First Thursdays Is Back: 10 Things Happening Across Joburg on 1 October

The monthly cultural event takes over different parts of the city, with galleries, creative spaces, live music venues, restaurants and independent businesses staying open into the evening. The official First Thursdays programme runs from 5pm to 8pm, but plenty of events continue well into the night.

This month, Rosebank, Melville, Braamfontein and beyond are packed with things to do. From a Pantsula-inspired street party and a coffee rave to jazz, art exhibitions and live performances, here are some of the places worth checking out on Thursday, 1 October.

1. First Thursdays at Rosebank Quarter

If you're looking for something that feels more like a proper night out, First Thursdays at Rosebank Quarter is bringing a Pantsula-inspired edition to the precinct.

The theme is Pantsula Street Style, so expect the dress code to play a big part in the night. The event runs from 6pm until midnight, giving you plenty of time to arrive after work and settle into the evening.

When: 1 October 2026, 6pm–12am
Where: Rosebank Quarter
Dress code: Pantsula street style

2. Jazz at The Bioscope with Lesedi Ntsane

For something more intimate, head to The Bioscope at 44 Stanley for an evening of live jazz.

Jazz at The Bioscope features Lesedi Ntsane, bringing his take on South African jazz and contemporary improvisation to the venue. The show starts at 8pm, with guests encouraged to arrive earlier for food and drinks at The Bioscope Café.

When: 1 October 2026, 8pm
Where: The Bioscope, 44 Stanley Avenue
Tickets: Around R220–R225

3. First's Here: Coffee Rave

First's Here is bringing its Coffee Rave ft. Yellow Jacket to Rosebank, combining coffee, music, live vocals, a mini market and even table tennis.

The event runs from 5:30pm to 10pm, making it an easy after-work option if you're looking for something social without committing to a full night out.

When: 1 October 2026, 5:30pm–10pm
Where: 8 Tyrwhitt Avenue, Rosebank
Featuring: Yellow Jacket, live DJ and live vocals

4. Kasi Flavour Summer Archive Sale

Also happening at 8 Tyrwhitt Avenue is the Kasi Flavour Summer Archive Sale.

The event starts at 4pm and is centred around fashion, with the archive sale bringing together pieces from Kasi Flavour alongside the energy of First Thursdays.

It's a good one to hit before heading elsewhere for the night, especially if you're already in the Rosebank area.

When: 1 October 2026, from 4pm
Where: 8 Tyrwhitt Avenue, Rosebank

5. Keyes Art Night

Keyes Art Night is another major stop for anyone wanting to make the evening about art.

The programme at Keyes Art Mile brings together exhibitions and creative experiences, with this month's theme exploring landscapes, memory, identity, creativity and connection.

The event starts at 6pm, making it easy to pair with some of the other Rosebank First Thursday stops.

When: 1 October 2026, from 6pm
Where: Keyes Art Mile, Rosebank

6. Melville Art Night

If Rosebank isn't your scene, make your way to Melville.

The Melville Art Mile returns on Thursday from 4pm to 9pm, transforming the neighbourhood into a walking route of art, music, workshops, markets and other creative experiences.

This month's programme also forms part of Melville's 130th anniversary celebrations, with activities spread across the area.

When: 1 October 2026, 4pm–9pm
Where: Multiple locations across Melville
Entry: Free options available, with paid guided experiences also available

7. First Thursdays at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub

The 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub is one of the spots to know if you're into Johannesburg's design and art scene.

This month's programme includes a Doodle Session hosted by Black Sable Designs, where visitors can come through and draw, with materials and inspiration provided. The session is open to all experience levels and is free.

There is also an exhibition by Eulogia Merle, Unquiet Figures, at Candice Berman Gallery, exploring the relationship between humans and animals.

When: 1 October 2026
Where: 223 Jan Smuts Avenue, Rosebank
Entry: Free for the doodle session

8. Sphelelo Mazibuko Live at Hugh's

For another night of jazz, Sphelelo Mazibuko is performing live at Hugh's Jazz Club in Braamfontein.

The show starts from 6pm, giving you another option if you want to keep the night centred around live music rather than galleries and exhibitions.

When: 1 October 2026, from 6pm
Where: Hugh's Jazz Club, 10 De Beer Street, Braamfontein
Tickets: R300

9. Linda Sikhakhane Live at Untitled Basement

Braamfontein is also hosting Linda Sikhakhane, who brings his LINDA performance to Untitled Basement.

Doors open at 6pm, with the show starting at 8pm. It's another strong option for anyone looking to make First Thursdays about live music.

When: 1 October 2026
Doors Open: 6pm
Where: Untitled Basement, Braamfontein

10. The Virtual Mobile Gallery: Art Meets Cars

And then there's something a little different.

The Virtual Mobile Gallery: Art Meets Cars brings together two worlds that don't usually share the same exhibition space: contemporary art and cars.

The gallery launch takes place at Pharoah in Bryanston from 6:30pm, with the event listed as by invitation only.

If you have an invite, this is one for the calendar.

When: 1 October 2026, 6:30pm
Where: Pharoah, 3 Winnie Mandela Drive, Bryanston
Entry: By invitation only

So, where are you going?

The beauty of First Thursdays is that you don't necessarily have to pick one thing and stay there all night.

You could start with the Coffee Rave or Kasi Flavour in Rosebank, move through Keyes Art Mile or 223 Jan Smuts, and finish the night with jazz at The Bioscope or live music in Braamfontein.

Or head to Melville and spend the evening exploring the Melville Art Mile, which is running from 4pm to 9pm.

Whatever you choose, Thursday, 1 October is a big one for Joburg's creative scene.