First Thursdays Johannesburg: A Night Of Art, Wine And City Stories

Johannesburg does not always slow down. But on the first Thursday of every month, it shifts just enough to let you experience it differently.

First Thursdays has become one of the city’s most loved cultural rituals. Offices empty out, galleries stay open late, and neighbourhoods like Braamfontein, Rosebank and Melville turn into walkable playgrounds of art, food and music.

If you have ever wondered where to start or how to plan your night, this is your complete guide to what is happening across the city this April.

Start With The Sky At The Wits Digital Dome

If you want to ease into the evening, begin in Braamfontein with something a little unexpected.

The Sky Tonight at the Wits Digital Dome offers a live, hour-long planetarium experience that explores what is visible in the night sky during Easter. From bright planets to seasonal constellations and the Moon, the show connects science with timekeeping traditions.

It is designed for teens and adults, but curious younger children can join too.

Cost is R45 for kids, students and pensioners, and R75 for adults. The show takes place on Thursday, 2 April at 7pm at the Digital Dome on Wits East Campus.

See The Earth Differently At Wits Art Museum

Just around the corner, the Wits Art Museum offers a contrasting but equally powerful experience.

Johann van der Schijff’s Destiny_02 invites viewers to imagine the Earth from a distance, much like astronauts seeing it for the first time. The work acts as both a tribute to untouched landscapes and a warning about what could be lost.

The exhibition is free to enter and runs until 9 May 2026. Visitors can also join guided walkabouts during select dates, adding more context to the work.

Experience Sound And Space At The Goethe-Institut

For something immersive, head to Parkwood where the Goethe-Institut is hosting Textures of Time.

This exhibition by the Playgroup collective uses sound to explore Johannesburg’s layered identity. Through field recordings, video and spatial audio, it reveals how the city can be experienced through listening rather than just seeing.

It is a slower, more reflective stop and a good way to reset before heading back into the buzz of the night.

Entry is free and the exhibition runs until 10 April 2026.

Walk The Melville Art Mile

If you are in the mood to move, Melville is one of the best places to experience First Thursdays on foot.

The Melville Art Mile transforms the suburb into a curated route of galleries, studios, heritage sites and night markets. It is designed to be safe and walkable, with the Melville Security Initiative in place throughout the evening.

Navigation is part of the fun. Follow the Lew Geffen Sotheby’s arrows to explore:

White arrows lead north
Green arrows lead west
Pink arrows lead south

For transport between stops, tuk-tuks are available. VIP and Explorer ticket holders ride for free, while general visitors pay R25 per trip.

Tickets cost R450 for a premium guided experience or R150 for a self-guided tour with unlimited tuk-tuk rides. You can also explore for free at your own pace.

The event runs from 4pm to 9pm at 27 Boxes in Melville.

Sip Your Way Around The World At Le Vin Wine Bar

If your night leans more social, Le Vin in Rosebank is hosting an Unlimited Wine Festival.

The experience brings together wines from South Africa, Portugal, Italy, France and Spain under one roof. Guests receive a tasting glass and are encouraged to explore freely, guided by sommeliers.

The Wine Passport Challenge adds an interactive element, allowing guests to collect stamps and stand a chance to win prizes.

Tickets cost R350 per person, and the event runs from 6pm to midnight, ending with a lively after-party.

Slow Things Down With Wine And Music In Braamfontein

Back in Braamfontein, Wine Down at Mamakashaka and Friends offers a more relaxed alternative.

The evening features easy listening and groove-led DJ sets by Dindie, Munka and Check Mates. It is open-format, welcoming both groups and solo visitors looking to unwind.

Entry is free, and the event runs from 4pm to 11pm.

Catch Live Jazz At Hugh’s

For a more intimate night out, head to Hugh’s Jazz Club.

The venue pays tribute to the legacy of Hugh Masekela, with his presence felt throughout the space. This First Thursday features saxophonist Steve Dyer and his Multipolar Project, blending traditional influences with a distinctly South African sound.

Tickets cost R300 per person, and the event runs from 6pm to midnight.

Try Something Different In Fourways

First Thursdays is not limited to the inner city.

In Fourways, Shooters hosts a Venturo Game Night, offering a mix of classic games and social interaction. It is a low-pressure, fun option for those looking to meet people or unwind after work.

Entry is free and the event runs from 6pm to 11pm.

Turn It Into A Date Night At Indaba Hotel

If you are looking for something more curated, the Indaba Hotel offers a travelling date night experience.

Couples move through four different stops across the property, starting with cocktails and ending with dessert and a nightcap. It is designed as a full evening experience rather than a quick dinner.

The package costs R765 per couple and runs on the first Thursday of every month.

Why First Thursdays Still Matters

What makes First Thursdays special is not just the events. It is the way the city opens itself up.

Johannesburg can feel fast, unpredictable and sometimes overwhelming. But on nights like these, it becomes something else entirely. Walkable, creative and full of possibility.

Whether you are there for the art, the food, the music or simply the atmosphere, First Thursdays offers a reminder of what makes Joburg one of the most dynamic cities in the country.

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