It was a party weekend of celebration and pride, but also a time for nostalgia.
On Sunday night, musicians and jazz lovers descended on the Bassline in Melville, Johannesburg, to jol at the legendary club for the last time.
Brendan Cooper, editor of FHM magazine, explained why the Bassline had become an institution.
"The Bassline started in 1994, when our country was coming together as the kind of place we wanted to live in. The club, through its owner Brad Holmes, represented that change more than anywhere else in Joburg.
"It was a multicultural, relaxed place where everyone came to enjoy the music and have a good time. It brought people together in a pretentious-free environment. I'm not the only one who is going to miss it," he said.
Holmes, who cited financial problems for the closure, said the Bassline's final party consisted of an all-night jam session with 50 jazz musicians who had performed at the Bassline since it opened.
He is to become the entertainment manager of the Newtown Music Hall, while Paige Dawtry, the Bassline's co-owner, will manage Bassline Productions, which will promote music events.
And on Saturday, the biggest party of all was undoubtedly Joburg's 14th annual Gay Pride parade through the streets of Rosebank, which culminated in an enormous party at Zoo Lake.
Gays, lesbians, transsexuals, bisexuals - you name it - were part of the festivities.
Some were just quietly observing while others were outrageously daring in their Tina Turner wigs, Spiderman suits, priests' cassocks and nuns' habits, leather whips and layers of make-up.
More than 30 vehicles and thousands of "out and prouds" - carrying slogans like "God is not Pty Ltd" and wearing T-shirts saying "I don't mind if you are straight as long as you act gay in public" - took part in the parade, which brought traffic in the Rosebank area to a standstill.
According to parade organiser Gary Bath, there were more than 15 000 participants and thousands more supporters lining the route.
The marchers gathered at Zoo Lake and paraded through Rosebank before arriving back at the lake for an afternoon of song, dance and boerewors rolls.
Participant Mark Lurie said: "The highlight was when one of the queens took on the 'turn-or-burn' protesters. The queen shouted: 'You know God also hates intolerance.' The participants burst out clapping."
Also on Saturday, hip-hop band Prophets of Da City and drum 'n bass outfit Krushed 'n Sorted had fans stamping their feet at the Carfax club in Newtown.
Arts Alive's month-long festival boasted two events on Friday and Saturday night at the Dome, north of Johannesburg. According to project co-ordinator Nomahlubi Sinamane, the performances were "brilliant".
On Friday, the line-up included soul and R&B outfit All 4 One, ballady pop star TK, Afro-jazz musician Neo Muyanga as well as Denim, an R&B outfit with an African spin.
Despite the quality of the performers, the show wasn't well attended.
"It was very disappointing. I think there was probably too much going on this weekend and there were just too many gigs happening, each gig wanting a slice of the consumer pie," said one member of the audience.
At the Dome on Saturday, American rap star Sisqo drew fans from across the city. He was joined on stage by Speedy, Arthur Mafakate, Afro-Z and Boyz Next Door.
In a surprise appearance, recently crowned Coca-Cola Pop Stars group Adila sang, to rousing applause.