The Buddies Night Out events have made waves in Cape Town with their fresh approach to queer nightlife, while also beginning to branch out into Johannesburg.
What began as a small house party among friends has grown into a celebration rooted in freedom and connection.
Ahead of their next Buddies Night Out event in Johannesburg this October, we caught up with co-owners Josua Joubert and Armando Ayala to hear more about the inspiration, vision, and future of their event.
On the inspiration behind Buddies Night Out:
“Buddies is all about creating a vibe where everyone feels like they belong,” says Joubert. “It’s a non-judgmental zone where you can truly be yourself, whether you’re catching up with old friends or making new ones. It started as a simple house party among a few friends, and it just grew from there, but we’ve always kept that core idea of giving people a safe space to connect and celebrate.”
On what Joburg audiences can expect:
“Joburg’s nightlife is already amazing, but we wanted to bring something a little different,” adds Ayala. “For this edition, we’re not just throwing a party; we’re building a community. Our goal is for every person to feel like they’re part of something special, leaving with memories and connections that last long after the night ends.”
On community building in the LGBTQ+ space:
“We’ve always been focused on creating meaningful connections,” says Joubert. “In the LGBTQ+ community, having a safe space is so important, and we see our events as a place where people can truly celebrate who they are, without any fear of being judged. It’s an environment where everyone feels seen, supported, and embraced. Over time, it’s become a chosen family and a strong network of support.”
On memorable moments and giving back:
“For me, the most memorable moments aren’t always what happens on the dance floor,” reflects Ayala. “The real magic is in the impact we’ve been able to make outside of the party. We’ve had the opportunity to give back, whether it’s donating to the Pride Shelter or supporting other community causes. The party is just the start; the real win is the positive impact we can create beyond the night itself.”
On the future of Buddies Night Out:
“We’re super proud of how much we’ve grown, with five successful events under our belt, four in Cape Town and one in Joburg,” says Joubert. “We definitely have more exciting stuff in the works, but we can’t spill all the details just yet. Just know that there are some big plans ahead that you’ll want to keep an eye out for!”
Johannesburg Buddies Night Out Event Details
📅 Date: 11 October 2025 | 6PM – 2AM
📍 Venue: Katy’s Palace Bar
🎟️ Tickets: Joburg Buddies
And here’s some exciting news: MambaOnline, in partnership with Buddies Night Out, will be giving away 2 tickets to two lucky winners, each with a plus one, to join the most epic night out in Joburg! Get the details on our Instagram page here.
