First Thursdays

A global phenomenon, #FirstThursdays is fast becoming the must-go-to event all over SA. It takes place on the first Thursday of every month, when cultural events around the city open from 5pm till late. Locals and tourists are invited to explore the city on foot and experience everything on offer, from art exhibitions to food, vintage markets and live entertainment.

Here are some of our favourite spots…

Johannesburg
Braamfontein

Loved for its gourmet street food, cocktails and live bands playing late into the night.
Neighbourgoods Night Market – 73 Juta Street

Contemporary art galleries:
Kalashnikovv – 153 Smit Street
Stevenson – 62 Juta Street
Wits Art Museum – 1 Jan Smuts Avenue

Visit this independent publisher for book launches and wine and poetry evenings.
Fourthwall Books – 93 De Korte Street

Newtown

For free music events on the piazza.
Newtown Junction Mall – 100 Carr Street

Go late-night shopping at the stylish design emporium.
Workshop in Newtown – 100 Carr Street

Discover new art exhibitions:
Market Photo Workshop – 2 Helen Joseph Street
Artist Proof Studio – 3 Helen Joseph Street

The Potato Shed – 1 Carr Street
Relatively new restaurant; the menu focuses on craft beer and wine, a variety of hearty ember-coal cooked meats, wood-fired options and potatoes done in every way you can imagine.

Rosebank

Drop by for major exhibition launches and artist walkabouts at these top galleries.
Everard Read Gallery – 142 Jan Smuts Avenue
Goodman Gallery – 163 Jan Smuts Avenue
RES Gallery – 142 Jan Smuts Avenue
Circa Gallery – 2 Jellicoe Avenue

David Krut Projects – 142 Jan Smuts Ave

For drinks and live music.
MusicWorX Café – 157 Jan Smuts Avenue

Cape Town

A little double-storey gallery owned by Elbe Coetzee; if you are looking for authenticity and heartfelt gifts to take home, this is the place to go.
Mogalakwena – 3 Church Street

Offers a collection of innovative South African designs, such as chairs, tables and lamps.
Stable – 65 Loop Street

This gallery focuses on large-format installations and sculptures, providing artists with a devoted area to showcase their creativity.
Commune 1– 64 Wale Street

Collaborative permanent galleries with a diverse and dynamic selection of contemporary art.
StateOftheART and G2 Art – 61 Shortmarket Street

Bringing gourmet food to the best spots in Cape Town.
Food Trucks – Bree Street

Durban – Station Drive

Durban kicked off its inaugural First Thursday in February at the popular Station Drive Precinct, Durban’s first urban renewal and creative district. The whole Station Drive Precinct opens from 5pm until late, with a full programme of events to satisfy a variety of tastes. They don’t only offer food and drinks but there’s also Pilates, roller skating, art exhibitions, movies, homeware, album launches, laser-cutting classes and more.

For more info visit: First-thursdays.co.za