If you ask any person in Cape Town, they will be able to tell you that our city has always prided itself on its support for local entrepreneurs. With the number of markets Cape Town has to offer, it’s surely evident. These weekend markets in Cape Town and surrounding areas are platforms where small business owners and smart shoppers gather together to exchange goods and services for money and support.
Have we missed any of your favourite spots? Please let us know in the comments below or email editor@whatsonincapetown.com
FREEDOM WEEKEND MARKET
The Freedom Weekend offers the ideal family outing filled with food, drinks, live music, kid’s entertainment and shopping outside of Paarl and overlooking Winelands Vineyards views.
The market was started in 2020 by three Paarl moms, Tania Durr, Annelet Viljoen and Louise Human, who wanted to create a space for local entrepreneurs and small business owners who needed a platform to generate income after the lockdown.
Food offerings at the market include gourmet burgers, salads and sandwiches by Baconville, Fish & Calamari Stop, fresh authentic sushi, freshly squeezed fruit and veggie juices, candy-coated roasted nuts, and fresh bakes and sweet treats.
Honouring its Winelands location, ice-cold refreshments are served in style and in thin-edged glasses by the Winedown bar in the centre of the large shed. Visitors can choose between a few wines from the region, as well as refreshing cocktails and mocktails. For beer lovers, Diesel and Dust Craft brews from Stellenbosch are served on tap and frosty cold.
The market is also child-friendly with a dedicated play area, enclosure with ponies and tractor rides around the grounds. Well-behaved pets are also welcome.
Workshops are held around a centre table and info is available on their Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Where: Freedom Weekend Market, Freedom Village, 301, Wemmershoek Rd, Paarl
When: Sat – Sun: 10am – 4pm
Email: viljoen.annelet18@gmail.com | Tel: 083 458 6452
Facebook: @FreedomWeekendMarket| Instagram: @freedomweekendmarket
Courtyard 53 is one of those hidden gem spots in Cape Town that you’d want to kick yourself for not knowing about sooner. It’s a tranquil garden courtyard nestled in the heart of Plumstead that’s home to shops, a nursery and a garden café. It’s the ideal spot to catch up with friends or enjoy an outdoor, relaxing shopping experience at one of the surrounding shops or monthly market.
At the centre of the courtyard is High Tea, the quaint tea and cake shop, where, as the name suggests, you can enjoy a high tea, simple cake and coffee or even a light lunch. Adding to the already lusciously green courtyard is Elderflower Nursery, a Boutique, family-run, nursery focussing on favourites both old and new.
With a selection of fantastic traders and vendors, there are also a bunch of stores to browse through. From antiques and art sculptures to clothing, leather goods and artisanal home supplies and interior, this market has more than enough for everyone.
Where: Buckingham Rd, Plumstead, Cape Town
When: Sat: 8:30 am – 1pm
Email: info@courtyard53.co.za | Tel: 072 632 2595
Facebook: @Courtyard53CraftMarket | Instagram: @courtyard53craftmarket
THE NEIGHBOURGOODS MARKET
Founded in 2006 by entrepreneurs Justin Rhodes and Cameron Munro, the Neighbourgoods Market is an independent initiative to revive and reinvent the Public Market as a civic institution.
This award-winning market features over 100 specialty traders every weekend. So, they essentially create a weekly platform for local farmers and fine-food purveyors. The stalls grant access to all the local organic traders such as bakers and distributors, grocers, mongers, butchers, artisan producers, celebrated local chefs, micro-enterprises, designers, collectors, and even thrifters.
The market is housed at the Old Biscuit Mill, in an old sky-lit brick warehouse and courtyard. It is as much a source for farm fresh as well as organic foods and locally produced specialty goods, as it is a meeting point to embrace community. It’s a place where people can swap ideas and stories, and educate themselves on what we buy and eat. This is done by going directly to the source.
A calendar of seasonal events, specialty festivals, and live music features throughout the year.
Where: 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock
When: Sat: 9am – 3pm | Sun: 10am – 4pm
Website: neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za | Email: info@neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za
Facebook: @NeighbourgoodsMarket | Instagram: @neighbourgoodsmarket
MOJO MARKET
Mojo Market is a trendy food and lifestyle market in Sea Point. Unlike any other market in Cape Town, it is open every day of the week and offers a great place to meet old friends, make new ones and find some much-needed ‘mojo’.
From live music to sports screenings, and with four bars to thirty food stalls or artisan retail offerings, there is bound to be something of interest to everyone. One of the aforementioned bars is said to have the widest selection of beverages on tap in the southern hemisphere. So, be on the lookout.
There is a variety of different cuisines to choose from. These meals can then be enjoyed at the food court which has a floor-to-ceiling view of the sea and a palm-lined promenade. From burritos, ramens and kormas to sushi platters, there’s hardly a continent of the world that isn’t represented at the food stalls.
The artisan stores offer fresh and contemporary wares made by local and international producers. These include clothing, jewellery and homeware.
Where: 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point
When: All week: 11am – 9pm
Website: mojomarket.co.za | Email: admin1@freedomproperties.co.za | Tel: 021 422 4888
Facebook: @TheMojoMarket | Instagram: @themojomarket
V&A FOOD MARKET
The V&A Food Market features over forty different stalls with the finest local products, foods, sweets and drinks to choose from seven days a week in the heart of the Waterfront.
Not so long ago, the building used to be an old power station that brought power to the Cape Town dockyard. However, currently, there is a different type of power being produced. It’s now rather a powerhouse of innovation that generates bright ideas and concepts through the V&A Food Market.
Visitors can sit indoors when it’s windy or quayside for sundowners as they enjoy artisanal street food produced by local entrepreneurs.
Where: V&A Waterfront
When: Weekly: 10am – 7pm
Website: waterfrontfoodmarket.com | Email: info@waterfrontmarket.co.za | Tel: 021 418 1605
Facebook: @vandafoodmarket | Instagram: @vandafoodmarket
BLUE BIRD GARAGE FOOD AND GOODS MARKET
The Blue Bird Garage Food and Goods Market is held every Thursday and Friday night in a beautiful old postal plane hangar. Filled with a collection of local artisans, specialty cooks, bakers, producers and designers, it is considered to be the cornerstone of the Muizenberg community.
With a variety of food stalls, guests can enjoy almost any meal that comes to mind. From steaks and burgers to falafels, salads, empanadas and wraps. There is also a delicious collection of sugary goodness for guests with a sweet tooth. These are items such as fudge, cupcakes or brownies.
If you are more focused on grabbing a drink with some friends, you can go straight to the Bicycle Bar where there is a variety of local beers on tap, wine, or soft drinks and kombucha.
The market also boasts a dedicated kids’ play area which is equipped with a jungle gym and a designated area for activities like face painting and sand art. So, you can be sure your little ones will be just as entertained as you.
Where: Thu: 4pm – 9pm | Fri: 4pm – 10pm
When: 39, Albertyn Road, Muizenberg
Website: bluebirdgarage.co.za | Email: bluebirdgarage@gmail.com | Tel: 084 405 3544
Facebook: @bluebirdgaragemarket | Instagram: @bluebirdgaragemarket
NOORDHOEK FARM VILLAGE MARKET
The Noordhoek Farm Village Market is a quaint spot out on the main street of the Noordhoek area. It’s situated 30 minutes outside Cape Town’s city centre and grants a lovely quiet atmosphere, much like the kind you would expect from a small farm town.
The market hosts restaurants, pubs, shops and galleries, with a play area for children. On Saturdays, they dedicate the children’s play area to craft tables, creative play and carnival games for kids aged between 3 and 7.
Make your way to the Noordhoek Farm Village Market for that ideal, slow weekend morning. Browse through the shops and let the kids have a blast in the delightful play area.
Where: Cnr of Village Ln and Noordhoek Main Rd, Noordhoek
When: Sat: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Website: thefarmvillage.co.za | Email: info@thefarmvillage.co.za | Tel: 021 789 2812
Facebook: @noordhoekfarmvillage | Instagram: @noordhoekfarmvillage
BAY HARBOUR MARKET
The Bay Harbour Market offers an authentic and eclectic blend of all things South African. Visitors can browse through high-quality gifts and mementos whilst they sing along to the sounds of local musicians and enjoy the sample street food on offer.
The market is housed in an abandoned fish factory, which has been turned into a vibrant wharf-side warehouse space. The result is an energy-rich, colourful, creative and lively atmosphere enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Guests can expect a proudly South African range of unique handmade items, from leather goods to timepieces, art and quirky stationery. Like most of Cape Town’s markets, you can also expect to find health and wellness products on offer.
The food sold at the market is freshly made and supplied by local farmers, ensuring that everyone is catered for. This includes vegetarian, gluten-free and banting-friendly options. Once you’ve finished your shopping or perusing, you can sit down and enjoy a drink while being serenaded by the local musicians.
Where: 31 Harbour Rd, Hout Bay, Cape Town
When: Fri: 5pm – 9pm | Sat – Sun: 9:30am – 4pm
Website: bayharbour.co.za | Email: info@bayharbour.co.za | Tel: 072 858 7763
Facebook: @bayharbour | Instagram: @bayharbourmarket
ORANJEZICHT CITY FARM MARKET
The Oranjezicht City Farm Market’s name might be confusing if you’re new to the market. However, this farmers-style market moved from Oranjezicht and is now located at Granger Bay next to the V&A Waterfront.
At the market, visitors can explore the various stalls offering a range of fresh local produce. These include organic veg and fruit at their seasonal peak, freshly baked bread, organic honey and dairy products, fresh seafood, free-range meat and eggs, as well as plants and seedlings, compost and gardening supplies and equipment. Pretty much anything you would need to start your sustainable garden.
There are also various stalls offering artisanal food and refreshment with a range of delicious cooked, baked and raw foods, fresh beverages and good coffee.
The market offers plenty of outdoor seating with views over the big blue sea and Table Bay. That is why this is a favourite for locals and tourists alike. The market is also children and dog friendly.
Where: Granger Bay Blvd, V&A Waterfront
When: Wed: 5pm – 9pm | Sat: 8:15am – 2pm | Sun: 9am – 2pm
Website: ozcf.co.za | Email: cityfarm@ozcf.co.za | Tel: 083 628 3426
Facebook: @OZCfarm | Instagram: @ozcfarm
CENTURY CITY NATURAL GOODS MARKET
In the heart of urban Century City, there is a market that focuses on the natural side of life. Known as the Century City Natural Goods Market, this market happens once a month and is an event not to be missed.
The markets are generally split between the summer day markets and winter night markets, held in the central park of Century City. With a vast collection of craft beers, gins and tonics, organic wines, and numerous food stalls, the market is a great hit among the locals.
Many of the stalls sell delicious baked goods and sweet things, and the market also has general entertainment to keep the kids preoccupied. All of the above can be enjoyed while local musicians sing their hearts out on the stage provided for live music.
We highly suggest following the market’s social media platforms here or Century City’s main website here to remain clued up on up-and-coming events.
Where: Park Lane, Central Park, Century City
When: Last weekend of the month
Website: centurycity.co.za | Email: naturalgoodsmarket@gmail.com
Facebook: @centurycitynaturalgoodsmarket | Instagram: @centurycitynaturalgoodsmarket
EARTH FAIR MARKET
The Earth Fair Market is your typical “good vibes and family festive-fun” kind of market in the Southern Suburbs of Tokai. It features live music from local artists and a wide selection of bread, cheeses and cuisines to savour. Making it ideal for suburbanites looking for entertainment during the week can pop in for a great dining experience on Wednesdays.
The artisanal food vendors serve delicious Indian curries, ribs, Thai bowls and more. Whereas the beverage section contains 12 craft beers on tap, gin and brandy options, and an Origin Coffee stand for the caffeinated coffee-lovers.
The Wednesday night markets are family-friendly, set up with a kids’ entertainment area that is run by Freedom Adventure Park. On Saturday mornings, the market has enough meat, organic vegetables and dairy on offer for you to stock up for the week. There is an additional outdoor seating area, for when the inside communal tables in the middle of the bustling stalls are fully seated.
Where: South Palms Centre, 333 Main Rd, Tokai
When: Wed: 4pm – 9pm | Sun: 10am – 3pm
Website: earthfairmarket.co.za | Email: info@earthfairmarket.co.za | Tel: 067 108 1530
Facebook: @earthfairmarket | Instagram: @earthfairmarket
MAKERS LANDING
Makers Landing is a collaborative food community. It’s a place where foodies celebrate South Africa’s rich and diverse culinary culture.
The market offers a seat at the table to any and all, be it attending a pop-up shop or scheduled event. Whatever the reason, at least you can shop and connect with a community of foodies, in a vicinity where there is something for everyone.
Currently, the landing showcases 22 makers including Afrikoa, the Bread Bar, B2 Brewer and Frikadeli, to name but a few. The Makers celebrate a farm-to-table, nose-to-tail approach to cuisine. Visitors can expect to experience the best of South African food from curries and local cheeses to fresh koeksisters and coffees.
Be sure to pop in and try some of our country’s best local and cultural cuisines.
Where: Silo District, V&A Waterfront, South Arm Rd
When: Thu – Sat: 10am – 7pm | Sun: 10am – 5pm
Website: makerslanding.co.za | Email: sshongwe@waterfront.co.za | Tel: 021 408 7529
Facebook: @makerslanding | Instagram: @makerslanding
UNDER THE TREES MARKET
Take a stroll outdoors and enjoy the shade of lush trees and a gentle breeze that blows through your hair, or over your scalp depending on your genus, as you enjoy the market and stalls set before you.
This authentic outdoor market houses a wide selection of artisanal and original products displayed via sun-kissed stalls that are diplomatically arranged amongst the trees. Under The Trees Market is a place to find stunning local creations and enjoy an educational conversation with the crafters and bakers themselves.
Local musicians provide live entertainment as visitors browse through the market. Guests are encouraged to bring their four-legged friends or even take one home at the adoption stall. We suggest you double-check that you don’t accidentally take someone else’s dog home by mistake though.
The Under the Trees Market in Constantia is the ideal place to connect with nature and get a little retail therapy simultaneously.
When: Sundays, from 10am-3pm
Where: False Bay Rugby Club, Sports Complex, Constantia, Constantia Main Road, Alphen, Cape Town
Email: underthetreesmarket@gmail.com | Tel: 073 195 4298
Facebook: @underthetreesmarket | Instagram: @underthetreesmarket
CHILLED MARKET AT THE RANGE
At The Range is a cut above your usual markets in Cape Town. This weekly food market is a popular attraction for families or anyone looking to escape busy grocery stores and support small businesses instead.
There are loads of stalls selling a great variety of locally grown and harvested produce sourced straight from the Cape farmers. However, that’s not what sets this market apart from all the others in Cape Town. The main attraction of this market is the location. It’s a quick escape from the city nestled between the Constantia wine valley and the lush woodlands of Tokai for breathtaking views.
The market exudes a cosy atmosphere and promises to satisfy food cravings, and entertain guests with local acts taking the stage. This is easily accomplished with the variety of meals and snacks on offer. Guests can also expect to find a well-stocked bar, and partake in once-off tasting sessions provided by some of the vendors.
Where: Orpen Road, Tokai, Cape Town
When: Fri: 4:30pm – 9:30pm | Sun: 10am – 4pm
Website: therange.co.za | Email: chilledmarket@therange.co.za | Tel: 021 713 2340
Facebook: @TheRangeMarket | Instagram: @chilledmarketattherange
