First Thursdays in Cape Town: Art, Wine, Music, Design & City Buzz
If you’re in Cape Town on the first Thursday of the month, go ahead & cancel your evening plans – The city has already made them for you!
First Thursdays is when Cape Town’s vibrant inner-city comes alive with art exhibitions, open galleries, lively street music, cool pop-up bars, trendy street-side eateries & crowds of people eager & excited to experience every glorious second of the Mother City’s First Thursday magic! The vibe is creative, casual & free-flowing: no tickets, no schedules & no rules (besides maybe comfy shoes & mandatory curiosity).
Here’s what it’s all about, plus some spots worth checking out & a loose route to follow if it’s your first time.
So, what exactly is First Thursdays?
First Thursdays is a monthly event that encourages locals & visitors to freely explore the lively inner-city streets & experience Cape Town’s thriving & thrilling art scene by night. Galleries, cultural venues, boutiques, bars, restaurants & eateries in the city centre stay open until late into the night, welcoming anyone & everyone to step in & explore free of charge.
However, over the years, First Thursdays have grown into SO MUCH MORE than just an art crawl. Bars & restaurants run specials, local DJs & musicians take over sidewalks & the city becomes a buzzing night market of visual art, food, fashion & music. It’s the kind of night where you might stumble into a design studio, find a rooftop party, or end up dancing in a bookstore. You never quite know where the night might take you – and therein lies the fun & thrill of it all, of course!
There’s no fixed route, however, here’s a suggested route to follow if it’s your first time.
Suggested Route for First-Timers
You can freestyle it, but if you’d like a general route, here’s a flexible one to guide your evening:
- Start early at AVA Gallery (Church St & Burg St). Get your bearings while it’s still light & check out the latest exhibitions.
- Walk up Church Street, stopping at Worldart, 99 Loop Gallery & the pop-up stalls & street performers along the way.
- Head towards Loop Street or Bree Street for a bite or a drink. Spots like House of Machines, Clarke’s, or Leo’s Wine Bar often do something fun for the night.
- Make your way to Youngblood or the Book Lounge to wind down with a quieter cultural moment (or a last cocktail).
- Go wherever the crowd takes you next!
A Few Quick Tips
- Go early: Things kick off around 5pm – 6pm & popular spots can get busy quickly.
- Keep it casual: There’s no dress code & it’s all walkable, so wear something comfy & weather-appropriate.
- Expect surprises: Live DJs in alleyways, impromptu jazz sets, tattoo flash sales… You never know what you’ll stumble into.
Art Galleries
Young Blood Africa Gallery
Situated on trendy Bree Street, Young Blood Africa is a wildly dynamic & vibrant art space dedicated to emerging artists, fostering self-sustainability & creativity. Committed to pushing the boundaries of artistic innovation, it has become a true beacon of creativity & a hub for cultural exchange. This must-visit gallery is all about showcasing fresh perspectives & progressive trail-blazing works across diverse mediums of artistic expressions – be it through the language of music, visual arts, dance or theatre – and aims to support progress within the creative sector by supporting local talent. This gallery is sure to make you feel moved through beauty, social commentary & reflection.
Youngblood is based in an open-plan venue with a three storey gallery & often becomes one of the evening’s livelier stops! PLUS, they serve wine on First Thursdays – which is a major bonus!
99 Loop Gallery
99 Loop Gallery is a contemporary art space located in the heart of Cape Town. With a distinct focus on painting, this inner-city art gallery prides itself on showcasing, highlighting & collaborating with a wide range of top emerging & established artistic talent from South Africa.
99 Loop is a welcoming platform for local artists whose practices engage with intimate lived experiences & larger cultural-aesthetic contexts. The gallery’s yearly exhibition programme features a rotating selection of solo exhibitions & group shows, encouraging a continuous exploration of fresh perspectives. Situated on the corner of the always-bustling Loop & Church Streets, 99 Loop joins a number of other established & new galleries on the same stretch, offering visitors a reason to linger & explore to their heart’s desire.
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Rare Gallery
Rare Gallery is a vibrant hub for artists & creatives, designed to foster inspiration & collaboration across various disciplines. Conceived as a space that transcends traditional boundaries, it provides a unique venue for young, talented individuals to curate memorable exhibitions & experiences. With a focus on the intersection of popular culture, art & fashion, the gallery’s modern & exclusive design makes it an ideal location for a variety of events. Whether it’s a pop-up exhibition, video shoot, or private gathering, Rare Gallery offers a creative edge that enhances the overall experience.
Eclectica Contemporary
Eclectica Contemporary prides itself on showcasing a carefully selected & focused collection of African art that is both thought-provoking & raw. Positioning itself as an African gallery with an international vision, it aims to celebrate the diversity & depth of the art crafted & created on the African continent, while contextualizing it for a growing global market. This beautifully laid out gallery often features experimental & project-based exhibitions by local artists, providing a platform for emerging talents, as well as solo & group shows – offering something for every art lover to enjoy.
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Worldart Gallery
Located on Church Street, the Worldart Gallery showcases some of the best young talent the country has to offer. This not-to-be-missed gallery boasts a captivating collection that features bold, modern & urban African art by local artists – often with a social or political edge. The gallery is small but impactful, and the artwork is always fresh & thought provoking.
Church Street Art Strip
You could easily spend the whole evening walking up & down Church Street, which is really the heart of the First Thursdays buzz.
The stretch is lined with art galleries, antique dealers, design shops & makeshift bars.
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Bars
Culture Wine Bar
Culture Wine Bar offers a curated selection of fine wines from the country’s most respected names, cult classics, hidden gems, natural wines, and special imports from across the globe. On First Thursdays, this trendy space offers live music and a space to jam all night long with a good bottle of South Africa’s finest.
Leo’s Wine Bar
Leo’s is a cute little wine bar on Bree Street that is a big part of First Thursdays. They have their inside bar, but most seating can be found on the curb, which is perfect for the street party vibe of First Thursday. They stock a great selection of natural & local wine varieties as well as unique wine offerings. Leo’s offers a great start to your First Thursdays night out.
The Gin Bar
Locally known as The Secret Gin Bar, this gem is a bit tricky to find. The trick is to follow your chocolate cravings to Honest Chocolate bar, smile at the doorman, and walk through the back right into a glorious courtyard in the world of gin. Expect a classic speakeasy vibe which eventually turns into a mixed standing venue filled with the hustle of gin-loving locals.
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Fable Cocktail Bar
Experience the most infectious and energetic atmosphere at Fable Cocktail Bar Cape Town, a premier destination for cocktail enthusiasts. Experience the fusion of unparalleled cocktails, world-class DJs & an enchanting ambiance. It’s all about unique creations, inspired by local fables & legends.
Rita’s Cocktail Club
Rita’s Cocktail Club is where exquisite cocktails meet breathtaking rooftop views. Indulge in masterfully crafted tequila cocktails, like the avant-garde Clarified Margarita, or sample their exclusive tequila list. Feel the pulse of the city as top DJs set the vibe on Thursday through Saturday & lose yourself in a tequila experience like no other. Come for the cocktails, stay for the moments at Rita’s – the perfect backdrop for unforgettable nights.
Harringtons Cocktail Lounge
Harringtons is a classic cocktail lounge, restaurant & boutique bar that evokes a feel of otherworldly opulence, style & sophistication. Located at 61 Harrington Street, Harringtons boasts panoramic windows overlooking the bustling nightlife of the East City neighbourhood, lush & inviting décor, velvet bottle-service booths & a boutique DJ booth.
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The Drinkery
Part cocktail bar, part gallery, The Drinkery is a cool & contemporary speakeasy with a fantastic terrace overlooking the historic Heritage Square courtyard. Browse the art on display before ordering your drink of choice & kicking back on the uber retro sofas.
Aperitif
A stunningly decorated, yet understated aperitivo bar, Aperitif exudes charm. With a carefully curated wine list from small scale, local producers & a cocktail menu that includes classic aperitivo spritzers & cocktails such as the Bellini, Negroni, Martini and a small variety of sours, Aperitif has something for everyone to enjoy. They also offer great non-alcoholic options & a small bar snack menu.
Babbi
A hidden courtyard tucked around a corner – Follow the smooth vinyl sounds to find your way. With local beers, exceptional wine, delicious bar snacks & cards for a game or two – Babbi is fast becoming a local favorite! Come early to get a spot outside as the venue is very intimate, but so worth it!
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