Mary Fitzgerald Square — Attraction in Johannesburg Ward 60

A vibrant cultural landmark in the heart of Joburg.

Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown is one of Johannesburg’s most iconic public spaces. This open-air square is always alive with energy, whether it's during a festival, concert, market, or local gathering. It's the go-to spot for everything from big events like Joburg’s Arts Alive Festival to smaller community celebrations and pop-up markets.

The square’s historic charm pairs beautifully with modern-day activities, making it a dynamic intersection of culture, music, and history. It’s a fantastic space to experience the diversity and vibrancy of Joburg, with tons of food trucks, street performers, and vendors adding to the atmosphere.

One of my favourite things about Mary Fitzgerald Square is how it serves as a backdrop to so many of Joburg’s artistic expressions. Whether it’s live music, dance performances, or public art installations, there’s always something new and exciting happening.

The location in Newtown adds to its appeal—it’s surrounded by cultural landmarks, galleries, and eateries, making it a perfect spot to hang out and explore. Plus, it’s a great place to meet up with friends, grab a bite, and enjoy the unfiltered Joburg vibe.

If you’re in Joburg and looking for a place to soak up some real city energy, Mary Fitzgerald Square is a must-visit. Whether it’s for a special event or just a laid-back afternoon, it’s the heart of Joburg’s...

Launched by President Thabo Mbeki in December 2000, to a 20 000-strong crowd who were treated to the best of South African jazz, this square has become a sought after venue for public performances and gatherings. Originally known as Aaron's Ground and later renamed Mary Fitzgerald Square, this former wagon site was used for the many strikers' meetings at the turn of the 20th century. This square lies at the heart of Newtown. It was renamed Mary Fitzgerald Square in 1939, in honour of the first woman trade unionist who played a key role in the 1910 miners' strike.

The new square has the capacity for over 50 000 people and provides an outdoor space for a wide array of activities, including outdoor film festivals, concerts, markets, carnivals and exhibitions. The square also boasts the biggest outdoor LED screen on the continent, measuring 55m². Two sky disks are major elements on the square. The first depicts the stellar constellation as at the birth of Mary Fitzgerald, the second depicts the constellation as at the first democratic election of 27 April 1994. There is a third, which can be found at the entrance to the MuseuMAfricA depicting the constellation as at the official launch of the square on 16 December 2001 - Reconciliation Day. The disks use unique optic fibre lights that glow...

The Mary Fitzgerald Square in  Newtown Johannesburg in South Africa is a public space named after  Mary "Pickhandle" Fitzgerald, who is considered to have been the first female trade unionist in the country.

Previously known as Aaron's Ground, the square was named for Fitzgerald in 1939 as it was an often-used location for strikers' meetings in the early part of the 20th century.

The square is the centerpiece of the Newtown urban renewal project and is surrounded by structures significant to the city, including the Market Theatre— which played host to much of the 1980s 'struggle theatre' opposing the apartheid regime's discriminatory policies; Museum Africa; the old Turbine Hall, and the Worker's Libary.

Since 2012, In The City has been hosted in the square on the first Friday of...