If you’re in Cape Town on the first Thursday of the month, cancel your evening plans. The city has already made them for you.
First Thursdays is when Cape Town’s central city comes alive with art exhibitions, open galleries, street music, pop-up bars, and crowds that feel more like a festival than an average weeknight. The vibe is creative, casual, and free-flowing: no tickets, no schedules, and no rules (besides maybe comfy shoes and mandatory curiosity).
Here’s what it’s all about, plus some spots worth checking out and a loose route to follow if it’s your first time.
So, what exactly is First Thursdays?
Launched in 2012, First Thursdays is a monthly event that encourages locals and visitors to explore Cape Town’s art scene by night. Galleries, cultural venues, and boutiques in the city centre stay open late, often until 9pm or later, welcoming anyone to step in and explore free of charge.
But it’s grown into much more than just an art crawl. Bars and restaurants run specials, local DJs and musicians take over sidewalks, and the city becomes a buzzing night market of visual art, food, fashion, and 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.
There’s no fixed route, but these are some of the standout stops that make for a great night out
1. The AVA Gallery
One of South Africa’s oldest non-profit art galleries, the Association for Visual Arts (AVA) showcases contemporary works from both emerging and established artists. Expect everything from sculpture and painting to experimental installations.
2. Worldart Gallery
Located on Church Street, this gallery features bold, modern, and urban African art — often with a social or political edge. It’s small but impactful, and the work is always fresh and thought-provoking.
3.Church Street Art Strip
You could easily spend the whole evening walking up and down Church Street, which is really the heart of the First Thursdays buzz. The stretch is lined with art galleries, antique dealers, design shops, and makeshift bars. Keep an eye out for 99 Loop Gallery and SMAC Gallery for high-calibre contemporary exhibitions.
4. The Book Lounge
For something a little different, pop into The Book Lounge. This independent bookstore often hosts readings, talks, or casual hangouts during First Thursdays. Bonus points for their cosy downstairs lounge and excellent coffee.
5. Cape Town Creative Academy & Youngblood Gallery
The Youngblood Africa gallery is known for ambitious group exhibitions, live performances, and music. It’s a bigger venue with multiple levels and often becomes one of the evening’s livelier stops.
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 and check out the latest exhibitions.
- Walk up Church Street, stopping at Worldart, 99 Loop, and the pop-up stalls and 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 5–6pm, and popular spots can get busy quickly.
Keep it casual: There’s no dress code and it’s all walkable, so wear something comfy and weather-appropriate.
Expect surprises: Live DJs in alleyways, impromptu jazz sets, tattoo flash sales… You never know what you’ll stumble into.
Cap Off the Night in Comfort
After a night of roaming galleries, sipping wine, and soaking up the city’s creative energy, there’s nothing better than returning to a calm, stylish space. O’Two Hotel is the perfect spot to unwind after your First Thursdays experience — quiet, comfortable, and just far enough from the buzz to give you space to breathe.
So next time the calendar hits the first Thursday of the month, grab your walking shoes, charge your phone, and follow the art. Cape Town will take care of the rest.
