The first Thursday in Joburg – and other firsts

31 Mar 2026

An evening of between art, dance and connection at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub. Photo: 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub.

The Eyethu Franco Xchange at Eyethu Heritage Hall highlights the best of French Cinema every first Thursday. Photo: Eyethu Heritage Hall via Instagram.

Hugh's in Braamfontein lights up the city and Thursdays with its exciting lineup. Photo: Hugh's Jazz Club via Instagram.

The first week of the month is always a busy one in Joburg, and several places have recurring events to help you spend that salary in style. Here are all the events you can add to your calendar to make sure you're starting April right.

What to do on Thu, Apr 2, 2026

From 16:00 – Wander the Melville Art Mile for a Thursday packed with artist walkabouts, live music, a night market, pottery, art demos, music walks and that unmistakable Melville spirit.
From 17:00 – Lights down, energy up at Here's first Night Market in Rosebank, where after-dark shopping, food and music set the tone for the evening.
From 17:30 – Enjoy Converging Truths: First Thursday at Asisebenze Art Gallery in Marshalltown, with live performances by Nqobile Mkari and Vinyl Lifestyle, celebrating art, music and connection.
From 17:30 – An evening of art and conversation unfolds at Candice Berman Gallery, with exhibition-inspired dance performances by Joburg Ballet, intimate conversations by A StrangerKind and fresh exhibitions at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub, Rosebank.
From 18:00 – Keyes Art Mile's galleries and restaurants stay open late to bring you Keyes Art Night – enjoy the latest exhibitions, a hands-on maker's table and excellent eats.
From 18:00 – Film, music, and conversation come together at the Eyethu Franco Xchange at Eyethu Heritage Hall, with a screening of The Gravedigger’s Wife by Khadar Ayderus Ahmed, bringing stories from Djibouti to Soweto for an evening of cultural exchange and community.
From 18:00 – Sip your way around the world at Le Vin Wine Bar’s Unlimited Wine Festival at Rosebank Quarter, with global tastings, live music, DJs and a lively First Thursdays after-party.
From 18:00 – Experience an evening of contemporary South African jazz at Hugh’s with Steve Dyer, where groove, storytelling and the spirit of ubuntu come together in a deeply considered live performance.
From 18:00 – Dot-based portraits and acrylics reveal faces that emerge, dissolve and reconfigure with the exhibition, Second Rendition by Bingo Kondowe, at Weedlovers Marshalltown.
From 20:00 – Spiritually charged rhythms of The Abathwebuli Trio at Jazz at The Bioscope at 44 Stanley, blending ancestral African chants and modern improvisation.