First Thursdays South Africa

First Thursdays South Africa Most art galleries and exhibition spaces are open between 5pm and 8pm, with some closing earlier or later. Visit first-thursdays.co.za for more information.

First Thursdays is a monthly cultural experience centred around a walkable programme of art galleries and other cultural attractions, taking place after hours on the first Thursday of every month in Cape Town and Johannesburg. First Thursdays is a monthly cultural experience centred around a walkable programme of art galleries and other cultural attractions, taking place after hours on the first Thursday of every month. Established in Cape Town in 2012, and in Johannesburg in 2015, First Thursdays continues to be one of the best ways to experience the cultural life of South Africa's cities. The First Thursdays initiative is owned and coordinated by First Thursdays South Africa.

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ATTEND

First Thursdays is free to attend, with no tickets required for the general exhibition programme, although some music performances and special events may have an admission fee. Plan your night by exploring each month's programme on our online and social channels. Find a few highlights that you would like to see, or pick a starting point and see where the night takes you. Please be respectful of those around you and of the spaces you are in.

We’re so in for Spring shenanigans! Mark your calendars for 1 October and stay tuned for what to see and where to be in ...
17/09/2026

We’re so in for Spring shenanigans! Mark your calendars for 1 October and stay tuned for what to see and where to be in Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Joburg.




For food, music & drinks at First Thursdays on 3 September, here are our recommendations for central Cape Town…Lunacy, 4...
03/09/2026

For food, music & drinks at First Thursdays on 3 September, here are our recommendations for central Cape Town…

Lunacy, 48 Harrington Street

The Blue Room at Grub & Vine, 103 Bree Street

COCKTAIL CLUB | KLOOF STREET, CAPE TOWN, 22 Kloof Street

fable cape town, 136 Bree Street

Bo-Vine W**e & Grill House - In The City., 101 Hout Street

Harringtons / SurfaRosa / District Cape Town | Night Club & Events Venue, 61 Harrington Street

Chingadas CT, 50 Orange Street

W**e Bar in Bree Street, Cape Town, 103 Bree Street

Noah by Charles Hope, 80 Loop Street

Klok at Onomo Cape Town Inn on the Square, 10 Greenmarket Square

The Drinkery, 100 Shortmarket Street

The Gin Bar, 64a Wale Street

LE PICKLE, 8 Jarvis Street

Addis in Cape Restaurant, 168 Loop Street

Clarke's bar & dining room, 133 Bree Street

Bascule Bar, Cape Grace, West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront

Grand Africa Café & Beach, 1 Haul Road, V&A Waterfront, Granger Bay

Discover what to see and where to be for First Thursdays in Stellenbosch on 3 September…1. ‘Veplantfeetjies’ by Fiona Mo...
03/09/2026

Discover what to see and where to be for First Thursdays in Stellenbosch on 3 September…

1. ‘Veplantfeetjies’ by Fiona Moodie, Antjie Krog and Ingrid de Kok at Oude Leeskamer Stellenbosch. 182 Dorp Street, 5-8pm

2. 'Reflections in Form' presented by The Creative Jewellery & Metal Division at GUS. Corner Bird and Dorp Street, 5pm-8pm

3. ‘Maggie Laubser at 140 exhibition!’ at Stellenbosch University Museum. 52 Ryneveld Street, 5-8pm

4. Visit Art@Minserie, a new contemporary art space showcasing works by emerging and established artists, featuring a launch collaboration with the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography that celebrates the next generation of creative pioneers. 11 Minserie Street, 5-8pm

5. Join Stellenbosch Art Mile this First Thursdays for an Artist Talk on the Borer Beetle, featuring Prof. François Roets, Charlotte Moss and Anna van Pletsen, for an important conversation about the shot-hole borer beetle’s impact at Stellenbosch Art Mile. Cnr Pastorie Road & Die Laan, 5pm

6. Step into a space where creativity comes alive at MIES. 20 Andringa Street, 5-8pm.

7. 'Bronze Art Gallery' featuring Alan Ainslie, Jean Louw, Brenton Alexander, Bruce Little and others at Art On Church Gallery. 38 Church Street, 5-8pm.

8. Interior Design, Artwork and Sculptures Exhibition at Projekt.. 5 Ryneveld Street, 5pm-late.

9. Experience a self-guided tour of the Stellenbosch Photo Initiative permanently exhibited throughout central. 16 Andringa Street, 5.30-6.30pm.

10. Stop by SOFIA PIZZA & PASTA HOUSE and enjoy selected pizzas and pastas for just R100. 7 Church Street, 5-9pm.

11. Blind W**e Tasting: Light Reds Edition, Join at BERTHA W**E BAR. for another intimate Blind tasting as they explore the lighter, more elegant side of red w**e. Tickets are R200 per person. 43 Church Street, 6-7pm

12. Join The Pottery Stellenbosch (The Pottery Cape Town) for an evening of live music by Elton and enjoy a b**r and burger special. 2C Ryneveld Street, 5-9pm.

13. And explore the latest work in 'Where Art Meets W**e & Coffee' at Fomo Fine Art. 158 Dorp Street, 5pm-late.

First Thursdays is back at the Longkloof Precinct this Spring season!Swipe for what to see at Longkloof, including favou...
02/09/2026

First Thursdays is back at the Longkloof Precinct this Spring season!

Swipe for what to see at Longkloof, including favourites like Hope Distillery & Provisions Store, Cafe Sofi, Rowdy, Ogūn, R O S E Y & V I T T O R I, Custodian Pastry Bar, Ballo Eyewear, SIBA Deli (Siba Mtongana), Ongetem Cape Town, and more.

See first-thursdays.co.za and the link in our bio for the Longkloof District guide, helping you discover what to see and where to be for First Thursdays.

Exhibitions, tastings, live drawing, and more to check out at First Thursdays in Johannesburg on 3 September…1. Join Kli...
02/09/2026

Exhibitions, tastings, live drawing, and more to check out at First Thursdays in Johannesburg on 3 September…

1. Join Klink W**e Pop-up for a glass of w**e featuring a selection from Slow W**e, with discounted tickets for the upcoming KLINK W**e Festival also available at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub. (223 Jan Smuts Avenue, 5pm - 9pm)

2. Experience a live painting session with artist Eulogia Merle inspired by her solo exhibition Unquiet Figures, 2026 at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub. (223 Jan Smuts Avenue, 5pm - 9pm)

3. Join Artist in Residence Vuyi Qubeka in The Creatory for an artist activation at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub. (223 Jan Smuts Avenue, 5pm - 9pm)

4. Explore a selection of African literature, visual arts publications, and interdisciplinary titles from Johannesburg-based bookseller and cultural platform with Lit.Culture Book Pop-Up at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub. (223 Jan Smuts Avenue, 5pm - 9pm)

5. And join the Preview of  Eulogia Merle's solo exhibition 'Unquiet Figures' at Candice Berman Gallery. (223 Jan Smuts Avenue, 5pm - 9pm)



What to see and where to be for First Thursdays in central Cape Town on 3 September…1. ‘A Very Loop Street Winter’ group...
01/09/2026

What to see and where to be for First Thursdays in central Cape Town on 3 September…

1. ‘A Very Loop Street Winter’ group show at EBONY/CURATED. 67 Loop Street, 6-8pm

2. 'Metaphorical Biographies' by Santu Mofokeng at Vela Projects. 66 Plein Street, 5-8pm

3. 'The Theatre of the Yellow Rock Fort' by Kristen McClarty and three other exhibitions at Association for Visual Arts. 35 Church Street, 5-8pm

4. 'Three-Part Play' featuring Xanthe Scout Lardner-Burke, Pia Truscott and Daniel Tucker at 99 Loop Gallery. 99 Loop Street, 5-8pm

5.'Essays' by Pebofatso Mokoena at Lemkus Gallery. 26a St Georges Mall, 5-8pm

6. Visit Cape Film Supply this First Thursdays and experience a film photography space that celebrates analogue photography, offering an escape from the fast pace of the digital age. 101 Harrington Street, 5pm -8pm

7. Join Black Betty Design and wander through the latest jewels, new piercing stock and fresh Zapping charms. 77 Hout Street, 5-9pm

8. Delete Nton’ntoni’ curated by Tafadzwa Tega at HUB. 25 Commercial Street, 4-7pm

9. 'Fleeting Glimpses' by Karen Stewart at MullersGallery. 104 Longmarket Street, 5-8pm

10. 'Order of Appearance' by Sotiris Moldovanos at WORLDART. 68 Long Street, 5-8pm

11. Spring sessions this First Thursdays at CHIMI. 69 Shortmarket Street, 7-10pm

12. 'The Cape Town Photography Festival' group show at Alliance Française du Cap. 155 Loop Street, 6-9pm

13. Retrospective exhibition by Ina van Zyl at Nel. 117 Long Street, 5-8pm

14. ‘Contemporary Voices’ featuring Rodney ghee at 1895 Art Gallery, 52 Burg Street, from 5-9pm

15. Art & Music Series launching at signature.art_gallery. 14 Long Street, 5-8pm

16. Process Studios Student Exhibition at S.E.A.. 25 Commercial Street ,5.30-7.30

17. 'Annual Wildlife 2026' group exhibition at  The Cape Gallery. 60 Church Street, 5-7pm

18. Textura Animae' by Stephen Symons at The Artists Gallery 🖼️. 34 Bree Street, 5-7.30pm

19. And visit the Western Cape Blood Service for a free blood group testing as part of First Thursdays. 9 Long Street, 4-6pm

For food, music & drinks at First Thursdays on 6 August, here are our recommendations for central Cape Town…W**e Bar in ...
06/08/2026

For food, music & drinks at First Thursdays on 6 August, here are our recommendations for central Cape Town…

W**e Bar in Bree Street, Cape Town, 103 Bree Street

The Drinkery, 100 Shortmarket Street

Tiger's Milk Restaurant & Bar, 55 Kloof Street

Chingadas CT, 50 Orange Street

Noah by Charles Hope, 80 Loop Street

The Blue Room at Grub & Vine, 103 Bree Street

Clarke's bar & dining room, 133 Bree Street

THoM Cape Town, 84 Shortmarket Street

Addis in Cape Restaurant, 168 Loop Street

LE PICKLE, 8 Jarvis Street

fable cape town, 136 Bree Street

Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen, The Rocket Shed, 280 Dock Road

Harringtons / SurfaRosa / District Cape Town | Night Club & Events Venue, 61 Harrington Street

Bascule Bar, Cape Grace, West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront

Bo-Vine W**e & Grill House - In The City., 101 Hout Street

Grand Africa Café & Beach, 1 Haul Road, V&A Waterfront, Granger Bay

Lunacy, 48 Harrington Street

HALO, 71 Loop Street

Exhibitions, live sculpture burnings, walkabouts, and more to check out at First Thursdays in Johannesburg on 6 August…1...
05/08/2026

Exhibitions, live sculpture burnings, walkabouts, and more to check out at First Thursdays in Johannesburg on 6 August…

1. Quest - a quiz-style treasure hunt at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub for a Keychain Keepsake Workshop. (223 Jan Smuts Avenue, 5pm - 9pm)

2. ‘Gatherer: Solo Exhibition & Live Sculpture Burn’ by Mandy Johnston at Candice Berman Gallery. (223 Jan Smuts Avenue, 5pm - 9pm)

3. ‘The Pursuit of a Glimmer’ by Jessica Adams in collaboration with Amy Keevy, Lebogang Mabusela, Rina Noto, Mummy Khumalo, Nwabisa Ntlokwana, Thato Tlatsi and Yolanda Mazwana at Candice Berman Gallery. (223 Jan Smuts Avenue, 5pm - 9pm)

4. ‘Moletelo: A Gathering of Memories’ by Frans Thoka at Candice Berman Gallery. (223 Jan Smuts Avenue, 5pm - 9pm)

5. An intimate conversational exchange for ‘The Pursuit of a Glimmer’ by Jessica Adams alongside South African artists Yolanda Mazwana, Nwabisa Ntlokwana, Mummy Khumalo, Thato Tlatsi, Lebogang Mabusela and Rina Noto at Candice Berman Gallery. (223 Jan Smuts Avenue, 5pm - 9pm)

6. And join Ask A Stranger activation by A StrangerKind, an invitation to the public to come and be curious at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub. (223 Jan Smuts Avenue, 5pm - 9pm)



Discover what to see and where to be for First Thursdays in Stellenbosch on 6 August…1. ‘Maggie Laubser at 140 exhibitio...
05/08/2026

Discover what to see and where to be for First Thursdays in Stellenbosch on 6 August…

1. ‘Maggie Laubser at 140 exhibition!’ at Stellenbosch University Museum. 52 Ryneveld Street, 5pm-8pm

2. Step into a space where creativity comes alive at MIES. 20 Andringa Street, 5pm-8pm.

3. Join ‘Voices & Vibes | Evenings, Reimagined’ a new monthly open mic night at GUS. Corner Bird and Dorp Street, 5pm-8pm

4. ‘Veplantfeetjies’ by Fiona Moodie, Antjie Krog and Ingrid de Kok at Oude Leeskamer Stellenbosch. 182 Dorp Street, 5-8pm

5. Discover a vibrant group exhibition showcasing the latest works by a collection of artists at SMAC Gallery. De Wet Centre, Church Street, 5pm-8pm.

6. A Journey in Sound - live jazz listening session with legendary Bheki Bheki Khoza at SoniXplorations (Interventions), hosted by the SU Music Department. Duikboot, Stellenbosch Konservatorium, 5.30pm-7.30pm.

7. ‘Formations: A Series of Works in Progress’ at GUS. Corner Bird and Dorp Street, 5pm-8pm

8. Celebrate the talent of South African women artists at the Stellenbosch Art Association’s Women’s Day Exhibition, hosted at the PJ Olivier Art Centre (pjolivierartcentre). 3 Blom Street, 5pm - 8pm

9. ‘Fine bronze art’ at Art On Church Gallery. 38 Church Street, 5pm-8pm.

10. Join Stellenbosch Art Mile this First Thursdays for an Artist Talk on EXPLODED GEOGRAPHIES IV with Ledelle Moe at Stellenbosch Art Mile. Cnr Pastorie Road & Die Laan, 5pm

11. Praised artists showcase their latest work in Where Art Meets W**e & Coffee at Fomo Fine Art. 158 Dorp Street, 5pm-late.

12. Interior Design, Artwork and Sculptures Exhibition at Projekt.. 5 Ryneveld Street, 5pm-10pm.

13. Experience a self-guided tour of the Stellenbosch Photo Initiative permanently exhibited throughout central. 16 Andringa Street, 5.30-6.30pm.

14. Stop by SOFIA PIZZA & PASTA HOUSE and enjoy selected pizzas and pastas for just R100. 7 Church Street, 5pm-9pm.

15. Blind Tasting: Winter Reds Edition at BERTHA W**E BAR. Tickets are R200 per person. 43 Church Street, 6pm-7pm

16. Join The Pottery Stellenbosch (The Pottery Cape Town) for an evening of Paint Your Partner and live music by Kruger & Tutu. 2C Ryneveld Street, 5pm-9pm.

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