Your guide to the best Saturday markets in SA

When it comes to events in South Africa there is nothing we South Africans love more (and do better) than Saturday markets. With some of or bigger cities boasting a range of stunning must-visit food and farmers markets, the team here at Junk Mail thought it was high time we gave you a comprehensive guide to some of the best markets to check out in your city.

From the Neighbourgoods Market in Johannesburg to the Durban Fresh Produce Market, here is a list of the markets you simply have to check out. Before you start there is one golden rule to keep in mind – always show up early to these Saturday markets to make sure you don’t miss out on how truly amazing they really are.

Markets in Cape Town

Cape Town is without a doubt a stunning city and the events and markets in Cape Town are no different, so let’s dive in.

The Vlei Market – Saturdays

Taking place at the False Bay Rendezvous on Promenade Road in Muizenberg, here you will find everything from good food to handmade crafts and goods. Taking place every Saturday (depending on the weather of course) you can stop by between 08:30 and 14:00.

Cape Town Neigbourgoods Market – Saturdays (no matter the weather)

Stop by between 09:00 and 14:00 to experience over 100 speciality traders that include everyone from organic merchants and butchers, to artisans and bakers. Located in the old industrial area of Woodstock, you’ll find this market at the Old Biscuit Mill.

Bo-Kaap Market – Last Saturday of every month

At the Bo-Kaap Civic Centre you will find this stunning gem of a market. Food markets at its best, koeksisters, cakes, prawn curry and butter chicken are only a few of the delicious options you have to choose from. Established in 2009, you can stop by between 09:30 and 14:30.

Stellenbosch Willowbridge Market – Saturdays

A slow food market taking place on Saturdays between 09:00 and 14:00, here you will find all sorts of goodies like craft beer, gourmet food and even local designers. Located at the Oude Libertas Estate in Stellenbosch, make sure to add this Saturday market to your calendar.

Market at The Palms – Saturdays

If you are looking for events and markets in Cape Town be sure to stop by the Market at The Palms on Saturdays between 09:00 to 15:00. Bringing the Platteland to the big city, here you will find everything from baked goods to vintage items. You will find this market in Sir Lowry Road in Woodstock.

Rondebosch Village Market – Saturdays

A community market outside of the Rondebosch Library, this is one of the Saturday markets where you can find yummy organic produce. Also be on the lookout for preserves, handmade goods and different types of cheeses. Stop by between 07:00 and noon.

Earth Fair Food Market – Wednesdays and Saturdays

Located in the South Palms Centre (situated on Tokai Main Road) you can expect everything from ethically reared animal products to crispy fresh produce. Stop by on Wednesdays between 15:00 and 21:00, and on Saturdays between 09:00 and 14:00.

Bay Harbour Market – Weekend Market

Having everything from art and fashion to good food and music, the Bay Harbour Market on Harbour Road in Hout Bay is a weekend event and you can stop by on Fridays (from 17:00 to 21:00) as well as on Saturdays and Sundays from 09:30 to 16:00.

City Bowl Market on Hope – Thursday Evenings

Not one of the Saturday Markets (because it a Thursday evening event), this is one of the true food markets in Cape Town. Featuring about 30 stalls, you can expect to find yummy grub from passionate food enthusiasts. Stop by on Thursday evenings between 16:30 and 20:30 to fill up on some of the best food Cape Town has to offer.

The V&A Food Market – Weekdays

Located on Dock Road, this market takes place Monday to Friday between 10:00 and 18:00. With good food and fresh produce, this is a perfect place to stop by for a mid-week shop.

Other markets in Cape Town to definitely check out includes:

• The Meerendal Farmers Market in Durbanville on the second Saturday of every month between 09:00 and 14:00.
• Oranjezicht City Farm Market at the V&A Waterfront every Saturday.

Did we miss any markets? Add it in the comments below! Remember, you can advertise your market by placing a free ad on Junk Mail!

Markets in Pretoria

If you are looking for awesome events and markets in Pretoria you will be delighted to hear that this city doesn’t sleep late on Saturday mornings.

Irene Village Market – First and Last Saturday of every month

Centred around arts and crafts this is also one of the events in South Africa that you will enjoy if you are ever in Pretoria. Food and music is also on the menu when visiting the Irene Village Market. Situated on 7 Nelson Road in Olifantsfontein at The Big Red Barn, be sure to stop by between 09:00 and 12:30.

The Pretoria Boeremark – Saturdays

One of the popular markets in Pretoria, the Pretoria Boere Mark is all about good old boere kos that will get your mouth watering. Among the fresh food and produce you’ll also see some creative and handmade goodies. Stop by on Saturdays at the Pionier Museum on Keuning Street between 05:30 and 09:30. Be there earlier to avoid missing out.

Hazel Food Market – Saturdays

If it is food markets you are looking for, the Hazel Food Market is a must stop on our list of Saturday markets. Taking place every Saturday between 08:00 and 14:00 in Menlo Park here you can expect everything from fresh pizza and authentic Spanish paella to decadent chocolate and cupcakes that are sometimes just too beautiful to eat.

Market at the Sheds – Last Saturday of every month

With everything from art and fashion to food, design and music, Market at the Sheds takes place on 381 Helen Joseph Street in Pretoria from 11:00 to 18:00. This is the market to check out to get a taste of Pretoria’s vibrant colour and culture.

Have we forgotten any awesome weekend events and markets in Pretoria? Tell us and Junk Mail readers about the markets you love in the comment section below!

Markets in Johannesburg

Joburg is a lively, fascinating city and, when it comes to events and markets in Johannesburg, this is no different.

Jozi Real Food Market – Saturdays

With artisan food products and crafts, the Jozi Real Food Market might just be one of the many Saturday markets in Joburg you will fall in love with. Check it out between 08:30 and 13:00 at the Pirates Sports Club in Greenside.

Market on Main – Sundays

An extremely popular market in Johannesburg, Market on Main takes place every Sunday between 10:00 and 13:00 and is focussed around food and design. Check it out at Arts on Main on Fox Street.

Johannesburg Neighbourgoods Market – Saturdays

Located on Juta Street in Braamfontein, the Johannesburg Neighbourgoods Market offers everything from music and speciality goods to fresh produce and yummy food, so be sure to stop by between 09:00 and 15:00.

Fourways Farmers Market – Sundays

If you are looking for fresh produce, locally made cheese, preserves and even handmade jewellery, definitely stop by the Fourways Farmers Market on Sundays between 09:00 and 16:00. Find it on the corner of Monte Casino Boulevard and William Nicol Drive.

Bryanston Organic and Natural Market – Thursdays, Saturdays and Public Holidays

If it is fresh, organic produce you are after, the Bryanston Organic and Natural Market is a must visit. Taking place from 09:00 to 15:00, this outdoor market offers everything from deli foods and gifts, to live music and cool activities to entertain the kids. Check it out on Culross Road in Bryanston.

Other weekend events and markets in Johannesburg include:

• The Shed on Route 59 has a Farm Market on Saturdays from 09:00 to 15:00. Find it on 109 Malcolm Road in Walkerville.
• BluBird Whole Food Market takes place on Sundays from 09:00 to 14:00 and is one of the food markets in Johannesburg. Find it at the BluBird Shopping Centre.
• Walkerville Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from 09:00 to 15:00 on 112 Main Road, Walkerville.

Remember to add your favourite food markets and regular weekend events in the comments below! Did you know that you can even advertise your event on Junk Mail by placing a free ad?

Markets in Durban

Markets in Durban offer a great opportunity to get outside, taste great food, let the kids run free and even find a special gift for someone you love.

I Heart Market – First Saturday of a month

At the Moses Mabhida Stadium you’ll find the I Heart Market. Featuring local fashion, designers and good food, it makes for a wonderful day out with loved ones. Stop by between 09:00 and 14:00 to join in on the fun.

The Morning Trade – Sundays

From 08:00 to 13:00 on Sundays, the Morning Trade is an artisan produce market offering everything from the freshest ingredients to speciality goods. Located on 5 Station Drive, don’t miss this food market on Sundays.

Essenwood Market – Saturdays

One of the best Saturday markets, the Essenwood Market is the place to go if you are looking for an outdoor experience mixed with food and crafts. Stop by between 09:00 and 14:00 on Essenwood Road in Durban.

Golden Hours Family Market – Sundays

A rustic market for families, here you will find live music, loads to eat, fresh produce and a chance to get out of the house and browse wonderful stalls under the canopy of mango trees. Stop by between 10:00 and 15:30 on the corner of Uitsig Road and Radar Drive.

Also be sure to check out the Durban Fresh Produce Market. If you know of weekend events and markets in Durban not mentioned here, remember to add it to the comment section below!

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Saturday Markets elsewhere in SA

There are tons of Saturday markets – more than we can possibly cover – so here is a list of other craft and food markets in SA:

In KwaZulu-Natal

• The Litchi Orchard Market offers food and great drinks every second Saturday of a month from 09:00 to 13:00. A night market is also held on the last Friday of every month from 17:00 to 22:00.
• The Karkloof Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays from 07:00 to 11:00 just 2.6 kilometres from Howick.
• Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market every Saturday from 06:00 to 10:30.
• Piertermaritzburg Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from 06:00 to 10:00 in Pretsbury.

Markets in the Winelands and Western Cape

• Country Craft Market takes place every second Saturday from September to May from 09:00 to 14:00 at Southey’s Vines.
• The Franschhoek Market takes place on Saturdays from 09:00 – 14:00 at the NG Kerk in Franschoek.
• Windmeul Farmers Market takes place in Paarl on the first Saturday of every month, so stop by between 08:00 and 12:30 for a fun-filled day.
• Root 44 Market is a weekend market in Stellenbosch from 10:00 to 16:00 no matter the weather.
• Lourensford Harvest Market is a great Sunday (10:00 – 15:00) outing in Somerset West that offers homemade goods and food.
• Blaauwklippen Family Market in Stellenbosch takes place on Sundays between 10:00 and 15:00.

Markets on the Garden Route

• Wild Oats Community Farmers Market is one of the Saturday markets on the Garden Route that will not disappoint. It takes place every Saturday (07:30 – 12:00 in the summer and 08:00 to 12:00 in the winter) on the western outskirts of Sedgefield.
• Outeniqua Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays from 08:00 to 12:00 in George.
• Harkerville Market (which started as the Harvest Time Market in 2000) is located between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. It takes place every Saturday between 08:00 and 12:00.

There you have it – the Saturday markets in South Africa you simply have to check out. If we missed any awesome weekend markets, please feel free to tell us more about them in the comment section below. Who knows, we might even see you there…

With so many stunning events in South Africa, it is no wonder that we have a lively, early morning culture that late sleepers are sure to miss out on. If you have a stunning market, advertise it on Junk Mail by placing your free ad today!