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 T

hursday 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 in for a vibey peak winter season of First Thursdays! Mark your calendars for 2 July and stay tuned to discover wh...
18/06/2026

We’re in for a vibey peak winter season of First Thursdays! Mark your calendars for 2 July and stay tuned to discover what to see and where to be across Cape Town, Stellenbosch, and Joburg.




For First Thursdays on 2 July, explore Zeitz MOCAA until late, with half-price admission from 6pm to 9pm.You can look fo...
11/06/2026

For First Thursdays on 2 July, explore Zeitz MOCAA until late, with half-price admission from 6pm to 9pm.

You can look forward to some incredible new exhibitions, a guest DJ in the iconic atrium, guided walkabouts, and more.

Book tickets online (link in bio), or become a Zeitz MOCAA member to enjoy year-round access and free admission to First Thursdays events.

This edition of First Thursdays is made possible thanks to our current partnership with Toyota Urban Cruiser. Be Boldy Curious and uncover Cape Town’s hidden gems at First Thursdays. Stay tuned for more of what to see and where to be for First Thursdays in July.

See first-thursdays.co.za for more info.

For food, music & drinks at First Thursdays on 4 June, here are our recommendations for central Cape Town…, 50 Orange St...
04/06/2026

For food, music & drinks at First Thursdays on 4 June, here are our recommendations for central Cape Town…

, 50 Orange Street

, 168 Loop Street

, 8 Jarvis Street

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

, 103 Bree Street

, 37 Parliament Street

, 103 Bree Street
inthecity, 101 Hout Street

, 84 Shortmarket Street

, 80 Loop Street

, 136 Bree Street

, 100 Shortmarket Street

/ / .ct, 61 Harrington Street

, 48 Harrington Street

, 1 Haul Road, V&A Waterfront, Granger Bay

We’re excited to reboot First Thursdays at the V&A Waterfront from tomorrow, with a fantastic walkable programme of art ...
03/06/2026

We’re excited to reboot First Thursdays at the V&A Waterfront from tomorrow, with a fantastic walkable programme of art galleries, design stores and food options to explore.

Swipe for what to see and where to be for First Thursdays on 4 June, and check back for an expanded programme in July.

This month’s highlights feature: , , , , , .sa, , , and .

Explore the full programme online at first-thursdays.co.za (link in bio).



Discover what to see and where to be for First Thursdays in Stellenbosch on 4 June…1. ‘Strike a Cord’ by Dani Le Roy at ...
03/06/2026

Discover what to see and where to be for First Thursdays in Stellenbosch on 4 June…

1. ‘Strike a Cord’ by Dani Le Roy at . De Wet Centre, Church Street, 5-8pm

2. ‘Deaccessioned’ featuring at . 182 Dorp Street, 5-8pm

3. ‘New Pathways’ at Stellenbosch University Museum. 52 Ryneveld Street, 5-8pm

4. Step into a space where creativity come alive at . 20 Andringa Street, 5-8pm

5. ‘Place’ curated by Amy Rommelspacher and Kathryn Smith at . Corner Bird and Dorp Street, 5-8pm

6. Join the grand opening of Stellenbosch Photo Initiative, an art project by Andre Bezuidenhout of carefully selected series of historic photographs that will be permanently exhibited throughout central Stellenbosch. 16 Andringa Street, 5.30-6.30pm

7. Art showcase featuring Hanna Grobler, Gerhard van Eck, Filter & Fyn, Wilkoroon, Juliana, Joubert Stander and Design Studio, with a Sculpture Talk and Coffee Tasting at .africa. 5 Ryneveld Street, 5–10pm

8. Visit FOMO Fine Art Gallery & Wine Lounge () this First Thursdays, a new addition to Dorp Street combining fine art, wine, and music to create a space that is truly unique in Stellenbosch. 158 Dorp Street, 5pm–late

9. ‘Fine bronze art’ by Alan Ainslie, Jean Louw, Cristina Salvoldi and Xhanti Mpakama at . 38 Church Street, 5-8pm

10. Join Stellenbosch Art Mile this First Thursdays for an Artist Talk with acclaimed land artist and sculptor Strijdom van der Merwe at . Cnr Pastorie Road & Die Laan, 5.15pm

11. ‘Art of Origin’ features local artists of all ages and stages in Stellenbosch who were invited to participate in a Visit Stellenbosch competition, presented in collaboration with the Stellenbosch Art Association (SAA) at . Cnr Pastorie Road & Die Laan, 5-8pm

13. Join for their selected pizzas for just R100 special. 7 Church Street, 5-9pm

13. The Pottery Stellenbosch () is the perfect spot for a relaxed atmosphere and creating your own art. 2C Ryneveld Street, 5-9pm

We’re excited to partner with Toyota Urban Cruiser for the upcoming quarter of First Thursdays. From June to August 2026...
02/06/2026

We’re excited to partner with Toyota Urban Cruiser for the upcoming quarter of First Thursdays. From June to August 2026, we invite you to be boldly curious and explore a curated route of hidden gems across the city.

Curated by Mapitso Thaisi (), June’s route features moments that surprise, spaces that inspire, and encounters that spark bold curiosity along the way.

Swipe for this month’s hidden gems, and follow the walking map online (link in bio).



What to see and where to be for First Thursdays in central Cape Town on 4 June…1. ‘Off The Wall: Art for Easy Collecting...
02/06/2026

What to see and where to be for First Thursdays in central Cape Town on 4 June…

1. ‘Off The Wall: Art for Easy Collecting’ featuring Alice Toich, Turiya Magadlela and others at . 21 Church Street, 4.30-8pm

2. ‘North Bound’ by Rentia Retief at .gallery. 90 Bree Street, 5-10pm

3. ‘Sabela Uyabizwa’ by Kemang Wa Lehulere and Gladys Mgudlandlu at . First Floor, Radio House, 92 Loop Street, 5-8pm

4. ‘Making My Way’ and three other exhibitions at .za. 35 Church Street, 5-8pm

5. ‘ECHOES OF WHAT REMAINS’ by Elgin Rust at . 160 Strand Street, 6pm - 8pm

6. ‘Fluster’ by Zarah Cassim and ‘The Queens in a Cup’ by Robert Hamblin at . 99 Loop Street, 5-8pm

7. ‘AMEN | Grassroots Football Exhibition’ by Jessica Hilltout at . 78 Shortmarket Street, 5-9pm

8. ‘After the First Look’ group show at . 56 Church Street, 6-8pm

9. ‘Gilded’ by Luiza Cachalia at . 25 Church Street, 5-8pm

10. ‘Building Drawing Practice’ by Aaron Philander and ‘Umsinsi Wokuzimilela’ by Smiso Cele at . (26a St Georges Mall, 5-8pm)

11. ‘Celebrating Life Through Art’ by Jaret Loggenberg, Juanita Oosthuizen and others at . (34 Bree Street, 5-7.30pm)

12. Pop by at for an evening of new arrivals, fitting room moments and good music. 4 Park Road, 6-9pm

13. A showcase of featured artists, including works by Thandazani Ndlovu, Edward Selematsela, and others, at @1895.artgallery, 52 Burg Street, from 5-9pm.

14. ‘Let’s Make Mistakes Tonight And Go For Therapy Tomorrow’ by Marcel Herholdt at . 68 Long Street, 5-8pm

15. n Greep uit grenslose gesprekke by Liza Grobler . 25 Commercial Street, 4-7pm

16. ‘Iya embovaneni vila ndini’ by Songezo Zantsi at .projects. 66 Plein Street, 5-8pm

17. ‘Earth Song’ group show at . 60 Church Street, 5-7pm

18. Secret Signature Art Reveal Evening at .art_gallery. 14 Long Street, 5-8pm

19. ‘Zambuko’ by Cosmas Dandajenahat . 155 Loop Street, 6-9pm

We’re gearing up for an exciting Winter season of First Thursdays! Mark your calendars for 4 June and stay tuned to disc...
21/05/2026

We’re gearing up for an exciting Winter season of First Thursdays! Mark your calendars for 4 June and stay tuned to discover what to see and where to be across Cape Town, Stellenbosch, and Joburg.




May marks the one-year anniversary of First Thursdays Stellenbosch. To all those who have attended, and to all the parti...
19/05/2026

May marks the one-year anniversary of First Thursdays Stellenbosch. To all those who have attended, and to all the participating spaces, artists, partners and activators, thank you for your support, enthusiasm, and contribution to this growing programme.

We celebrate with gratitude 🙏

If you would like be a part of First Thursdays in any way, get in touch via email at [email protected]

For food, music & drinks at First Thursdays on 7 May, here are our recommendations for central Cape Town…, 84 Shortmarke...
07/05/2026

For food, music & drinks at First Thursdays on 7 May, here are our recommendations for central Cape Town…

, 84 Shortmarket Street

, 103 Bree Street

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

, 8 Jarvis Street

, 48 Harrington Street

, 50 Orange Street

, 37 Parliament Street
inthecity, 101 Hout Street

, 136 Bree Street

, 103 Bree Street

, 100 Shortmarket Street

, 71 Loop Street

, 86 Bree Street

, 137 Waterkant Street

, 49 Bree Street

, 75 Harrington Street

, 168 Loop Street

/ / .ct, 61 Harrington Street

, 80 Loop Street

Address

Church Street
Cape Town
8001

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