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.

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

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

Wine 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 Wine & 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 Wine & 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 WINE 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.

What to see and where to be for First Thursdays in central Cape Town on 6 August…1. ‘After Library II’ by Thulile Gamedz...
03/08/2026

What to see and where to be for First Thursdays in central Cape Town on 6 August…

1. ‘After Library II’ by Thulile Gamedze at Lemkus Gallery. (26a St Georges Mall, 5-8pm)

2. ‘Sequins/Sequence’ by Ashley Walters and three other exhibitions at Association for Visual Arts. 35 Church Street, 5-8pm

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

4. ‘The Joburg Group Show’ at Vela Projects. 66 Plein Street, 5-8pm

5. ‘AS SHE IS’ - A Photographic Exhibition Celebrating Women with Disabilities at The Artists Gallery 🖼️. (34 Bree Street, 5-7.30pm)

6. ‘All the Places Inside of Me’ by Jasirah Sayed & ‘Controlled Rupture’ by Lars Fischedick at Eclectica Contemporary. 56 Church Street, 5-8pm

7. ‘It Shimmers in the Breach’ at Michaelis School of Fine Art. Hiddingh Campus, 31 Orange Street, 4-6pm

8. ‘AMEN | Grassroots Football’ at Gallery F | Photography Gallery | Cape Town. 78 Shortmarket Street, 5-9pm

9. ‘The Street is my Stage’ by Quaniet Richards at DwebaArtCPT. 167 Longmarket Street, 5-8pm

10. ‘Flavour of Africa’ by Madu Chimezie at signature.art_gallery. 14 Long Street, 5-8pm

11. ‘Hedonic Adaptation: Structures of Survival and Repair’ by Edoardo Villa & Tshepo Sizwe Phokojoe at Peffers Fine Art. First Floor, Radio House, 92 Loop Street, 5-8pm

12. ‘The Archive of Lost Instructions’ by Peter Cohen at Aspire Art. 21 Church Street, 4.30-8pm

13. ‘A Very Loop Street Winter’ by Richard Butler Bowdon and other artists at EBONY/CURATED. 67 Loop Street, 6-8pm

14.Try your hand at the marimbas and enjoy a coffee at St George's, 5 Wale Street, 5-8pm

15. ‘A Flower For…’ by Amy Ayanda Lester and others at 99 Loop Gallery. 99 Loop Street, 5-8pm

16. ‘Contemporary Voices’ featuring Solomon Omogboye at 1895 Art Gallery, 52 Burg Street, from 5-9pm.

17. ‘Dreaming Impossible Things’ at Alliance Française du Cap. 155 Loop Street, 6-9pm

18. Late Night Shopping at R O S E Y & V I T T O R I. 4 Park Road, 6-9pm

19. ‘ALTAR EGO’ by Christi Steyn at Ground Art Caffe. 160 Strand Street, 6pm - 8pm

20. ‘A Little Show’ at SMAC Gallery. 25 Church Street, 5-8pm

Tiger’s Milk Kloof presents Die Heuwels Fantasties for First Thursdays on 6 AugustJoin Tiger's Milk Restaurant & Bar for...
30/07/2026

Tiger’s Milk Kloof presents Die Heuwels Fantasties for First Thursdays on 6 August

Join Tiger's Milk Restaurant & Bar for the relaunch of their iconic Kloof Street location, featuring a new look, cold beers, great food, and a headline performance by one of South Africa’s most-loved bands, Die Heuwels Fantasties (Die Heuwels Fantasties). Kicking off the night is Deep Domino.

Expect an unforgettable experience and electric atmosphere that makes Kloof Street one of Cape Town’s best nights out.

📅 6 August | 7pm
💰 R100 Phase 2 → R150 at the door

Tickets available from Howler
https://www.howler.co.za/events/first-thursday-with-die-heuwels-fantasties-9ae9/tickets

We partnered with Toyota Urban Cruiser to bring you a special edition of First Thursdays at Zeitz MOCAA.Thank you to eve...
29/07/2026

We partnered with Toyota Urban Cruiser to bring you a special edition of First Thursdays at Zeitz MOCAA.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this one-of-a-kind experience at one of the world’s most iconic museums.

Swipe for a recap...

For food, music & drinks at First Thursdays on 2 July, here are our recommendations for central Cape Town…, 80 Loop Stre...
02/07/2026

For food, music & drinks at First Thursdays on 2 July, here are our recommendations for central Cape Town…

, 80 Loop Street

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

, 103 Bree Street
inthecity, 101 Hout Street

, 37 Parliament Stree

, 136 Bree Street

/ / .ct, 61 Harrington Street

, 50 Orange Street

, 84 Shortmarket Street

, 100 Shortmarket Street

, The Rocket Shed, 280 Dock Road

, 103 Bree Street

, 48 Harrington Street

, 8 Jarvis Street

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

, 168 Loop Street

Discover what to see and where to be for First Thursdays in Stellenbosch on 2 July…1. ‘Maggie Laubser at 140 exhibition!...
01/07/2026

Discover what to see and where to be for First Thursdays in Stellenbosch on 2 July…

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

2. ‘CoreFIBRE (Memory Resides Here)’ at . Corner Bird and Dorp Street, 5pm-8pm

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

4. Bold Colour and Expressive Form at . 20 Andringa Street, 5pm-8pm.

5. Experience a self-guided tour of the Stellenbosch Photo Initiative, an art project by Andre Bezuidenhout of carefully selected series of historic photographs that will be permanently exhibited throughout central Stellenbosch down the road from Bertha Wine Bar/Meraki. 16 Andringa Street, 5.30-6.30pm.

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

7. Join Stellenbosch Art Mile this First Thursdays for an Artist Talk with Amy Rusch at . Cnr Pastorie Road & Die Laan, 5pm

8. Visit FOMO Fine Art Gallery & Wine Lounge () and enjoy a cosy coffee bar with proudly local brands under one roof, pairing locally sourced, freshly roasted coffee with comfy, durable socks designed and made right here in South Africa. 158 Dorp Street, 5pm–late.

9. ‘Bertha Wine Bar presents a Blind Wine Tasting: Syrah vs Shiraz edition’ at . Tickets are R200 per person. 43 Church Street, 6pm-7pm

10. 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, 5pm-10pm.

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

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

We asked artists Johno Mellish () and Rachel Edwards () a few questions about their creative process, moments in Cape To...
24/06/2026

We asked artists Johno Mellish () and Rachel Edwards () a few questions about their creative process, moments in Cape Town and more. Swipe for their answers…
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Johno and Rachel’s duo photography exhibition ‘Trophy Catch’, an exhibition of photography and text displayed across 13 fish and chips shops in Cape Town and London from 7 May to 7 June 2026.
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Cover portrait 📷 Portrait of the Artists by Their Friends

Cape Town has an incredible concentration of theatre and live performance venues. Here are some of our favourites to che...
19/06/2026

Cape Town has an incredible concentration of theatre and live performance venues. Here are some of our favourites to check out this Winter...

, 35 Buitengracht Street

at City Hall, Darling Street

at Gorgeous George, 118 St George’s Mall

at the Artscape, D.F. Malan Street

, 103 Bree Street

Star Theatre (formerly The Fugard), Cnr Buitenkant Street & Caledon Street

, 80 Hout Street

, 70 - 74 Bree Street

, D.F. Malan Street

, 61 Loop Street (2nd Floor)

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Church Street
Cape Town
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