First Thursdays
Johannesburg's vibrant monthly art walk, transforming Keyes Art Mile into a lively hub of galleries, music, food, and culture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, explore galleries
First Thursdays
Best Time
Beat the crowds, explore galleries
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Johannesburg's vibrant monthly art walk, transforming Keyes Art Mile into a lively hub of galleries, music, food, and culture.
"This is a true Jozi experience with a cosmopolitan crowd of all ages."
🎯 Arrive Early for Art
Beat the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed gallery experience by arriving between 5 PM and 7 PM.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between galleries and enjoying the street vibe, so comfy shoes are a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Keyes Art Mile Galleries
Rosebank, Johannesburg
Immerse yourself in contemporary South African art across numerous galleries, showcasing diverse talent and styles.
Live Music & Performances
Various locations
Enjoy the electric atmosphere with live music and spontaneous performances adding to the vibrant street scene.
Food Trucks & Culinary Delights
Throughout the event area
Savor delicious street food from a variety of food trucks and pop-up eateries offering diverse culinary options.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Know Before You Go
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Art
Beat the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed gallery experience by arriving between 5 PM and 7 PM.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between galleries and enjoying the street vibe, so comfy shoes are a must!
📱 Check Social Media
Stay updated on participating venues and any last-minute changes via their social media channels.
💸 Free Entry, Budget for Food
Most galleries are free, but budget for delicious food truck treats and drinks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Art
Beat the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed gallery experience by arriving between 5 PM and 7 PM.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between galleries and enjoying the street vibe, so comfy shoes are a must!
📱 Check Social Media
Stay updated on participating venues and any last-minute changes via their social media channels.
💸 Free Entry, Budget for Food
Most galleries are free, but budget for delicious food truck treats and drinks.
📸 Capture the Vibe
While art is the focus, don't forget to capture the magical fairy lights and lively atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
First Thursdays in Johannesburg is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse art scene, live music, and delicious food trucks, offering a quintessential Jozi experience. While many praise the lively vibes and cosmopolitan crowd, some visitors have expressed disappointment due to a lack of clear communication regarding event cancellations or changes on official channels.
"Very nice vibe. Live music, food trucks, bars, fashion and art. Fairy lights and lanterns everywhere. Closes up at around 10ish but there are nice chill lounges in the vicinity that open till late. I visited Mesh and was pleasantly surprised. This is a true jozi experience. Cosmopolitan crowd of all ages."
Tenielle Johns
"It's Closed now. And they don't communicate it on their website and social media accounts. Im disappointed. No contact information on the website to communicate with whoever is responsible for the event."
Steven Ramphabana
""
Mbongiseni Sibanda
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
First Thursdays primarily takes place around the Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank, Johannesburg. You can reach Rosebank via Gautrain, which is a convenient and safe option. Alternatively, ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are widely available and recommended for getting around the city.
Parking can be challenging due to the event's popularity. It's advisable to use ride-sharing services or consider parking at designated areas and walking. Some venues might have limited parking, but it fills up quickly.
The main hub for First Thursdays is the Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank, but the event often spills over into surrounding streets and venues, creating a wider art walk experience.
Many visitors, including solo travelers, find First Thursdays to be a safe and enjoyable experience, especially when sticking to well-lit, populated areas. It's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and use ride-sharing services for transport.
The Gautrain is a great option for reaching Rosebank. Once there, the event is largely walkable. For travel between different clusters of venues, ride-sharing apps are the most practical choice.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, entry to most galleries and the general atmosphere of First Thursdays is free. However, some specific exhibitions or performances within venues might have separate ticket requirements. It's best to check individual venue details if you have a specific interest.
First Thursdays typically runs from 5 PM to 9 PM on the first Thursday of every month. Some surrounding lounges and restaurants may stay open later.
The event itself is free to attend, allowing you to wander through the art displays and soak in the atmosphere without an admission charge.
While there isn't always a centralized, consistently updated list, checking the social media pages of Keyes Art Mile and individual galleries on the day of the event is your best bet for finding out who is participating.
Yes, First Thursdays is a fantastic opportunity to view and purchase art directly from galleries and artists. Many pieces are available for sale, ranging in price.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in public areas and often within galleries, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up shots of artwork or individuals. Some artists or galleries might have specific restrictions.
Look for the charming fairy lights and lanterns that adorn the streets, the vibrant art installations, and the lively crowds. The Keyes Art Mile itself offers many aesthetically pleasing backdrops.
While not explicitly stated, avoid using flash photography directly on artworks as it can damage them. Be mindful of other visitors and their privacy when taking photos.
You can capture a mix of contemporary art, street scenes, people enjoying the event, and the unique urban ambiance of Johannesburg at night.
A smartphone camera is usually sufficient to capture the essence of First Thursdays. If you're a photography enthusiast, a mirrorless or DSLR camera can offer more creative control, but remember to be discreet.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
First Thursdays features a diverse array of food trucks offering everything from gourmet burgers to international cuisine. Many restaurants and bars in the Keyes Art Mile area also participate, offering special menus or a la carte dining.
Yes, the variety of food trucks and restaurants usually ensures there are vegetarian and vegan options available. It's best to check with individual vendors for specific dietary offerings.
Absolutely! Many bars and pop-up stalls offer a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Some restaurants will also be serving drinks.
Food truck prices are generally reasonable, similar to other street food events. Restaurant dining will vary depending on the establishment. It's a good idea to have cash on hand for food trucks, though many now accept cards.
The Keyes Art Mile itself has several excellent restaurants like Besos, and food trucks are scattered throughout the area. The Prawnery in Rosebank is also a popular spot mentioned by attendees.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider exploring the Keyes Art Mile during daylight hours or just as the event begins to avoid overwhelming younger children with crowds and late-night energy. It's a great way to introduce kids to art and culture in a relaxed, informal setting. Remember to keep a close eye on children in busy areas.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Collectors
Plan your route in advance if you have specific galleries or artists you wish to see. Arriving early will give you ample time to appreciate the artworks without the rush. The event provides a fantastic overview of the current art scene in Johannesburg, making it a valuable experience for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
✨ Couples & Date Nights
Consider starting with gallery hopping, followed by dinner from a food truck or at one of the area's restaurants. The relaxed yet sophisticated vibe makes it easy to connect and enjoy each other's company while exploring Johannesburg's creative heart.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art Scene at First Thursdays
Beyond the established galleries, First Thursdays often features pop-up exhibitions and street art, adding an element of surprise and discovery to the experience. It's a fantastic opportunity to engage with the local art community, meet artists, and perhaps even find a unique piece to take home. The event fosters a sense of community and provides a platform for artistic expression that is accessible to everyone.
Many visitors describe the art as 'fantastic' and 'diverse,' highlighting the quality and variety on display. It's not just about viewing art; it's about experiencing it in a lively, social setting. The combination of visual art, live music, and culinary delights creates a truly immersive cultural experience that captures the spirit of Johannesburg.
Experiencing the Vibe and Atmosphere
It's a place where people from all walks of life come together to enjoy art, food, and good company. The crowd is diverse, ranging from young art enthusiasts to families and seasoned collectors. This inclusive environment is a significant draw, offering a chance to connect with the city's pulse and its creative inhabitants.
Many attendees highlight the 'nice vibes' and the 'true Jozi experience,' emphasizing the event's ability to showcase the city's dynamic culture. Whether you're on a solo adventure or with friends, First Thursdays offers a memorable evening filled with art, entertainment, and a palpable sense of community spirit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit