artists utilise the surrounding street walls as their canvasses, creating colourful masterpieces in the city. The Second stage is reserved for competitions for rappers, beatmakers, dancers, and alternative Hip Hop performances.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q: I still have tickets from Last year, can I still use it to enter the event this year?
A: No, tickets that were purchased in Last year will not allow you access at this year's festival. Please request a refund at any Pick n Pay store nationwide or on your Webtickets profile.

Q: How can I get a refund for my ticket that I got This year?

A: To get your refund simply login into your Webtickets profile and click on “CHOOSE ACTION” and “REFUND TICKETS” next to your transaction. If you paid via Pick n Pay or EFT, you will be prompted to enter your banking details and will receive a confirmation email. Refunds will be processed and paid within 5-7 working days. For any refund queries please email [email protected]

Q: What are the dates for this year?
A: The festival will be held on the in October this year at Mary FritzGerald Square in Newtown, Johannesburg.

Q: When will the line up be revealed?
A: Our line up will be revealed, please keep an eye on our social media platforms for when we roll this out.

Q: How much are the tickets?
A: Tickets are between R250 - R600 and are tiered with the price going up every month so make sure you get yours as early as possible.

Q: Do we need to be vaccinated?
A: No, you don’t need to be vaccinated to attend the festival.

ARTIST & MEDIA QUESTIONS

Q: Can I work for the festival?
A: We have an internship program that we run yearly and urge everyone of every gender, race, background etc to apply because there is quite a number of intakes each year.

Q: How can I get to perform at the festival?
A: We’re constantly looking for new talent and giving opportunities to upcoming artists, we book talent on a “don’t find us , we’ll find you” basis and therefore we urge artists to continue working hard, put out the music and enter for the competitions that we host.

Q: How can I apply for media/photographer passes?
A: We have media passes available for everyone who wants to come and cover the event however there is an application process which will be opened closer to the time.

​Q: Can I leave the show and come back?
A: Our event has a "no pass out” policy, which means once you enter, you cannot leave and re-enter. There are food and beverages available on-site, as well as an ATM.

Q: Where can I purchase tickets?
A: You can purchase your tickets at any Pick n Pay Store nationwide or online from Webtickets which is our official vendor, tickets on third party websites are not valid or genuine. To ensure you are buying a genuine ticket please follow the links on our website or official social media pages.

Q: How do I apply for a food/clothing stall?
A: We have always believed in empowering small businesses and for this belief we have a partnership program that we run to allow vendors to come on board as our partners and to sell or exhibit at the festival, interested patrons can email us on [email protected] for more information.

IMPORATANT QUESTIONS

Q: I still have tickets from 2020, can I still use it to enter the event this year?
A: No, tickets that were purchased in 2020 will not allow you access at this year's festival. Please request a refund at any Pick n Pay store nationwide or on your Webtickets profile.

Q: How can I get a refund for my ticket that I got in 2020?

A: To get your refund simply login into your Webtickets profile and click on “CHOOSE ACTION” and “REFUND TICKETS” next to your transaction. If you paid via Pick n Pay or EFT, you will be prompted to enter your banking details and will receive a confirmation email. Refunds will be processed and paid within 5-7 working days. For any refund queries please email [email protected]

Q: What are the dates for this year?
A: The festival will be held on the 11 October 2025 at Mary FritzGerald Square in Newtown, Johannesburg.

Q: When will the line up be revealed?
A: Our line up will be revealed soon please keep an eye on our social media platforms for when we roll this out.

Q: How much are the tickets?
A: Tickets are between R250 - R600 and are tiered with the price going up every month so make sure you get yours as early as possible.

Q: Do we need to be vaccinated?
A: No, you don’t need to be vaccinated to attend the festival.

DISABILITY QUESTIONS

Question: How does the Back to the City Festival ensure accessibility for people with disabilities?

​Answer: The Back to the City Festival is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all attendees. They are continuously working to improve accessibility to event amenities, regardless of abilities. To ensure a smooth experience, they encourage guests with disabilities to review the informational guide before contacting them. If any accessibility-related questions remain unanswered, they welcome inquiries and are open to feedback and suggestions.

Question: What is the wheelchair accessibility policy for the Back to the City Festival?

​Answer: The Back to the City Festival is designed to accommodate patrons with mobility disabilities. The venue features accessible routes throughout, including parking, entrances, stages, viewing areas, vendors, and all other activity areas. VIP areas are also accessible. While the festival does not offer transportation between stages, attendees can navigate the grounds using personal forms of transportation such as wheelchairs, scooters, crutches, walkers, or canes. The Accessibility Services Hub provides charging facilities for motorized mobility devices (110-volt, 20 amp circuit), but patrons must bring their own chargers and accessories. Please note that wheelchair or scooter rentals are not provided.

TRANSPOTATION

Question: What are the transportation options for the Back to the City Festival in Johannesburg?

Answer: While Uber and Bolt are viable options for getting to the Back to the City Festival, riders should be aware of potential challenges due to high demand and distance from the city center. Longer wait times, dynamic pricing, and limited availability may be expected, especially during peak hours.

To ensure a smooth experience, it's recommended to explore alternative transportation options:

• Public transportation: Check local bus or train schedules for routes that connect to the festival venue.
• Carpooling: Coordinate with friends or other attendees to share a ride.
• Taxis: Hail a taxi from your location

​Important information about rideshare, taxi, and general drop-offs/pickups:

• All rideshare, taxi, and general drop-offs and pickups must occur at the designated Guest Drop-Off and Pickup location (Newtown Juction).

ACCESS AREAS

Question: What are the policies for accessible viewing areas at the Back to the City Festival?

​Answer: The Back to the City Festival provides accessible viewing areas for attendees even with people who have disabilities at designated stages. To access these areas, please visit the Accessibility Services kiosk.

​Please note the following policies:

• Companions: Guests with disabilities may bring companions, but they may be asked to stand at the back of the viewing area if capacity is reached.
• ​
• Smoking: The viewing areas are non-smoking zones. No Hubly bottles allowed
• No saving spots: Attendees are not allowed to save spots for others.
• Time limits: If an attendee is absent for more than an hour, their spot may be given to another guest.
• Obstructed views: Please avoid blocking the view of other attendees behind you.
• Seating: All seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Question: What additional services and accommodations are available at the Back to the City Festival  Also is medical Aid Available?


Answer: The Back to the City Festival provides various services and accommodations to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all attendees:

• First Aid: Multiple First Aid locations are available throughout the venue, staffed by professional medical personnel.
• Dietary Needs: The event features food vendors offering gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free options. For more specific dietary needs, please contact the festival organizers.
• Prescription Medications: All prescription medications must be in their original containers with the attendee's name matching their government-issued ID. Only bring a sufficient amount for the duration of the event, and have them cleared by the medical team at the entrance.
• Other Services: For assistance related to pregnancy, nursing, or breast milk pumping, please contact the festival organizers under General Questions.

ACCOMODATION

Question: What is the policy for requesting accommodations at Back to the City?

​Answer: Back to the City is committed to providing an accessible experience for all attendees. They will consider reasonable modifications to event policies, practices, or procedures, as well as auxiliary aids and services, to ensure equal enjoyment of the event for patrons with disabilities.
To request accommodations, please contact the festival organizers as far in advance as possible to allow for adequate evaluation and fulfillment. Additionally, if you have any questions about accessible policies or services, feel free to reach out.

EMERGENCY & RESPONSIBLE DRINKING 

Question: What are the signs of a medical emergency and what should you do if you suspect someone is in need of help?Answer: If you believe someone is experiencing a medical issue or potential drug overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate assistance. Locate a clearly marked medical station or find an event staff member. Remember, you will not face any consequences for seeking help.
Signs of a medical emergency may include:

• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Pale or bluish skin color
• Abnormal heart rate or breathing (too fast or slow)
• Abnormal body temperature (too hot or cold)
• Delusions, hallucinations, or paranoia
• Pupils that do not react to changes in light  
• Confusion, stupor, coma, or inability to be roused

If you notice these signs in a friend, notify medical or security personnel immediately.
Important tips:

• Do not leave a friend alone who appears to be in distress.
• Avoid attempting to care for someone who is heavily intoxicated.
• Binge drinking is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious consequences.
• Do not rely on methods like strong coffee, cold showers, or trying to "walk it off" to treat alcohol poisoning.
• Keep intoxicated individuals awake and in an upright or sitting position

TICKETS

How to "BUY Your Official Back to the City Festival Tickets"

Planning to attend the Back to the City Festival? Here’s how to make sure you get legitimate tickets and enjoy the experience:
​

1. Buy Your Back to the City Festival Tickets from Official Sources: Your safest bet is to purchase tickets directly through Webtickets online or in person at Pick n Pay outlets. You can also check the official Back to the City Festival website for direct sales or links to authorized sellers. Buying from these trusted sources guarantees your entry.
2. Avoid Unofficial Websites for Back to the City Festival Tickets: Ticket fraud is a real concern. Steer clear of purchasing Back to the City Festival tickets from online auction sites, classified ads, forums, or unverified resale sites. Always confirm with the official Back to the City Festival organizers or their website for a list of approved ticket sellers to avoid disappointment.
3. Do Not Buy Back to the City Festival Tickets or Wristbands from Scalpers: Purchasing tickets or wristbands from individuals on the street or near the festival venue is highly risky. There's no way to verify the authenticity of these tickets, and they could be fake or stolen. Don't take the chance.
4. Keep Your Back to the City Festival Ticket Details Private Online: While it's exciting to share that you're going to the Back to the City Festival, refrain from posting pictures of your tickets or wristbands online. Scammers can use these images to create counterfeit tickets.

​For Back to the City Festival Tickets: For genuine Back to the City Festival tickets, your go-to official purchase points are Webtickets (online) and Pick n Pay outlets (in-store). Always refer to the official festival channels for the most accurate information.

FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES

EXPERIENCE

Outdoor Activities , Basket ball , Shopping Experience, Gaming zone, Food, apparel clothing  · Graffiti , Helicopter Rides, Various competitions , Beer Garden with elements of hip hop or social participation where rules and patterns apply around the venue.

STAGES

The Hip Hop International Festival is divided into three stages Main stage ,Play stage & band stage. Get personalised recommendations for upcoming times in Newtown Johannesburg. Browse times, venue details, reviews and more from your favourite artists.

MARKETS

Festival stalls is a market segmentation of back to the city that segregates fashion brands based on the fashion quality and creativity. Food market place is also a located in the venue where people regularly gather for the purchase of food beverages and other goodies.

FAQs

Back to the City Festival FAQ1. Where can I buy tickets for the Back to the City Festival?

• Official Website Answer: Tickets can be purchased at Pick n Pay stores nationwide  www.backtothecityfestival.com or www.webtickets.co.za. (https://www.backtothecityfestival.com/tickets.html)

2. What is the date and location of the 2025 Back to the City Festival?

• Official Website Answer: The festival is scheduled for 11 October 2025  and will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa  it’s held at Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown.

3. What are the ticket prices for the festival?

• Official Website Answer: Tickets are priced according to month to month basis purchased at Pick n Pay stores. Online ticket prices are listed on Webtickets for accurate prices.

4. Are there VIP or special access tickets available?

• Official Website Answer: Tickets are priced according to different VIP Packages purchased at Pick n Pay stores. All available prices are listed on https://www.backtothecityfestival.com/packages.html

​5. Can I get a refund or resell my ticket?

• Official Website Answer:  To get your refund simply login into your Webtickets profile and click on “CHOOSE ACTION” and “REFUND TICKETS” next to your transaction. If you paid via Pick n Pay or EFT, you will be prompted to enter your banking details and will receive a confirmation email. Refunds will be processed and paid within 5-7 working days. For any refund queries please email [email protected]

6. What safety measures are in place at the festival?

• Official Website Answer: Please follow the safety Protocol at the bottom of the page for safety masures

7. What should I bring or not bring to the festival?

• Official Website Answer:  General festival advice from similar events suggests bringing ID, ticket confirmation, and essentials like water, while avoiding prohibited items like weapons or large bags. Check official channels for updates.

8. Are children allowed at the festival?

• Official Website Answer: No Children allowed at the festival as the festival is only exlusive for adults older than 18 years

9. How can I stay updated on festival announcements?

• Official Website Answer: The website encourages visitors to check www.backtothecityfestival.com for updates and use the “HELP” section for inquiries.
• Social Media Insight: Follow the official Back to the City accounts on Facebook (@BackToTheCitySA) and X (@BackToTheCitySA) for real-time updates on lineup announcements, ticket sales, and event details. Posts on X emphasize checking social media for the latest news.

10. What kind of performances or activities can I expect at the festival?

• Official Website Answer:  a celebration of Years of hip hop culture, featuring performances and activities, though specific details for 2025  Historically, it includes live music, DJs, street art, and dance battles.
• Social Media Insight: X and Facebook posts highlight the festival’s focus on hip hop culture, with past events featuring major artists, graffiti showcases, and breakdancing competitions. Expect similar activities in 2025, with announcements on social media as the event approaches.

MAKE THE RIGHT 

DECISION
FOR YOUR SAFETY

AVOID MAKING THE WRONG CHOICE WITH YOUR SAFETY. MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW THIS GUIDE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETT & FOR MAXIMUM FUN AT THE 11TH ANNUAL BACK TO THE CITY HIP HOP FESTIVAL WE CARE HENCE THIS NOTICE

EMERGENCY

083-453-0869

LINE OPENED DURING THE FESTIVAL

NEWTOWN JUNCTION PARKING LOT

• PARKING AT NEWTOWN MALL
• PARKING R10 FOR THE NIGHT
• AVOID CAR GUARDS
• AVOID VALUABLES EXPOSED

AVOID BUYING FAKE TICKETS

• DON'T BUY FAKE TICKETS
• TICKETS WILL BE SCANNED
• BUY FROM LISTED SELLERS
• DON'T BUY FAKE TICKETS

WARNING PICKPOCKETERS

• DON'T HUG A STRANGER
• DO NOT FLASH YOUR PHONE
• DO NOT FLASH MONEY
• AVOID BACK POCKETS

Contacts
Facebook: Back to the city Festival
TwitterX: @BacktothecitySA
Web: www.backtothecityfestival.com