Get ready to hit the city, Cape {town} Etc family — First Thursdays are here and we’re in the mood to get colourful!
For those who are unfamiliar with the event, First Thursdays dazzles on the first Thursday of every month in the Mother City. It’s all about celebrating local talent and supporting local establishments. Now, that’s lekker!
Art galleries open their doors under the spotlight of the moon for locals to get a taste of the city’s art scene in all its glory. The streets become interconnected webs of life and creativity as Capetonians head out on the hunt for the coolest galleries, bars and eateries.
The list of things to do is almost endless, but do not fear, Cape {town} Etc is here! We’ve got a handful of events to check out for those who might not know where to start.
Need a little extra help? Read our little survival guide for First Thursdays.
Without further ado, here are a few spots to check out this evening:
1. KnexT Art Gallery: Our Armchair
- Event: Solo exhibition of Alastair Campbell’s artworks and visual, mapping projections, accentuated by the ever cool beats of Joey Modiba aka Lirubishi.
- Cost: Free
- Location: Armchair Backpackers and Pub, 135 Lower Main Rd, Observatory
- Time: 5pm – 9pm
2. Canvas, Clay & Rose’ / First Thursday creative paint event
- Event: A 2-hour, guided, social painting session, lead by accomplished Artist and Teacher, Tashai Simons.
No experience required. Have a drink and a snack, enjoy a few laughs and leave with a masterpiece! - Fee: R335
- Location: The 2 Eves, Buitenkloof Studios 7, Kloof St, Gardens
- Time: 6pm
3. First Thursdays | Kyle Cassim & Friends
- Event: La Parada has some great new additions to the occasion from an updated menu, to amazing artists and some great music acts lined up, with headliner Kyle Cassim & Shen FM providing the tunes!
- Location: La Parada, Bree St, Cape Town
- Time: 4pm – 10pm
4. Motion Bandits First Thursday Skate event
- Event: An exhibition of hand painted & crafted skateboards by a selection of skilled local artists in aid of the remarkable Ladles of Love charity.
- Location: 111 Loop St, Cape Town
- Time: 5:30pm
5. First Thursday at Simon’s Constantia
- Event: 22Zest consists of a highly sought-after DJ, an infectious Percussionist and a melodious Saxophonist. Simons will have their famous Burger night special running and best news of all… the weather looks good.. so pop in for a sundowner!
- Location: Simon’s Restaurant, Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Constantia
- Time: 6:30pm – 11pm
6. First Thursday at InFusion on Long
- Event: Join InFusion on Long this First Thursday for all things cannabis, live music, and more! All menu items are CBD infused, offering a completely new dining experience.
- Fee: Free
- Location: 57 Long St, Cape Town
- Time: 6:30pm – 11pm
7. OBS First Thursday
- Event: The grooviest thrifty finds, the best music from local musicians and the coolest art to experience!
- Location: 26 Lower Main Rd, Observatory
- Time: 6pm
8. Bass Culture Warm Up First Thursday
- Event: Combining the love for music with a passion for performance and a wow factor to deliver one of the most sensational experiences on this side of the equator.
- Location: Hamilton’s Rugby Club, Green Point
- Time: 4pm – 11pm
9. Start-Up Introductions
- Event: Fund Africa Now is hosting a fun networking event for entrepreneurs and investors in Cape Town this coming First Thursday!
- Location: The Royal Oyster bar, 17 Bree St, Cape Town
- Time: 4pm – 6pm
10. Art Exhibition at Jaffer Modern
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- Event: Come by this First Thursday at Jaffer Modern to view their latest exhibition ‘DIPAKA’.
- Location: Vīb Hotel, 181 Main Rd, Green Point
- Time: 5pm – 8pm
11. Local bubbles at The MCC Room
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- Event: Experience the artful creations of local Cap Classique makers, including some minimal intervention Pet Nats. The MCC Room at The Gin Bar offers local bubbles by the glass or bottle and does fantastic MCC cocktails.
- Location: 64A Wale St, Cape Town
- Time: 4pm
12. Clay Café in the city
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- Event: Striving to teach like-minded people to be creative, teach new techniques and just have some fun while enjoying great tapas, pizzas, wine and relaxing music.
- Location: 199 Bree St, Cape Town
- Time: 10am – 11pm
13. Against the Grain, First Thursdays
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- Event: A quaint coffee house situated amidst the colourful community of the Bo-Kaap – known for good coffee and authentic food with a traditional twist, it boasts a warm, welcoming cultural experience.
- Location: 142 Buitengracht St, Bo-Kaap
- Time: 5pm – 9pm
14. Pichulik jewellery and accessories, First Thursdays
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- Event: Inspired by ancient traditions and cultures around the world, PICHULIK seeks to impart sacred feminine wisdom through its unique and intentional designs.
- Location: 44 Harrington Street, District Six
- Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
15. Sisonke Gallery, First Thursdays
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- Event: Galleries, food, shopping and plenty of safe courtyard seating – Heritage Square is the place to enjoy and soak in the art and creativity of the Mother City.
- Location: 90 Bree St, Cnr Bree and Shortmarket St, Cape Town
- Time: 4pm – 10pm
16. Nel Gallery, First Thursdays
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- Event: The gallery usually has an ongoing group hang of mostly local artists, but also artists from the rest of the country and further afield.
- Location: 117 Long Street, Cape Town
- Time: 5pm – 8pm
17. Uwe Koetter Jewellers
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- Event: Uwe Koetter Jewellers will be hosting an exhibition of fine art, jewellery, and poetry. With renowned artists, poet, and jewellery designer; Cathy Lane Milner, Erika Hansmann, Nomfanelo Nondabula and Johan Louw.
- Location: 27 Somerset Rd, De Waterkant / Green Point
- Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
18. Eclectica Contemporary, First Thursdays
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- Event: Seshabela implements the technique of smoke drawing in order to deliberately distort and blur the politically loaded content he has become known for.
- Location: 56 Church St, Cape Town
- Time: 6pm
19. Deepest Darkest Art Gallery, First Thursdays
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- Event: Curating emerging and established local and international contemporary artists and creators working across a variety of practices.
- Location: 20 Dixon Street, De Waterkant
- Time: 12pm – 8pm
20. Alliance Française du Cap
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- Event: A French school and cultural centre that aims at sharing French language and cultures, and supporting local up-and-coming talents.
- Location: 155 Loop St, Cape Town
- Time: 5pm – 8:30pm
21. Young Blood art gallery
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- Event: A three-story gallery based in the heart of the CBD. Youngblood’s main focus is to provide a platform for up and coming artists to start off and continue from.
- Location: 70-74 Bree St, Cape Town
- Time: 5pm – 9pm
Picture: Unsplash