The concept of First Thursday is a simple one: it is a public event that spans across cities with the intention of encouraging more people to enjoy Cape Town’s art and culture scene. Art galleries and cultural events around Cape Town stay open until late on the first Thursday of every month.
The city is just waiting to be explored, but where to begin? Here is our pick of four must do’s when the next First Thursdays rolls around.
Da Vincis on Kloof
Ok, so this is technically not an official partaker of the culture mania, but who can go exploring on an empty stomach?
Da Vincis has a menu full of everyone’s favourites: pizza, pasta, burgers, milkshakes – the list goes on. The waiters are friendly and quick on their feet, so waiting is never a worry. Visit them in Kloof Street to get fuelled for a night of First Thursday fun. PS – half price happy hour is from 16h30 – 18h30 and includes starters as well as selected drinks.
On Orange Hotel
If you aren’t a night owl, but have friends that pester you to get out more, movie nights at 15 on Orange hotel are a great choice. There is no pressure to get too crazy; you get to enjoy a good film with delicious popcorn, and feel slightly more artsy than if you had visited a commercial cinema.
Officially titled The Autograph Collection, Art of Gin First Thursday Movie Nights offers you an opulent, elegantly furnished lounge-style cinema and the experience to go with it. Give it a try! Running until 3 October 2019.
Kloof Street House
Normally the place to be for live jazz on a Sunday, the opulent interior of Kloof Street House lights up on First Thursdays. Grab a glass of vino and take a gander around the beautiful décor as you make your way down Kloof Street to the centre of activities.
The music is guaranteed to be loud, but the company will be louder – you are sure to run into a few theatrical types on First Thursdays. Strike up a conversation and let your creative juices flow as you sip whiskey with Cape Town’s creatives.
Youngblood Africa
Welcome to the most diverse chamber of the arts in Cape Town. Youngblood serves as a gallery that hosts dance performances, physical theatre, swing dance classes, book launches and musical performances.
Any of these can be expected at First Thursdays. Our best advice would be to just show up, stay open to whatever experience may come your way, and remember to always pack your dancing shoes!
And as always, your safety is top of mind for our safety officers, who are always on hand if you need them. Please save our 24-hour patrol vehicle number: 082 217 1386. Also remember to walk in groups, and keep valuables out of sight.