The 19 best places to visit for First Thursdays in Cape Town

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This non-profit art space dates back to 1850. What sets the AVA, or Association for Visual Arts, apart from other galleries is its online digital archive, which allows people to access decades of information for research purposes.

During First Thursdays, it might be a busy experience, a usually more reflective stop amid the Bree Street buzz. They're open until 8pm. 

Some of the notable exhibitions on at the moment include Notes from the Fire, Rumble: The Body Entangled, Sacred Debris, and The Crow Messengers. 

35 Church Street, Cape Town

ALSO SEE: The 7 best lesser-known art galleries in Cape Town 

Established in 2022, Vela Projects places a strong emphasis on non-represented artists. The fine art gallery showcases local contemporary works and champions the development of lasting artistic careers. Every First Thursdays, Vela Projects displays pop-up exhibits that resonate with the global cultural landscape.

66 Plein Street

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56 Church Street

With spaces in Cape Town and Franschhoek, Ebony/Curated serves as a mouthpiece for contemporary African art and a platform for creatives who use their pieces to dissect the nuances of our history.

67 Loop Street

Paintings, sculptures, and fine art prints by Southern African artists are set across two Church Street locations. First Thursdays offers curated exhibitions by well-known and up-and-coming names on the art scene.

52 Burg Street

This Spring/Summer season, the EAP will host a series of three curated pop-up exhibitions aligned with First Thursdays on 2 October, 6 November, and 4 December. Each showing will be preceded by a full-day Exhibition Readiness Workshop.

40 Long Street

With a new location at the corner of Long and Shortmarket, Worldart is the home of contemporary urban art in the African diaspora. Many exhibitions force you to sit in your discomfort while ingesting the message served in a myriad of colours and tones.

68 Long Street

The Homecoming Centre stands as a beacon in the District Six community. It’s a safe space where creatives and audience members gather to teach, perform, and engage in learning.

15 Caledon Street, District Six

Take me to church on a Thursday. A Cape Town landmark, St George’s Cathedral has a storied history that transcends its beautiful architecture. The public is invited to explore the cathedral on First Thursdays, with a programme of performances throughout the evening.

5 Wale Street

Foodies of Cape Town, rejoice. The Melting Pot recently returned to the city where it all began, with a brand-new location for their much-loved small-plate dining experience.

Put them on your for First Thursday specials, like "Order One of Everything and get a free bottle of Off The Record Chenin Blanc." 

137 Waterkant Street

The place to get you Mezcal, amigos! 

They're calling you from the galleries to pop in for their Mexican vibe, with a live DJ and delicious cocktails, including Margarita specials for First Thursdays between 6pm and 8pm. 

50 Orange St, Gardens  

ALSO SEE: Best rooftop bars in Cape Town

Celebrate. Sip. Dance. Immerse yourself in Ethiopian culture with a curated evening involving music, food, and drinks. Addis in Cape is your introduction to a distinctive dining experience that blends Ethiopian traditions with a modern African twist.

Time Out Tip: Enjoy an extended Happy Hour with 30% off selected wines, cocktails, and beers every First Thursdays!

168 Loop Street

Cowhide tables, bold burgers, martinis and soft-serve – Ongetem is fun, fearless and proudly local. For First Thursdays, they celebrate with live music and a few local specials. Don't miss it, and come hungry! 

24 Park Road 

Read the full review: Ongetem

First Thursdays bookings are essential at Bo-Vine in the City because it’s become a favourite with revellers. Many start with a stop at Bovine. Here, the in-house DJ plays tunes to be enjoyed, and not shouted over.

101 Hout Street

An intimate whiskey cocktail bar, Bascule Bar is inspired by the speakeasy of yesteryear. First Thursdays usually entails live music or a DJ taking to the decks. Think refined style and tranquil surroundings.

Cape Grace, West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront

Jazz aficionados are in for a treat every First Thursdays.  A soulful seaside escape beckons you. Picture a cocktail in hand, toes in the sand, and the sultry sound of saxophones.

1 Haul Road, V&A Waterfront

One can never have too much jazz, especially when it’s live. Throw incredible food and crafted drinks into the mix, and you’ve got a night designed for good, almost-clean fun.

5 Park Road

With a strong ethos in sustainable luxury, Rowdy is a leather goods brand that combines African craftsmanship with contemporary design, handcrafting bags from free-range leather.

4 Park Road

Wear your sunglasses at night? Then you should pop in at Ballo. The sunglasses are handmade from sustainable materials, with the express aim to put the planet before profit.

4 Park Road