Sandton is about to get a whole lot louder. School of Rock Sandton is officially opening its doors, marked by a high-voltage grand opening event: The Next Gen Rockfest.
Whether it’s seasoned shredders, shower singers, or parents looking for a family day out, the event takes place on Saturday, April 18 at the brand-new School of Rock campus, celebrating the local music scene and the next generation of rock talent.
What’s on the Line-up?
The day is packed with live performances showcasing standout talent from local schools alongside professional acts.
- 10 High School Rock Bands: Rising stars of the South African music scene take to the stage.
- Headline Acts: Local favourites The Black Cat Bones and Indie Dog are bringing the heat.
- Special Guest Performance: The School of Rock Parktown North House Band delivers a showcase set.
Free Workshops & Lessons
For anyone who has ever wanted to pick up a guitar, sit behind a drum kit, or try vocals for the first time, free on-the-spot lessons will run throughout the day.
Instruments include guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and keys. No instruments are required, as everything is provided on site. All skill levels are welcome, from complete beginners to bedroom virtuosos.
Behind the Scenes Access
Next Gen Rockfest goes beyond watching from the crowd. With free entry, attendees can enjoy:
- Meet-and-greets and signings with local artists
- Artist Q&As offering insight from working musicians
- Collaborative jam sessions with fellow music lovers
A Full Day Out
The event is designed as a full family experience:
- Food and drinks available for purchase
- A relaxed outdoor garden area between performances
- Prize giveaways throughout the day
School of Rock is a Growing Global Community
The Sandton branch becomes the second Johannesburg location, following a strong first year in Parktown North. It also forms part of a global network of more than 80,000 students across 17 countries.
According to owner Russel Lund, “Next Gen Rockfest is designed to give young musicians a platform to express themselves, connect with peers, and learn directly from artists they admire.” He adds that the launch in Sandton builds on growing momentum in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The new chapter kicks off this Saturday, bringing Sandton a full day of music, energy, and rising talent.
Event Details:
Date: 18 April 2026
Time: 09:00 to 17:00
Venue: School of Rock Sandton, 4 Andrew Murray Road, Sandton
Admission: Free entry
Like what you do? Buy us a coffee to enable us to bring your more content like this.
Want to stay in the loop with all things SA Music? Get in the Zone!
Looking for something to do? Check out our Upcoming Events section or the SA Gig Guide.
Want to explore the SA Music Scene? Check out our Artist/Band/Group Profiles section.
Want to discover fresh music? Follow check out editor's playlists on Spotify or YouTube.
