Appreciate art and connect (safely) at First Thursday

Cape Town’s local artists show their work, plus there’s live entertainment and good food

Updated: 5 October 2023

There will be a thrift market, nail bar, tattoo artist and other offerings at Ideas Cartel this First Thursday, 3 December. Or walk to Wale street’s new pop up eatery Oxalis Eatery or the Nel Gallery on Long Street, which is a constantly changing exhibition space of home to ceramics. 

THIS BURGER JOINT HAS LIVE MUSIC AND ART

Love Is on Loop Street doesn’t just conceal weird and wacky burgers, it also turns into a creative hub for local artists. Every First Thursdays, the burger joint transforms into an artist expo with paintings and live music. Sometimes there’s also paint and sip evenings. Plus, there’s weekly wine tastings and karaoke nights at Love Is.

16 Loop Street | Cape Town City Centre | @love_is_burgers | Image: Love Is

POP BY THIS NEW ECCENTRIC GALLERY

This gallery, just off Bree Street, has quickly become a vibrant spot loved by First Thursday goers due to its pop art persona, the buzz of Afrobeats and creative hub with a ping pong table and lounge area. It’s also an outlet for future-forward art buyers looking for limited edition works from Brooklyn-based artist KAWS oe the popular, collectable Bearbricks. Plus, you get a free drink when entering Rare Gallery every First Thursday. 

6 Watson Street | Cape Town City Centre | 074 784 2986 | @raregallery_ | Image: Rare Gallery

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BLACK BOARD-STYLE MENU AND CONTEMPORARY ART

Oxalis Eatery is Wale Street’s new pop-up eatery serving up delicious seasonal snacks, wine and local art. Upstairs from Honest Chocolate and The Gin Bar, you’ll find unique dishes like tempura-fried cod with shiitake mushrooms or pork belly with green mango atchar. Keep an eye out on the ever-changing and creative Oxalis Eatery menu.

When:  Tuesday to Thursday, 12pm-10pm, and Friday to Saturday, 5pm-11pm

64 Wale St, Cape Town City Centre | facebook.com/oxaliseatery | + 27 (0)63 562 1136

A MIXED BAG EXHIBITION SPACE

The Nel Gallery, is a constantly changing exhibition space of home to ceramics, paintings, sculptures and sometimes even to live artistic performances. Although it is a space that mainly celebrates local Cape Town artists, don’t be surprised when you stumble upon stunning works from other South Africa and even international creators. 

When: Tuesday to Friday, 10am-4pm, and Saturday, 10am-2pm

117 Long Street | Cape Town City Centre | info@nelart.co.za | +27 (0)83 324 6512

A FIRST THURSDAY INSTAGRAM POP-UP BOOKSTORE

Hot Days Cool Books’ pop-up bookstore is open for First Thursdays. Browse through a range of hard-to-find, second-hand art and design books curated by store owners Meghan and Daniel. Pop in for a visit at their spot on Wale Street or reach out via Instagram. 

When: Saturdays, 10am-1pm, (drop-offs available on Sundays, Tuesdays and Mondays)

WINE TASTINGS LED BY EXPERTS

Leo's Wine Bar reopened on 2 September, and it makes a great pitstop on your First Thursdays route. It’s a wine bar inside a bagel shop, where you can discover wines from some of the most interesting and unique producers in the Western Cape. While you’re there, don't forget to try the delicious (and very Instagrammable) pizza bagels from Leo's Wine Bar.

When: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3pm-5pm

120 Bree Street | Cape Town City Centre | mfreemantle@gmail.com | +27 (0)76 042 0224

ON FIRST THURSDAYS, IT'S GIN O'CLOCK

Why wouldn't you want to spend First Thursdays at a hidden speakeasy? Grab a sweet treat at Honest Chocolate Café on your way to the Mediterranean-style courtyard where you'll find The Gin Bar. This secret location has been a long-standing meeting point for First Thursdays. Sip on delectable gin cocktails while you unwind and start your weekend a day earlier than normal. 

When: Monday to Saturday from 3pm, with last rounds called at 9pm

64A Wale Street | Cape Town City Centre| hello@theginbar.co.za | +27 (0)71 241 2277

WE'RE ALL IN LOCKDOWN TOGETHER

The Abe Opperman Gallery is showcasing their brand new summer exhibition both online and in their gallery in De Waterkant. If you take a closer look at all the art, you'll notice that the gallery only sells pieces from the owner, Abe Opperman. Plusgallery curator Ben Theron promises that “all the pieces are unique” as you won’t find a copy or print in the whole space. 

When: Mondays to Fridays, 10am-6pm and Saturdays, 9am-1pm from 1 September to 31 December.

10 Huguenot Rd, Franschhoek | abeopperman.co.za |  082 551 9708

COFFEE, MUFFINS AND EXQUISITE LOCAL ART

The Ladder on 136 is a working café and art studio run by practising artists Nicholas and Anastasia. The space is filled with stunning pieces ranging from detailed landscapes and still lifes to intimate portraits, etchings and ceramics. Plus, on the weekends they host creative workshops both parents and kids would love. If you have a soft spot for travel and nature, you’ll want to stop by for Argentinian-born photographer Joaquina’s exhibition for First Thursdays.

When: Monday to Friday, 7:30am-4pm, and Saturday, 8:30am-1pm. Joaquina’s photography exhibition will start at 7pm.

136 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre | theladderon136.com | 082 451 1572

A CRISPY GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH AND COCKTAILS

Clarke’s Bar and Dining room is open and accepting orders for sit-down collection. Try their crispy grilled cheese sandwich, vegetarian sloppy joe, or famous burgers. They’re also selling beer and wine to go, plus they have an all-day breakfast and a mimosa special on Saturdays and Sundays. 

When: Mondays and Tuesdays, 7am-4pm; Wednesday to Friday, 7am-11pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 8am-4pm

133 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre | clarkesdining.co.za | 087 470 0165

More to enjoy this week in Cape Town:

Tunes, wine and pizza bagels at Leo’s Wine Bar (now open on Tuesday evening too).

You know it’s summer in Cape Town when.... Galileo Open Air Cinema.

Find out why you should pay a visit to The Book Lounge.

A whole section dedicated to and designed by kids at the Ladder on 136.

Get your art fix at the Abe Opperman Gallery in Franschhoek.

Catch Max Hurrell, DJ Rene and Amigo Santana play live at La Parada on Bree.

Discover unique, high-end dishes at the new Oxalis Eatery.

From Unique to new and classic; there are plenty of exquisite galleries in Cape Town.

Find out how many covid-19 cases are in your area with daily updates and tips on the coronavirus.

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