Sandton’s Katy’s Palace Bar was the place to be on Saturday, 11 October 2025, as Buddies Night Out delivered another unforgettable evening of connection, music, and queer joy in Johannesburg.
Co-founded by Armando Ayala and Josua Joubert, the event drew an energetic crowd that filled the venue to capacity, proving once again that the Buddies brand has become a cornerstone of South Africa’s queer nightlife.
From the early hours of the afternoon, excited partygoers lined up outside the venue. “People have been queuing up since 1 pm.,” said Ayala. “We honestly thought we were not going to fill the event, and it turns out we could have. The reaction has been incredible. We’re overwhelmed and so happy that people showed up to celebrate with us.”
The atmosphere was electric, the dance floor pulsed with energy, friends reunited over cocktails, and new connections blossomed in a space where everyone could be their most authentic selves. “Josh and I always say, imagine a braai without the braai, it’s not a vibe,” Ayala laughed. “That’s what Buddies is about. It’s not just a party or a club night; it’s a safe space to come and have fun.”
Ayala also reflected on the importance of inclusivity within the LGBTQIA+ community, acknowledging that while Buddies Night Out continues to thrive, there’s room to grow. “In Cape Town, our audience is more balanced, around 60% gay men and 40% queer, lesbian, non-binary, and trans people. In Joburg, we’re still working on getting that message across, that this is an LGBTQIA+ party for everyone.”
Looking ahead, the co-founders are already planning bigger things. “Next year, expect Buddies to grow, bigger, better, and no one will be left out,” said Ayala. “We’re doing this because there aren’t enough queer spaces where people can truly belong. This is our way of changing that.”
