First Thursdays Johannesburg: Your Fresh Guide to the City’s Art, Food and Culture

Johannesburg comes alive on First Thursdays as galleries, cultural hubs and neighbourhood hangouts across the city open their doors for an evening of art, food, music and discovery. What started as a simple walking experience has grown into a vibrant cultural ritual where Joburgers stroll between neighbourhoods, catch live performances, browse exhibitions and indulge in curated dining experiences.

The magic of First Thursdays lies in its spontaneity. You can wander between artsy corners in Rosebank, hop into a TukTuk in Melville, listen to live jazz in Braamfontein or unwind at a rooftop bar. This is a monthly invitation to explore Joburg with fresh eyes.

Here’s your updated, reshuffled guide to what’s happening across the city.

New In Joburg! The Melville Art Mile

A newcomer to the First Thursdays scene, the Melville Art Mile transforms the neighbourhood into a lively, walkable gallery. Expect open studios, markets, live music and artist meet-ups along the route.

If walking isn’t your vibe, hop on a TukTuk for quick trips between stops. Security and marshals will be stationed throughout to ensure a relaxed evening.

Ways to explore include a Premium Guided Tour (R350pp), a Self-Guided Explorer option (R120pp) or enjoying the route for free at your own pace.

When: Thursday, 4 December from 4pm
Where: Starts at Die Pienk Kerk, 24 Chatou Rd, Melville, Johannesburg Johannesburg

What’s On at the Wits Art Museum

Two standout exhibitions take centre stage at the Wits Art Museum at the University of the Witwatersrand this month.

Intersections: Bill Ainslie and the Johannesburg Art Foundation

A powerful exhibition celebrating the legacy of influential artist Bill Ainslie and the Johannesburg Art Foundation he established during apartheid. Curated by Wilhelm van Rensburg and Kagiso Pat Mautloa, it highlights art as a space of freedom, learning and connection. Works from the museum’s own collection and key loans form a rich narrative on creativity and identity.

Cost: Free
When: 25 November 2025 to 20 March 2026
Where: Corner Jorissen and Bertha Streets, Braamfontein

Newwork25 Graduate Exhibition

A bold showcase by 56 young Fine Art students from the Wits School of Arts exploring ideas of belonging, kinship, personal histories and creative expression. Expect fresh voices, experimental work and a strong sense of community.

Cost: Free
When: Opening Thursday, 4 December at 6:30pm
Where: Wits Art Museum, Braamfontein

New In Joburg! Bokani Dyer at Hugh’s Jazz Club

The new Hugh’s Jazz Club in Braamfontein honours the legacy of Hugh Masekela with an intimate space filled with nostalgia and live sound. This month features celebrated jazz musician Bokani Dyer, known for his deeply expressive and layered performances.

Cost: R300pp
When: Thursday, 5 February from 6:30pm to 10pm
Where: 13th Floor, 73 Juta Street, Braamfontein

Keyes Art Night at Keyes Art Mile

Rosebank’s iconic Keyes Art Mile returns with gallery-hopping energy, new exhibitions and a mix of contemporary and modern works. Explore Lizamore Gallery’s new exhibition, the Aspire Auctions February Online Sale and Titus Matiyane’s expansive aerial cityscape installation.

The night ends on a high at Mix Bar with DJ sets by HouseCat, MassMaine and HurbzMann.

Cost: Free entry
When: Thursday, 5 February from 6pm
Where: 21 Keyes Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg

First Thursdays at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub

The 223 Jan Smuts strip offers art exhibitions, open sessions and sensory experiences. Highlights include the Summer Salon at Candice Berman Gallery, a doodle workshop by Black Sable and a curated tea tasting by Cup Classique. Ifa Lokubuka also showcases a powerful exploration of the Black female body through visual art.

Cost: Free entry, workshops and tastings may have fees
When: Thursday, 5 February from 4pm
Where: 223 Jan Smuts Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg

Dreamy Van Gogh-Inspired Cake Painting at Here

Here in Rosebank brings a delicious creative twist with live cake painting. Watch as cakes are turned into edible art inspired by Van Gogh’s expressive style. It’s relaxed, playful and full of late-night creative energy.

Cost: R800pp
When: Thursday, 5 February from 5pm to midnight
Where: 8 Tyrwhitt Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg

Travelling Date Night at Indaba Hotel

For couples looking for something indulgent, the Indaba Hotel offers a four-stop dining journey across its scenic property, including cocktails at the Gin School, dinner, dessert and fireside nightcaps.

Cost: R765 per couple
When: First Thursday of every month
Where: Corner Winnie Mandela Drive & Pieter Wenning Rd, Fourways

Venturo Game Night at Shooters

If you’re after something fun and social, Venturo Game Night is back at Shooters in Fourways with classic board games, fast-paced party favourites and an easy after-work vibe.

Cost: Free
When: First Thursday monthly, 6pm to 11pm
Where: Fourways Mall, 11 Ruby Close, Fourways

Universum. Mensch. Intelligenz at the Goethe-Institut

Hosted at the Goethe-Institut South Africa, this hands-on STEM exhibition unpacks everything from the universe and human history to AI and the Anthropocene using interactive displays and tactile learning tools. Perfect for students, families and curious young minds.

Cost: Free
When: 17 November 2025 to 11 March 2026
Where: 119 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, Johannesburg

{Source: What’s on In Joburg}

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