Popping into one of the many weekend markets in Johannesburg is one of those tried and trusted ways to unwind. Whether you’re on the lookout for unique, small-scale crafts or just take in the vibey atmosphere, we list some of the best weekend markets to keep on your radar.
Have we missed any of your favourite spots? Let us know in the comments below or email [email protected]
The Town Square at Newmarket Night Market
This increasingly popular Night Market is held four times a year at The Town Square at Newmarket retail centre, located within the very popular Newmarket Precinct in Alberton.
The market is a first-of-its-kind in Alberton. Amongst the state-of-the-art fairy lights features and cobblestone paving, visitors can enjoy music from a combination of live artists and DJs, indulge in good food and drinks from a variety of food trucks and bars, and experience a welcoming and vibey atmosphere for the whole family.
The kids will also get to have their fun with various kids stalls available for each market including face painters, balloon sculpture artists, ceramic painting stations for kids, hangman competitions, and more. The square also boasts a popular water feature for the kids to play in and Waldo’s Jungle, the perfect play jungle for little ones who love a little bit of activity.
Cost: FREE entry
When: Friday, 2 May from 4pm to 9pm
Where: The Town Square at Newmarket, Ext. 15, Internal Roads, Cnr Elevation Street and Sea, Cottage Street, Newmarket Park, Alberton
The Playground
In the urban gem Braamfontein, you can find yourself in the midst of one of Joburg’s most famous markets. We’re, of course, referring to the Neighbourgoods Market at The Playground.
For those of our readers who are unfamiliar with the Neighbourgoods Market, allow us to explain. Every Saturday, The Playground hosts a regular artisan Market with a menu of gourmet street food, cocktails, and live music performances rounded off with a DJ.
One of our reasons for choosing this market is because they hold the ethos of not only being a market but being focused on the visitor experience and creating a platform for exceptional young talent in Joburg.
Cost: Free entry from 10am to 12pm. R20pp from 12pm to 6pm. Kids under 12 enter free
When: Every Saturday, from 10am – 6pm
Where: 73 Juta Street, Braamfontein
Website: theplayground.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 060 890 4501
Prison Break Market
Essentially this market is the ideal compromise between a pop-up market and a shopping centre. It is a base for crafters to permanently manufacture goods in front of visitors and patrons in an effort to make the shopping experience more entertaining and educational.
The Prison Break Market houses seven different unique sheds that each offer different experiences. The first shed stands as a food market and the second shed stands as an eating area. Shed number three is where the majority of crafters sell their goods, followed by shed number four which houses the ever-popular Clay Café. Shed number five is the home of Dreambox, which is basically a giant, endlessly entertaining photo booth.
The sixth shed is an event and entertainment venue provided by San Quentin. And last but not least we find ourselves at shed number seven, which is the Pour House. This is where visitors enjoy boutique wine, high-quality beer and delectable gin with a variety of food offerings.
Each shed has different operating days and times, so it is important to follow their social media or check online to see the operating hours or any additional information.
Cost: Free entry
When: Tuesday between 9am and 5pm | Wednesday to Sunday between 9am to 9pm
Where: Cnr. Main &, 10 MacMillan Road, Lachlan Rd, Glenferness AH, Midrand
Website: prisonbreakmarket.co.za | Email: [email protected]
Melville Food and Farmer’s Market
Celebrating the dreamers, crafters, creatives and foodies, Melville’s Food and Farmers Market hosts the best local products every Saturday.
Claiming that there is always something special to discover, the market houses different stalls with a variety of mongers. From quirky and cute toys to delicious jams and homemade meals. It’s no wonder this market flaunts the element of surprise on a weekly basis.
Cost: Free entry
When: Every Saturday, from 9am – 2pm
Where: Cnr of Carlow Rd and Rustenburg Rd, Melville
Email: [email protected] | Tel: 082 399 8126
The Foodies Feast Market
Morning Glen Mall is now running a new and dynamic culinary market, The Foodies Feast Market, opening in time for the Spring season.
The Foodie’s Feast promises to be a must-see destination in Johannesburg featuring a curated array of handpicked vendors known for their expertise and craftsmanship. Foodie’s is a home to the very best in lifestyle, cuisine, friendship experiences, flavour and community.
Visitors can find a myriad of stalls, wine tasting, gin tasting, fresh cut flowers, ample parking, comfy seating and a vibey atmosphere for browsing and feasting. Plus, the market is undercover for the rainy summer season in Jozi.
Cost: Free entry
When: Every Thursday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm. Friday and Saturday, from 10am to 8pm
Where: Morning Glen Mall, Kelvin Dr &, Bowling Ave, Morningside Manor, Johannesburg
Website: morningglenmall.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 086 112 3426
Bryanston Market
Established in 1976, The Bryanston Organic Market is one of Joburg’s oldest outdoor markets. Specialising in organically grown fresh produce and delicious deli foods, the market is a favourite to all our lovers of natural life and natural ingredients.
Every Thursday and Saturday, you can find the best crafts, gifts, jewellery and clothing primarily made from natural materials and fabrics. So, by supporting this market, you’ll also be supporting a focused group of small business and solo entrepreneurs.
Recently the Bryanston Organic Market branched out and joined the inevitable online shopping platforms. Because of this, they now grant convenient access to their range of deli and pantry items, along with the collection of wellness products.
Cost: Free entry
When: Every Thursday and Saturday, from 9am – 3pm
Where:40 Culross Rd, Bryanston, Johannesburg
Website: bryanstonmarket.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 706 3671
The Fourways Farmer’s Market
Previously found in the Fourways Nursery next to Monte Casino, this market has branched out and moved to a bigger and better space, known as the Modderfontein Reserve. However, they kept the front door and moved it with them.
By entering through their traditional farm-style corrugated entrance, you wander into a lavender-rich picnic area with a fantastic view of the Reserve Lake. Make your way through to the market section where they have a vast selection of locally made products. With a cocktail in one hand and a meal in the other, you can either browse through all the crafts, jewellery and arts or sit under the trees and enjoy the view of the lake or sounds of singer-songwriters hoping to be the next Ed Sheeran.
Cost: R10pp per adult
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, from 8am – 6pm
Where: Taroko Farm Modderfontein Reserve, Norfolk Ln, Klipfontein View, Lethabong
Website: ffmarket.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 064 870 4116
Rosebank Sunday Market
Voted Best of Joburg Craft Market 2021, this popular market is a true expression of South Africa’s vibrancy and dynamism. The market celebrates its diversity through its variety. Therefore, it offers something for everyone with a vast selection of craft stalls, live music, kids’ entertainment, and gourmet food traders.
Situated inside Rosebank Mall, the open rooftop parking space transforms into a world-class market. With a backdrop of the Johannesburg skyline, it perfectly complements the South African tradition of entrepreneurship.
With free entrance and over 140 traders on any given Sunday, the market is an easy choice for a complete day’s outing. From vintage sections, clothing, books, artworks, jewellery and home décor, to food stalls with a massive variety, your options are near limitless.
Cost: Free entry
When: Every Sunday, from 9am – 4pm
Where: Rosebank Mall, 20 Baker St, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Website: rosebanksundaymarket.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 072 243 8582
Riversands Farm Village
This regular Sunday market houses stalls for all sorts of interesting local crafters. From funky African art to delicious homemade goods.
Situated in the Riversand Farm Village, the market serves as a fun-filled destination for families with kids, or pet-owning patrons. With an array of various craft beers, food stalls and shopping goods, Riversand Farm Village Market is an easy way to keep busy on a slow Sunday.
Cost: Free entrance
When: Every Sunday, from 9am – 4pm
Where: Riversands Farm Village, Rose Rd, Midrand, Johannesburg
Website: riversandsfarm.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 082 927 9675
See our full guide to weekly, monthly and pop-up markets in Johannesburg
