Catch LoCrate Market's Last (Very Groovy) Market For 2021

Who doesn't love a good outdoor market? A place to wander and get lost in for hours, momentarily swap retail shopping with bargain-hunting for one-of-a-kind affordable gems, tuck into artisanal foods and craft drinks, soak up the sun and listen to live music. With over 50 eclectic stalls, Soweto’s vibrant monthly lifestyle market offers you that, and much more.  On the first Sunday of every month, the corner of Kudu and Moema street in Orlando West comes alive to a vibey atmosphere as over 500 market goers from around Joburg gather to shop for food, fashion, uniquely handcrafted goods and to simply, hang out. 

Supporting Livelihoods

A brainchild of cousins, Sifiso Dlangamandla and Kgosi Rampa, the thriving market doesn’t only provide a good time to the crowds of people who visit, it’s also a rich hub of urban culture that holds an essential commercial space for entrepreneurs in the area.  Since 2014 the community-driven market aims to build a platform for aspiring young entrepreneurs, creators and innovators to showcase and sell their products, thereby doing their part to boost the township economy.  

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Everyone’s Catered For

The market has something for everyone. Discover locally designed pieces, upcycled vintage clothing, handmade jewellery and other novelties. Between perusing through the various items on display, fill up on some tasty dishes and relax in the beer garden while mingling with other market goers.  The kids are set for a great time too, with their own special areas where they can be entertained with a storytelling corner, an arts and craft section and face painting. 

It’s Groovy Baby – The Retrospective Edition

This Sunday (5 December 2021) marks the last official market day of the year, and it’s a special one! The theme is “Retrospective” – a nostalgic celebration of the 70s to 90s eras- and its set to make for great photo-ops.  Expect afros, bellbottoms, enamel mugs, and key décor like VW beetles, old-school furniture and classic vinyl players to add to the retro aesthetic. Even the DJ line-up has been carefully selected to represent the style including veteran selector, DJ Bubbles known for his Funkadelic sets. Market-goers are encouraged to play along and dress up accordingly.

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Logistics

The market is on from 11am to 6pm and the usual entry fee has been scrapped this time around. Secure parking will be available and there’ll be guards to guide you toward the site. Most of the vendors will have card machines but it is advised that you carry some cash with you. Pause areas like the beer garden will be covered with stretch tents to provide shelter to accommodate any weather. The LoCrate team is also partnering up with the Department of Health to set up mobile vaccinating stations. 

But Wait, There’s More

If you can’t make this Sunday’s market, there’s still a chance to be part of the LoCrate vibe this side of the year. To close off 2021, the team is hosting the annual Makhelwane Festival - a three-day fair to celebrate the Festive spirit of Ubuntu between the  17th and 19th of December. The Festival is a unique community-based concept where homes in the area will be transformed into restaurants, galleries, market stalls, curated screening areas and more! A bonus for the little ones at the festival, is a kiddie’s food market aimed to teach kids how to create their own small businesses, such lemonade and popcorn stands. Get tickets for the festival at web tickets.  For more information on the Locrate market visit the website or their social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram). The first market of 2022 kicks off on the first Sunday of February. Written by Thami Mbekwa