It’s First Thursdays again in Cape Town. On the first Thursday of every month, Cape Town comes alive with pockets of people spilling out onto the pavements of Bree Street.
First Thursdays is a real celebration of the Mother City and all it has to offer. The epic event has gripped the hearts and minds of every culture-seeking Capetonian or anyone that’s looking for a good vibe.
It’s the unofficial collaboration of arts and culture, great food and drinks, and a night of memory-making.
Kick the night off with a bang by grabbing a bite or two at these Cape Town restaurants:
Addis in Cape
Begin your night of arts and culture by dipping into a dining experience inspired by the rich history and traditions of the Horn of Africa. Cape Town’s much-loved authentic Ethiopian restaurant has reopened in a new location on Loop Street.
Traditional furnishings, authentic aromas, and a classic Ethiopian coffee ceremony. What better way to start the night?
Get there between 5.00 pm and 10.00 pm to grab two cocktails for the price of one with their First Thursdays Two-for-One special.
Bookings are essential.
- Location: 168 Loop Street
- Website: addisincape.co.za
- Bookings: Dineplan.com
The Gin Bar
Hidden in the charming courtyard of Honest Chocolate café lies the pocket-sized Victorian-style gin bar serving a curated selection of drinks so good you’ll keep coming back for more.
With over 140 different gins on their menu and arguably the best G&Ts in town, The Gin Bar is sure to bring out your inner connoisseur in the spirit of your art-filled evening.
And for any non-gin drinkers, they also have a selection of wine and beer on tap and they recently opened a Bubbly Bar too.
- Location: 64A Wale Street
- Website: theginbar.co.za
- Bookings: 071 241 2277
LOCAL at Heritage Square
First Thursdays is all about celebrating the richness and variety of local artistic talents right here in the Mother City. What better way to kickstart this celebration than strolling through the historic spaces of Heritage Square?
Burgers, Asian, contemporary Italian, Middle-Eastern, riffs on Global Street Food – it’s all about flavour and local talent in LOCAL at Heritage Square.
- Location: 100 Shortmarket Street
- Website: localheritage.co.za
Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room
A much-loved Bree Street institution, great for its all-day breakfasts, and classic cocktails and known all over for some of the best burgers in town.
Ease yourself into the mood by embracing the laidback atmosphere and enjoying a wholesome meal before the real First Thursday shenanigans begin.
- Location: 133 Bree Street
- Website: clarkesdining.co.za
- Bookings: Dineplan.com
East City Wine
This pop-up wine bar has brought nothing but good vibes since it opened at the end of April this year. It’s been drawing people to its buzzing street corner over the past four months with good food and great music, while spotlighting incredible local creatives.
It’s their last First Thursday — and last weekend too — in Roeland Street. So why not drop by for their last toast and your first boogie of the night?
With free-flowing wine, KnexT Art on display, Ukutya on food duty, and DJ Garth on the decks, it’s sure to be the start of an unforgettable night.
- Location: 50 Roeland Street
- Website: @eastcitywine – Instagram
SALT Food Market
Located in The Box in the heart of the CBD, the new kid on the block has taken over Cape Town’s café culture and artisanal food scene. The Salt Food Market boasts a range of “foodie” entrepreneurs serving food offerings complemented with drinks from the SALT Bar.
Start your cultural evening with a taste from around the world, be it Japanese, Mexican, Indian, Egyptian, or Eastern.
- Location: The Box, 9 Lower Burg Street (Cnr Riebeek Street), CBD
- Website: @salt_at_thebox – Instagram
Also, do not miss out on the Silo District’s First Thursdays
Famous for its art scene, the Silo District‘s Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, will be offering half-priced entry on First Thursdays.
Art lovers can look forward to exhibitions from galleries within the vicinity of the district, such as Art@Africa Gallery, Southern Guild, and DAOR Contemporary.
Zeitz MOCAA members get free entry as well as persons under the age of 18.
Get your tickets here.
- Location: V&A Waterfront Silo District, S Arm Rd
- Website: zeitzmocca.museum
Cultish
Blending art with music, Cultish will exhibit Tashinga’s new “Greener Pastures” album.
Complimentary drinks will be served on arrival from 5pm.
The Flagship Store will have a special discount of 25% off their merchandise.
- Location: 168 Buitengracht Street
- Website: cultishsupply.com
Also read:
Zeitz MOCAA Art Club invites young artists to apply for 2023
Picture: Cape {town} Etc gallery
