If you haven’t experienced First Thursdays yet, you’re missing one of the easiest ways to have a great night out in Cape Town. On the first Thursday of every month, the city gets a little livelier as galleries, restaurants, bars, and shops stay open late.
There’s art to check out, music playing, drinks flowing, and plenty of people wandering between venues. You don’t need a big plan either, just pick an area, grab some friends, and see where the night takes you. From casual drinks to late-night dancing, here’s your guide to making the most of First Thursdays.
What are First Thursdays in Cape Town?
First Thursdays is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: something happening around Cape Town on the first Thursday of every month.
The idea started with art galleries opening their doors after hours, giving people a chance to wander around the city, see new exhibitions, and enjoy a night out. These days, it’s become much bigger than that. You’ll find galleries, restaurants, bars, shops, pop-ups, DJs, live music, and all sorts of events joining in.
A lot of the action happens around the CBD, with areas like Bree Street, Long Street, Church Street, and the East City becoming popular spots to explore. There’s no ticket or entrance gate for First Thursdays as a whole, so you can simply choose where you want to go and make your own evening out of it.
It’s a great option if you’re visiting Cape Town and want to experience the city like a local. You can start with some art, stop for dinner, grab a drink, and see what catches your eye along the way.
7 Things to Know Before You Go
- Don’t overplan it – Pick a few places and leave some room for random discoveries.
- Wear comfy shoes – You’ll probably walk a lot.
- Book dinner – Popular restaurants can fill up quickly.
- Check listings – See what exhibitions, parties, and events are happening that month.
- Bring a friend – First Thursdays is better with a little company.
- Leave the car behind – Walking and ride-hailing are usually easier.
- Follow the vibe – If somewhere looks fun, pop in. That’s half the point!
- Stay Safe – Know how you’re getting back before the night gets too late, and use a trusted ride service rather than walking somewhere unfamiliar and First Thursdays can get busy, so keep your bag close and your belongings where you can see them.
Now that you know what First Thursdays are all about, it’s time to get out there and experience it for yourself! We’ve picked five of our favourite First Thursdays spots to help you plan your night, discover something new, and make the most of the Cape Town city center.
EBONY/CURATED
Add a little art to your First Thursdays plans with a stop at EBONY/CURATED. This contemporary gallery brings together some seriously interesting work from artists in South Africa and beyond. It’s a cool place to wander into while you’re exploring the city, especially if you want to take a break from the crowds and check out something creative. Whether you know your art or simply enjoy looking at cool things, there’s plenty to keep you interested. Have a look around, soak up the atmosphere, and then head back out to see what else First Thursdays has waiting around the corner.
Website: https://www.ebonycurated.com/
Address: 67 Loop St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001
Contact Number: 021 424 9985
Culture Wine Bar
If your idea of First Thursdays involves good wine, good company, and taking things at your own pace, Culture Wine Bar should be on your list. It’s the kind of stop that works nicely between all the walking, gallery hopping, and checking out what’s happening around town. Grab a drink, catch up with your mates, and enjoy the buzz before heading off again. You don’t need a big plan for First Thursdays anyway, just pick a few places you like the look of and go from there. Culture Wine Bar is an easy one to add to the mix.
Website: https://culturewinebar.com/home/
Address: 103 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001
Contact Number: 021 216 0035
The Blue Room
The Blue Room is a solid choice if you want to add some live music to your First Thursdays adventure. Found on Bree Street, this spot brings together cocktails, good tunes, and a laid-back city-night vibe. It’s somewhere you can pop in for a quick drink or settle down for a while and enjoy the music.
After spending the evening checking out galleries and wandering through the streets, it’s a great place to slow things down. Bring your friends, order a cocktail, and enjoy the atmosphere. And if the music is good, don’t be surprised if your quick stop turns into the rest of your night.
Website: https://theblueroomza.com/home/
Address: 103 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001
Contact Number: 021 216 0035
Chingadas Mexican Cantina Cape Town
Make your First Thursdays adventure a little more delicious with a stop at Chingadas Mexican Cantina. It’s the kind of place where you can grab some food, have a drink, and hang out with friends before getting back into the city’s nightlife.
Think Mexican-inspired flavors, a relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of energy to keep the evening going. Whether you’re looking for dinner before hitting the galleries or just need somewhere to chill for a while, Chingadas is a fun addition to your night. Pop in, grab a bite, enjoy the vibes, and then see where the rest of First Thursdays takes you.
Website: https://www.chingadasct.com/
Address: 50 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
Contact Number: 021 201 0325
The Drinkery
Right in Heritage Square, The Drinkery is a handy stop for a drink during First Thursdays. It’s a good place to meet friends, grab something from the bar in Cape Town, and spend a bit of time before moving on to your next stop. The menu has cocktails, wine, and beer, so there’s something for pretty much everyone.
Being in the CBD also means you’re close to loads of other First Thursdays spots, which makes it easy to include in your route. Whether you’re starting the night here or just stopping by for a drink, The Drinkery is a good one to have on your list.
Address: 100 Shortmarket Street, Mezzanine Level, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000
Contact Number: 071 401 4062
Get Your Business on First Thursdays
First Thursdays brings Cape Town’s city centre to life on the first Thursday of every month, with locals and visitors heading out to explore the city after hours. For businesses, it’s a chance to be part of one of Cape Town’s biggest monthly cultural events and connect with a large, engaged crowd already looking for somewhere to go.
Being part of First Thursdays puts your business on the map and helps people discover you while they explore the city. If you’re a Cape Town business looking to attract new customers and become part of the First Thursdays community, this is where to start.
Website: https://www.first-thursdays.co.za/city/cape-town#guides
From a quiet gallery visit to a late-night party, First Thursdays can be whatever you want it to be. With so many places to explore, you’ll never run out of options. Check out what’s happening, choose a starting point, and let the evening unfold. It’s a great way to see a more creative side of Cape Town.