First Thursdays

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. +1

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. +1

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.

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 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. +1

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. +1

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.

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. +1