If you’ve ever wandered through the streets of Cape Town or Joburg on the first Thursday of the month, you’ll know the buzz is different. Streets are alive with people, music, art, food, and a real sense of community. That’s First Thursdays – a monthly celebration of art, culture, and nightlife that’s become a fixture in South Africa’s creative calendar. And at the heart of it all, Core Catering Supplies supports the hospitality industry behind the scenes, making sure restaurants, bars, and venues are equipped to serve, impress, and create memorable experiences on nights like these. From our quality glasses, perfect for serving signature cocktails, to our professional bar tools, shakers, and speed pourers that keep bartenders in flow, we help elevate the experience for guests across the country.
A Global Idea
The roots of First Thursdays go back to East London, where the Whitechapel Gallery and Time Out first introduced late-night gallery openings on the first Thursday of every month. The idea caught on, and soon other cities in Europe followed. In fact, part of the inspiration for Cape Town’s event came directly from experiencing a similar scene in Zurich – a city that knows how to blend art, culture, and street life into something unforgettable.
The South African Story
In November 2012, Gareth Pearson and Michael Tymbios brought the concept to Cape Town. It began with just six galleries but quickly grew into one of the city’s biggest cultural events. By 2015, Johannesburg had joined the movement, and most recently, Stellenbosch launched its own First Thursdays in May 2025.
What makes it so special? It’s free, open to everyone, and transforms city spaces into playgrounds of discovery. Galleries and shops usually open from 5pm to 8pm, but the night doesn’t stop there. Restaurants, bars, and music venues keep the energy going well into the evening.
More Than Just a Night Out
First Thursdays isn’t only about art – it’s about people. It’s a chance to explore your city in a new way, to meet others, and to support local creativity and hospitality. For the restaurant and bar scene especially, it’s a powerful boost. Thousands of people pour into the city each month, looking for places to eat, drink, and connect.
This is where Core Catering Supplies proudly plays a role. By equipping restaurants, bars, and hotels with the tools they need, we’re supporting the venues that keep First Thursdays thriving. Whether it’s a mixologist shaking things up with our stainless-steel cocktail shakers, a bartender serving a G&T in our Glitch Glassware, or a busy venue relying on speed pourers and bar caddies to keep service seamless – Core Catering is there, helping create those memorable nights out.
Ready for Thirsty Thursdays?
Whether you’re in Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Stellenbosch, First Thursdays is your invitation to rediscover your city. Plan your route, step into a gallery you’ve never seen before, grab a meal somewhere new, and let the night take you where it will.The only question is: are you ready for Thirsty Thursdays?
