Joburg Gems: Fourways Farmers' Market

by Saira Lortan

If your ideal weekend includes eating something you didn’t cook and buying things you didn’t plan for, clear your schedule. Fourways Farmers’ Market is where good intentions go to be replaced by snacks and impulse purchases you somehow feel like you need to justify. Six hours later, you'll head out with a full stomach...and a plant. It’s not even in Fourways anymore, but it’s still Joburg’s favourite weekend market. If you're not sure what it's all about, we're here to enlighten you.

What’s It All About?

Fourways Farmers’ Market is known as one of Johannesburg’s best weekend markets, and for good reason. Don’t let the name fool you, though; this market isn’t actually in Fourways. Today, you'll find it in the scenic Modderfontein Nature Reserve. The open-air weekend market offers some incredible food stalls you won't find anywhere else, plus artisanal drinks, handmade crafts, and often, live entertainment.

Let's take you on a little tour.

There are several seating areas throughout the market and a kids’ play area, making it the ultimate family-friendly hangout. If your kids are the furry, four-legged kind, they're also more than welcome to come along. Just remember to keep them on a leash.

The market runs every Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm, with an entrance fee of only R25 per person. This is something you can probably still do even when you’re too scared to open your banking app in the week leading up to payday!

A Day at The Market

No weekend plans? Shame, hey. There's really no excuse to eat leftovers for the third day in a row when you could be spending the day here. Start with a morning coffee or matcha before taking a stroll through the market to browse the ever-expanding array of wares on offer. You won’t be able to resist picking up some of the cool and curated products, from potted plants to beaded ornaments.

Speaking of leftovers, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to lunch and dinner; there's no shortage of food stalls at this market. Burgers, baos, freshly-squeezed juices, and everything in between are at your fingertips, and we can guarantee you'll be licking them clean all afternoon.

This is, by and large, one of those places that'll leave you exclaiming, “How can I try everything?! I’ll have to come back next weekend”.

You'll happily make peace with this idea and finish the day sitting on a bench overlooking the lake while sipping on a fancy cocktail or an ice-cold craft beer.

More Than Just a Market

Yes, we're here to tell you that there's more for you here than just delicious food and Pinterest-worthy product. Fourways Farmers’ Market hosts events, too, so it really is a one-stop shop for everything that makes a good outing.

There's a live music event almost every Sunday, with Mahu Soul Sessions being one of the most popular. These are Soul and R&B events featuring popular South African DJs and artists. The next session is on Sunday, 15 February, celebrating Valentine’s Day.

Are you a quality-time-with-the-TV person, but your partner is a social butterfly? You can have the best of both worlds with Fourways Farmers’ Market Sports Bar. This is a section of the market equipped with big-screen TVs and ample seating that regularly shows live sporting events.

Whether you’re a fan of cricket, rugby, soccer, or Formula 1, you won’t have to worry about missing a match while you’re at the market. They've also recently launched Dart Games in the Sports Bar, available every weekend.

Wait, There’s More!

Hosting an event, but don’t want every corner of your house filled with crumbs and your neighbours yelling at you because of the cars blocking the street? Stone House Gardens might be the solution. Also located in the Modderfontein Nature Reserve, this countryside-style venue caters to all kinds of functions.

They even have their own in-house event planner, and the house is a heritage building with original historic architecture. It features a fully equipped commercial kitchen, dining area, bar, and a bridal suite. To sweeten the deal even further, the patio seating area overlooks the picturesque gardens. If you’re interested in booking this beautiful venue, go to their website or follow them on Instagram.

Want to know even more? The market has its own print and digital magazine, The 4FM Guide, which showcases the market’s vendors and events. Pick up a copy next time you’re at the market, or download the digital version here.