On the First Thursday of every month, explore the cultural life of your city until late
About First Thursdays
First Thursdays is a monthly night of art, culture, and discovery, taking place on the first Thursday of every month. From gallery openings and design pop-ups to live music, food, and late-night venues, it’s an invitation to explore, to be inspired, and to experience a city or neighbourhood at its best.
Launched in Cape Town in 2012, the programme has become one of South Africa’s most popular cultural events, now active in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Stellenbosch — with new cities in development worldwide.
Each month’s programme is listed on our website, and promoted through print, email and social channels. See below for more information on how to attend, participate or collaborate.
Launched in Cape Town in 2012, the programme has become one of South Africa’s most popular cultural events, now active in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Stellenbosch — with new cities in development worldwide.
Each month’s programme is listed on our website, and promoted through print, email and social channels. See below for more information on how to attend, participate or collaborate.
📍 HOW TO EXPERIENCE FIRST THURSDAYS
Attend
First Thursdays is a free-to-attend public experience, made up of multiple locations and attractions within each district. Central to the experience of First Thursdays is walkability, and the ability to explore galleries, shops, restaurants and other highlights on foot.
Each month’s programme can be explored across First Thursdays communications channels, with the website hosting the primary information on what’s happening where. See each City page to discover the Places and Programme highlights for the upcoming edition, and follow our email newsletter, Instagram account and WhatsApp channel to get direct updates. Quarterly print maps are also available from participating locations.
No tickets are required to attend First Thursdays, although some performances or special events may be ticketed. Art galleries and design stores are typically open from 5pm to 8pm, with bars, restaurants and music venues open later.
Each month’s programme can be explored across First Thursdays communications channels, with the website hosting the primary information on what’s happening where. See each City page to discover the Places and Programme highlights for the upcoming edition, and follow our email newsletter, Instagram account and WhatsApp channel to get direct updates. Quarterly print maps are also available from participating locations.
No tickets are required to attend First Thursdays, although some performances or special events may be ticketed. Art galleries and design stores are typically open from 5pm to 8pm, with bars, restaurants and music venues open later.
📍 HOW TO TAKE PART IN FIRST THURSDAYS
Participate
Join the First Thursdays programme and be part of a city-wide night of art, culture, and community. Participation in First Thursdays is by application and is open to art galleries, retail stores, restaurants, bars, and other cultural spaces or pop-up activities. Locations should fall within the walkable footprint of First Thursdays districts, but standalone destinations like museums or markets can also be accommodated on the programme.
Participation includes listing and promotion across First Thursdays channels, along with being part of a long-term initiative that contributes to the economic and social vitality of your neighbourhood. Businesses pay a nominal fee to participate in First Thursdays, following a seasonal 3-month cycle, although once-off or monthly participation can be accommodated.
Please note that First Thursdays is a registered trademark owned by First Thursdays South Africa, and we do not allow free use of or reference to the name (both in full or abbreviated). See below for participation options.
Participation includes listing and promotion across First Thursdays channels, along with being part of a long-term initiative that contributes to the economic and social vitality of your neighbourhood. Businesses pay a nominal fee to participate in First Thursdays, following a seasonal 3-month cycle, although once-off or monthly participation can be accommodated.
Please note that First Thursdays is a registered trademark owned by First Thursdays South Africa, and we do not allow free use of or reference to the name (both in full or abbreviated). See below for participation options.
Monthly
R 1200
Participate in a single edition of First Thursdays
📍 INCLUDED IN MONTHLY
- Your location listed on First Thursdays website programme
- Up to 3 programme listings per month
- Linked listing in email newsletter highlights
- Inclusion in social media highlights
📍 HOW TO PARTNER WITH FIRST THURSDAYS
Advertising & Partnerships
First Thursdays is one of South Africa’s most trusted and recognisable cultural platforms, drawing thousands of attendees each month and engaging an even larger audience through our digital channels.
We offer brands a unique opportunity to reach a diversity of audiences through traditional display advertising, while aligning with a memorable monthly experience in multiple cities. Beyond advertising, we pursue long-term partnerships that enrich the First Thursdays experience, while creating meaningful opportunities for engagement.
Advertising channels include the First Thursdays website, email newsletters, social media, and quarterly print maps, with additional opportunities through branded signage, street teams and campaign-driven content. Partnership opportunities include headline sponsorships of each city edition, special events like First Thursdays at Zeitz MOCAA, official First Thursdays music programmes, curated routes and city guides, and strategic campaigns and collaborations.
Please email us to request the First Thursdays Media Kit or to start a conversation about advertising, partnerships or name usage.
We offer brands a unique opportunity to reach a diversity of audiences through traditional display advertising, while aligning with a memorable monthly experience in multiple cities. Beyond advertising, we pursue long-term partnerships that enrich the First Thursdays experience, while creating meaningful opportunities for engagement.
Advertising channels include the First Thursdays website, email newsletters, social media, and quarterly print maps, with additional opportunities through branded signage, street teams and campaign-driven content. Partnership opportunities include headline sponsorships of each city edition, special events like First Thursdays at Zeitz MOCAA, official First Thursdays music programmes, curated routes and city guides, and strategic campaigns and collaborations.
Please email us to request the First Thursdays Media Kit or to start a conversation about advertising, partnerships or name usage.
