First Thursdays In The City

First Thursdays

First Thursdays is a free-to-attend event which takes place all over the city on the first Thursday night of each month, bringing together art galleries, restaurants and retail spaces to liven up the last half of your week. Explore your city on foot or hop from one venue to the next, uncovering all the sights and sounds that Joburg has to offer. There is no set tour or guided walk, only the freedom to do as you please (until 21:00 at least). The First Thursdays platform is dedicated to helping you find the most awesome events in the city. Hosting seasonal First Thursday events in Braamfontein, Rosebank and beyond, they offer you a list of only the coolest hangouts in the city. Their Summer 2020 programme officially kicked off on Thursday, 02 January, but there is still loads to come. Here are our top picks for the upcoming First Thursdays February edition.

Arts & Culture

Joburg's galleries come alive on First Thursdays. From the WITS Art Museum and Kalashnikovv Gallery in Braamfontein, to the famous Jan Smuts art mile and Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank, there is a gallery open to suit any taste in art and sculpture. If you have never visited the city's galleries by night, then this summer is the ideal time to do so. With the warm summer breeze and the glow of city lights, it is the perfect romantic outing during the month of love. The Goodman Gallery presents two highly-anticipated exhibitions this February. Come by on the first Thursday of February to engage with the art of photography through the lenses of two of South Africa's most prolific artists. Bôna is a selection of photographic work by the late Thabiso Sekgala. This is the first exhibition of his work at the Goodman Gallery since his passing in 2014. Brett Charles Seiler's Closet takes a historic look into gay culture and the gay liberation movement. Tinged with a sense of nostalgia for bygone times, this exhibition tells a story through poetic snapshots of a time before gay liberation in society. Click here for more information. Another Jan Smuts Avenue art house, David Krut Projects, stays open late on the first Thursday of the month. Welcoming in guests to marvel at their printmaking workshop, gallery and bookstore. This is the perfect hangout for academics and deep thinkers. Click here for more information. [caption id="attachment_102437" align="aligncenter" width="660"] David Krut Projects[/caption] The Trumpet Building on Keyes Avenue is the place to be on First Thursdays. With the SMAC Gallery and TMRW Gallery on site, art abounds. Exhibiting local artists and cutting-edge virtual art displays, these galleries should be at the top of your must-visit lists. This February, the TMRW Gallery presents Phumlani Pikoli's Occupying A Fatuous State Of Severity. What began as a series of short stories has been expanded into a full-scale exhibition, dealing with topics of depression, isolation and insecurity. This is a true reflection of what it means to be a young person living through the 21st century. Click here for more information.

Dining 

What would First Thursdays be without Joburg's best foodie hot spots? Bring your friends and family along for epic dining experiences at the city's favourite restaurants. After all that gallery hopping down Jan Smut Avenue, you are bound to be ravenous. That's why Saigon Suzy stays open late, offering you authentic Asian inspired cocktails and street food to satiate that appetite. Hailed as one of the most unique eateries in Johannesburg, Saizon Suzy combines Pan-Asian dining with good old rock 'n roll. Click here for more information. Looking for a true party vibe? Check out Braam's very own Republic of 94. One of the inner city's largest venues, Republic hosts epic First Thursdays events. Their menu isn't half bad either, offering juicy wings and ribs, platters to share and succulent burgers with fries. Click here for more information. Once in Joburg is Braamfontein's official 'poshtel' - or posh hotel to those of you who don't speak city slang. First Thursdays here are unlike any other, with live music performances, DJs, film screenings and great food. The best part? You can crash here for the night! Click here for more information. [caption id="attachment_102439" align="aligncenter" width="660"] Once In Joburg[/caption]

Shopping At Night

Sometimes, all you need is a little retail therapy. Check out Joburg's coolest shopping spots at the First Thursdays February edition. Sneaker Lab presents an amalgamation of street culture, art, food and drink and live music to get your First Thursdays pumping. Often hosting some of South Africa's best DJs, Sneaker Lab is party central. Plus, you can pick up some wicked care-gear for your favourite kicks. Click here for more information. 99 Juta invite you to indulge in some late night shopping every First Thursday. This trendy new development was renovated from an 80-year-old building into a first class home for local designers. With the likes of Joe Paine, Mash.T Design Studio, Monique Vee and The Urbanative housed here, 99 Juta also features eccentric pop-up stores and installations. Check them out this February! Click here for more information.

When Is It?

Thursday, 06 February 2020 from 17:00 - 21:00.

For More Information

Visit their website for more information, or follow them on social media: Facebook - facebook.com/FirstThursdaysCT Instagram - instagram.com/firstthursdays_za Email - [email protected]