Sunday is market day which means stalls with fresh (and experimental) foods, tasty craft beers and ciders, and great handmade gifts for family and friends. Farmers Markets in Johannesburg are growing in popularity as a place to relax during the day, meet new people or just recuperate from the night before. The good news is that there’s a lot more variety and quality coming through in the markets, so it’s not just wholesale curios and boerie rolls. The Fourways farmer’s market and Riversands farmstyle market are two that I’ve been to a couple of times when I’m in the Northern Suburbs.
Fourways Farmers’ Market
The Fourways farmers’ market used to be across the road from Monte Casino in Fourways, It’s now moved to a larger space in Modderfontein, where you can walk or cycle before chilling at the market. It’s an outdoor market with organic herbs and vegetables; locally made bread, cheese, meats and preserves; and a variety of craft beers, ciders and cocktails. They have a seating areas under their Maypole Ribbon Marquee areas, lawn spaces for picnics and hay barrel seating.
The market was pretty lively when we arrived which is not unusual because it has become rather popular. There are many families around but it’s also popular with young adults and university students. I would suggest you arrive early, so you can get a nice spot to chill if you are planning to sit and have lunch. It’s a nice place to come in a big group and many people bring their dogs along too.
When: EVERY SUNDAY 10AM – 3PM (Gates close at 3.30PM)
Website: http://www.ffmarket.co.za/
Riversands Farmstyle Village Market
Further down William Nicol Drive, opposite the Riversands Office Park, is where you’ll find the Riversands farmstyle village market – this is one of my favourite markets.
The farmers market offers a variety of activities for a fun, relaxing day. There are various stalls with various foods and a lot of homemade dessert goodies. Each time we go to the market, there are more vendors and more activities that have opened up. The market is still in its first phase of development and so there is still a lot of activities to come. They apparently host weddings too, which looks quite pretty and different (but I’m pretty sure that rustic look would be too much for my mother).
The first time I visited here one of the vendors said: “it’s a great place if you want your dog to actually run.” Which is true, the space is large and there is no bumping into people after each turn. There’s a children area with fun things to occupy them like a jungle gym, pony rides, tractor rides and of course zip-lining. So, you know there will be some good clean fun for everyone.
The tap house overlooks the farm and serves local craft beer and cider while you enjoy the live music. I like this market because it is a lot more chilled and you don’t feel overwhelmed by all the activities going on. So, you go home relaxed and not like you just came from a party.
Where: Farmstlye Market at Riversands Farm, Rose street (25 57 ’40S and 28 01′ 41.8E)
When: Every Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm and till 4 pm from September.
Website: http://www.riversandsfarm.co.za/