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 your midweek. Explore your city on foot and 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.
First Thursdays in Johannesburg
The First Thursdays platform is dedicated to helping you find the most awesome events in the city. The First Thursdays Spring Programme 2024 Programme officially kicked of in June 2024, but there is still loads to come for the season. Currently the programme takes place in concentrated hubs around Rosebank, with occasional standalone events in other areas.
Arts & Culture
Joburg's galleries come alive on First Thursdays. If you have never visited the artist studios and galleries in Rosebank, this is your chance to do so. Galleries and studios are rarely open late to the public, so don't miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity. Come and explore artists in collaboration and marvel at their creative genius. We are most excited to stroll through the 'HEAT WAVES' by Chrisél Attewell, 'PRETTY BRILLIANT - the magic of female stories' group exhibition on exhibition at Keyes Art Mile. Come prepared to wonder, learn and discover things you never have before.
You can browse the full First Thursdays arts and culture programme here.
Dining
What would First Thursdays be without Joburg's best foodie hot spots? Bring your friends and family along for epic dining experiences at some of Joburg's top restaurants. Meet Momo Kuro, the latest addition to the Momo family of restaurants
How about some Asian cuisine from Kanpai? Keyes Art Mile is also home to BGR, with their delicious milkshakes and heart burgers. Not forgetting the option of a classy evening at and Marble .
Alternatively, you could close out the night at Mix Cocktail Bar. Discover a haven within the Keyes Art Mile, where sunsets, music, art, and cocktails converge to create an atmosphere of captivating conversations.
Click here to learn more about the food and drink offerings at First Thursdays.
September Events
- Join the Night of 1000 Drawings Doodle Session at Keyes Art Mile. Unleash your inner artist and sketch, draw, or paint your take on "the vibrant African Market place" surrounded by the Amex ZA Graphic Arts Challenge winners in Gallery 1. Everyone is welcome, and proceeds go to a great cause!
- ARTWAVE is hosting a vibrant First Thursdays social club event at their studio located at 44 Stanley. This art-filled evening promises an atmosphere buzzing with good music, friendly faces, and delicious wine (or non-alcoholic beverages). Unleash your creativity with provided canvases and art materials, letting inspiration flow freely.
- FNB Art Joburg is the leading and longest running contemporary African art fair on the continent. The VIP preview evening of the fair coincides with First Thursdays on 5 September, open from 18:00 to 21:00 If you’re not on a guest list, tickets are R1500 for the VIP preview.
- 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub does not only house two prestigious art galleries but also an open art space where local designer brands like Romaria Knitwear and Something Good Studios have their luxury fashion and textile items on show.
For More Information
Visit their website for more information, or follow them on social media:
Facebook - facebook.com/FirstThursdaysJHB
Instagram - instagram.com/firstthursdays_za
