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MMarket on Main sells fresh produce, baked goods, art and fashion at Jo’burg’s trendy Arts on Main complex, an innovative, creative space that has breathed new life into downtown Jo’burg. Each Sunday, the studios, art galleries and funky design labels form a backdrop for stalls of edible goodies from around the Gauteng province, South Africa’s economic powerhouse.
Market on Main was developed with Johannesburg’s trendy, inner-city lifestyle in mind. It's a space in the Maboneng Precinct in the east of the CBD where Gauteng-based food and design enthusiasts can hang out and sell their products, which range from indigenous plants and fresh produce to baked goods, preserves, fashion, accessories, original prints and books.
Situated in converted warehouses at the Arts on Main complex in downtown Jo’burg, the market is proof of the success of ongoing inner-city rejuvenation projects – it now attracts visitors from around the city to what was once a no-go area.
AAt this Johannesburg market, held on Sunday mornings, you can sample chilli relishes, pickles, pâtés, cheeses, brownies, cupcakes and cookies as you browse the more than 40 stalls curated by leading South African designer Jacques van der Watt of Black Coffee. There is also Ethiopian, Moroccan, Chinese, Italian and Indian food for sale, as well as fresh African coffee, a cocktail bar, artisanal beers, organic wines, free Wi-Fi and even kosher hotdogs.
The Arts on Main restaurant, Canteen, is also open during market hours.
The market provides overturned crates with comfortable cushions set amid the olive trees in the courtyard, where you can relax and enjoy your purchases with like-minded friends – with music from some of Jo’burg's best-known DJs in the background.
TThere is also a night market, which takes place on the first Thursday of every month (except in January and April) from 7-9pm, which always features live music.
Owned and managed by Love Jozi, Market on Main is inspired by the idea of an equitable, urban market as a creative social space. As part of its sustainability mandate, the market also consciously supports small businesses that minimise the distances between producers and consumers of food.
The market has introduced a supervised, safe, fun and imaginative space where visitors can leave their kids while they shop. The Maboneng Precinct is also pet-friendly.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & Planning info
How to get here
Take the M1 South and keep left as it forks onto the M2 towards the city, Durban and Selby. Follow the signs for M2 Durban. Take the Joe Slovo turn-off and keep right.
Best time to visit
Market on Main is open every Sunday at Arts on Main from 10am to 3pm, and on the first Thursday night of each month (besides January and April) from 7pm to 11pm.
Tours to do
Take a walking tour with Past Experiences and explore the arty side of the city.
What will it cost?
There is so much on offer at Arts on Main, make sure you come prepared to spend.
Where to stay
The trendy Hotel Lamunu in De Korte Street, Braamfontein, has 60 en-suite studio rooms
What to eat
Try bunny chow, boerewors (‘boerie’) rolls or roosterbrood served with local fillings. These typical dishes will give you a taste of South African street cuisine.
What's happening
This mixed-use development to the east of Johannesburg is full of activity, with the galleries and studios at Arts on Main offering a line-up of regular events, including art exhibitions, movie screenings and theatre shows. Check the listed websites for up-to-date details.
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