Johannesburg and Pretoria
Irish Club Boot Sale
The early bird catches the… antique lamp? This car boot sale takes place at the Irish Club in Linden every Sunday – and starts, bright and breezy at 07h00. With over 50 stalls offering a variety of bric-a-brac and vintage gems, take a leisurely wander through the cars and stalls before indulging in a well-deserved pint.
Uncle Tim's Centre Car Boot Sale
Taking place at Uncle Tim’s Country Fair in Benoni, it’s a day of “open boots”, with a selection of second-hand items and clothing on sale. Food and drinks will be available, but it’s recommended you bring cash, as a credit card machine might be tough to come by.
The Rosebank Sunday Market Boot Sale
A vibrant and dynamic market, you can enjoy views over the spectacular Joburg skyline while browsing a world-class marketplace. Visit from 09h00 to 16h00 on any Sunday, and keep an eye out for interesting bric-a-brac, handmade art and unusual antiques.
The Melrose House Antique Fair
Though it’s not technically a car boot sale, you will be able to find rare and vintage pieces at this fair held on the grounds of the Melrose House Museum in Pretoria. The next one will be held on the 16th of December 2017, which means you have plenty of time to make a list of the items you need to round off your collections.
Nelson Mandela Square Fair
As it’s been running for 28 years, the fair has become an institution in the area. It’s even so popular that “collector tourists” plan their holidays around the fair. The event sees 60 dealers coming together to showcase their vintage and antique wares. It takes places every first Sunday of the month, from 10am to 4pm.
Brooklyn Square Antiques Fair
Held every first Saturday of every month from 9h00 till 15h00, you’re bound to find that vintage or antique piece you’ve always had your eye on here. Upcoming dates for the rest of the year are: 4 June, 1 July, 5 August, 2 September, 30 September, 4 November and 2 December.
Cape Town
Walkerville Showgrounds
Taking place on the first Sunday of every month, you can expect a chilled day out from 09h00 to 14h00 at the Walkerville Showgrounds. Whether you’ve got something to sell or buy, you’re encouraged to wander between vendors and eye their wares. Encouraging you to make a day of it, there are also food stalls and even a pub showing live sports – possibly for husbands who can’t bear the thought of viewing another vintage milk jug.
The Kattebak Boot Sale
Inspired by the brocante markets in the French countryside, or car boot sales as us South Africans like to call them, this market takes place one Saturday a month, at the trendy Palms Centre in Woodstock. With free, secure parking and bubbly on offer, this is the chance to browse through old LPs, crystal and more – in style.
The Milnerton Flea Market
One of the Cape’s oldest bargain bazaars, this market is growing in popularity among younger generations and the food-loving crowd, with many industry professionals seen scouting for beautiful antique kitchenware, all in the name of food styling. Elegant teaspoons are set against old clothes, traditional cinnamon pancakes and records from the 80s. Open on Saturdays and Sundays, against a backdrop of Table Mountain, it’s one of the Cape’s more iconic car boot sale locations.
SARDA Car Boot Sale
Put your new antique find towards a good cause with the monthly SARDA (South African Riding for the Disabled Association) car boot sale in Constantia. It takes place on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 09h00 to 13h00, with proceeds going towards providing the opportunity of therapeutic and recreational horse riding for disabled people.
Plumstead Presbyterian Church Car Boot Sale
Deep in the Cape’s Southern Suburbs, you can find the Plumstead Presbyterian Church car boot sale on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. With up to 50 traders, dedicated off-street parking and a separate clothing section, it might be the perfect place to update your winter wardrobe with a little vintage style. The “white elephant” section’s proceeds go towards church funds.
Montagu Boot Sale and Indoor Flea Market
Keen to explore a bit further out of town, the Montague Boot Sale and Market offers city-dwellers a glimpse into country living. Part of the famous Route62 – the longest wine route in the world – it’s worth making a day out of it.
Durban
Greyville Car Boot Sale
Established in 1992, this car boot sale takes place on the old circus, behind the Greyville Racecourse. With plenty of free parking and visible security, shoppers are welcome to browse through the many stalls – and look for a thrifty bargain or vintage gem. The market is open every Sunday, until 13h00, and offers everything from old DVDs to bedding, bicycles, crockery, books and more.
Old Apostolic Church Car Boot Sale
Taking place on the first Saturday of every month, it boasts “bargains galore”, along with entertainment for little ones and plenty of food on sale. 17 Mariannhill Road, Pinetown.
By Candice Bresler
