---
title: "Joburgers enjoy a little CBD fun sans motor cars and gridlocked streets"
description: "The spirit of Joburg was on show on Sunday as art, games and outdoor activities took over the CBD’s Main Street, which was closed to cars for the day."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "PHOTO ESSAY"
author: "Alaister Russell"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/alaister-russell/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-04-12-joburgers-enjoy-a-little-cbd-fun-sans-motor-cars-and-gridlocked-streets/"
published: "2026-04-12T20:59:09"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 318
---

# Joburgers enjoy a little CBD fun sans motor cars and gridlocked streets

> The spirit of Joburg was on show on Sunday as art, games and outdoor activities took over the CBD’s Main Street, which was closed to cars for the day.

By Alaister Russell · Published 12 April 2026, 22:59 SAST

## Key points
- The vibrant spirit of Joburg was alive as Main Street transformed into a pedestrian paradise.
- Art, games, and outdoor activities flourished in the car-free CBD for a day of fun.
- Locals enjoyed a break from gridlocked streets, embracing a lively community atmosphere.
- Discover the visuals and highlights from this unforgettable Sunday in Joburg.

## Content

![DO NOT ARCHIVE
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*Felicity Ncamphalala has her photograph taken at the first Main Street Sundays event in the Johannesburg city centre. (Photo: OUR CITY NEWS / Alaister Russell)*

![DO NOT ARCHIVE
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*Visitors at the inaugural Main Street Sundays event in the Johannesburg CBD take part in an art workshop at the Standard Bank Art Gallery. (Photo: OUR CITY NEWS / Alaister Russell)*

![DO NOT ARCHIVE
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*A dance group performs at the event held on Sunday. (Photo: OUR CITY NEWS / Alaister Russell)*

![DO NOT ARCHIVE
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*Ziyaad Solomons from the cycling crew Sentech Croozers drifts a bicycle at the Main Street Sundays event. (Photo: OUR CITY NEWS / Alaister Russell)*

![DO NOT ARCHIVE
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*A pair of roller skaters prepares to take advantage of the no vehicles day. (Photo: OUR CITY NEWS / Alaister Russell)*

![DO NOT ARCHIVE
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*Visitors could even try their hand at some street games. (Photo: OUR CITY NEWS / Alaister Russell)*

![DO NOT ARCHIVE
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*With no vehicles clogging up the usually busy Joburg CBD roads, children and friends could catch a game of street football. (Photo: OUR CITY NEWS / Alaister Russell)*

![DO NOT ARCHIVE
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*Visitors at the Main Street Sundays event work on a piece of communal street art. (Photo: OUR CITY NEWS / Alaister Russell)*

![DO NOT ARCHIVE
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*Pedestrians claimed Main Street on Sunday, 12 April, even if it was just for a day. (Photo: OUR CITY NEWS / Alaister Russell)*

![DO NOT ARCHIVE
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*Skateboarders were free to show off their skills. (Photo: OUR CITY NEWS / Alaister Russell)*

![DO NOT ARCHIVE
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*Khensani Mohlatlole from Sewcial Studios works an art piece. (Photo: OUR CITY NEWS / Alaister Russell)*

![DO NOT ARCHIVE
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*Children learn to paint with spraycans. (Photo: OUR CITY NEWS / Alaister Russell)*

![DO NOT ARCHIVE
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*A child adds to a communal street artwork. (Photo: OUR CITY NEWS / Alaister Russell)*

![DO NOT ARCHIVE
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*Visitors compare their wheels on a day when cars and trucks were temporarily banned. (Photo: OUR CITY NEWS / Alaister Russell)*

![DO NOT ARCHIVE
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*Stilt walker Lassie Ndalela makes some last-minute changes to his costume before heading off to entertain residents in Marshalltown. (Photo: OUR CITY NEWS / Alaister Russell)*

**DM**

![Our City News](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/e5XwOwTiXkM2uKw24sWOq6t_U44=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2985/WhatsAppImage2025-11-21at1946001_346702_1cea9e715c05dc0a538fc79753ac3401.jpeg)

*Our City News*