Night Markets in Cape Town

Shop to your heart’s content after the work day is done at these one-of-a-kind evening bazaars in and around the Mother City

2019 update: And from the market named after a dog to a slow market in Langa, there’s lots to see at these City of Cape Town markets.  We’ve also curated outstanding and out of town markets worth travelling for.

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Let's face it, working a full-time job can leave one very little time in the week to give attention to other highly important life factors, like shopping and socialising.

Evening markets are the solution. These ingenious events give us the much-needed opportunity to not only get some browsing done outside of work hours, but to also relax with friends and family whilst enjoying a glass of wine and some delicious fare in a vibey setting. With this in mind, here is an overview of some of the best night markets in Cape Town to inject excitement into your routine-dominated work week.

NIGHT MARKETS IN CAPE TOWN

FARM-FRESH FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET
Good-for-you food, local music and a remarkable Franschhoek Winelands farm setting. See why over 1000 people gather every week at the new Boschendal Friday Night Market.

Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek | +27 (0) 21 870 4200 | dominique@boschendal.co.za

Earth Fair Market
Perhaps best known for its midday Thursday bazaar at St George’s Mall, this popular food market also extends the fun to the evening in the Tokai region every Wednesday at the South Palms Centre. Perfect for those keen to do some midweek shopping for healthy edible goods, this indoor edition of the Earth Fair Market is also an ideal spot to gather for a delicious dinner and drinks with friends and loved ones. Attendees can rest assured that all the goods up for purchase are of the highest quality, with a focus on fresh, ethically grown produce (think free-range meat, organic veggies, artisan cheese, craft beers and more). In addition, this bazaar features a 'Little People's Corner' that keeps the kids entertained with a bunch of exciting activities. Aside from the Thursday city centre souk, there is also a Saturday morning market that takes place from 9am to 2pm at the same location in Tokai.

Trading Hours: Tokai: Wednesday: 3pm – 8:30pm; Saturday: 9am - 2pm | St George's Mall: Thursday: 11am - 3pm
South Palms Centre | 333 Main Road | Tokai | Cape Town
136 St George's Mall | Cape Town City Centre

City Bowl Market on Hope
Housed in a historical building on Hope Street, this laidback CBD market features over 30 carefully selected stalls that bring shoppers the very best in tasty treats. From fresh, organic ingredients for your homemade meals, to readymade dishes, the City Bowl Market offers up a whole smorgasbord of delicious goodness and is a great way to unwind after work on a Thursday evening. The indoor venue is decked out with long, rustic tables and benches so that market-goers can take a seat while they enjoy their recently purchased goods and socialise with other shoppers. Moreover, attendees can immerse themselves in the sounds of a live band in the otherwise festive atmosphere. Once a month on a Thursday evening, the market also features a fashion and jewellery section.

Trading Hours: Thursday: 4:30pm – 8:30pm
14 Hope St | Gardens | Cape Town

Bay Harbour Night Market
Housed in an old repurposed fish factory in Hout Bay, this trendy indoor Friday night market with an Mzansi vibe to its imaginatively-decorated interior features a whole heap of offerings. Here you will find an assortment of yummy, wholesome nosh (think Dutch croquettes, Spanish paella, gourmet sandwiches, oven-fired pizza and more) and a range of goods, including leather bags, vintage clothing, fabrics, and antique collectibles. The selection criteria for the traders are strict so as to ensure that market-goers can purchase items from only the most innovative, creative craftspeople from the surrounding area. And while attendees shop, they can enjoy live sounds from local musicians, which only adds to the vibey 'start-of-the-weekend' energy of the market.

Trading Hours: Friday: 5pm – 9pm; Saturday and Sunday: 9:30am - 4pm
Hout Bay Harbour | 31 Harbour Rd | Hout Bay | Cape Town

Intaka Island Century City Winter Night Market
This unusual night market takes place during the winter months only at the Eco Centre on Intaka Island, a beautiful protected wetland area and bird sanctuary in Century City. The monthly Friday affair sets the tone for the cold season by giving attendees the chance to indulge in warm, hearty foods while sitting around a fire and heaters in their tented areas. Meanwhile the live music adds to the cosy ambience. The nature reserve venue also features a wine bar and beer tent as well as an outdoor space with a fire pit. Needless to say, the market is an ideal spot to spend a frigid Friday evening.

Trading Hours: Every last Friday of the month: 4pm – 9pm (only during the winter season from May to August)
Intaka Island | Park Lane | Century City | Cape Town

Blue Bird Garage Food and Goods Market
Taking place every Friday evening in the seaside suburb of Muizenberg, the Blue Bird Garage Food and Goods Market gives revellers an alternate enjoyable way to usher in the weekend. The nighttime affair, which is set in a beautiful old plane hangar, offers visitors the chance to shop for anything from jewellery and clothes to craft beer and delicious food (think pizzas, biltong, organic burgers, smoothies, gourmet wraps, sushi and sweet treats).  What's more, the indoor venue boasts a kids’ creative play area (complete with face painting, a reading corner, jungle gym and sand art section), ample seating space and a buzzing yet down-to-earth atmosphere. Nice to know: this weekly bazaar focuses on uplifting the Muizenberg community, so most traders have a direct link to the area.

Trading Hours: Friday: 4pm – 10pm
39 Albertyn Rd | Muizenberg | Cape Town

I Love Big Bay
One Wednesday a month at 4pm, the Big Bay Beach Promenade on the West Coast beach comes to life with traders and patrons of the I Love Big Bay night market that is held there. As the evening presses in and pinks and yellows streak the sky, revellers stream in to examine and sample local goods, which occasionally spill right onto the beach. In the courtyard, cuisines are served from a variety of food trucks and stalls, and you can find potjie fare, shawarmas, pulled pork and other gourmet delights. Thirsty Capetonians need their beverages, of course, and there is cold craft beer on tap, wine bars and coffee stores. The market is also a showcase of local craftspeople and traders, with arrays of clothing and all kinds of artisan goods on display for purchase in the inside area. Rag and Bone, the market organisers, have also thrown live music into the mix. So head out to the next affair of the month to unwind after a long day and enjoy what’s on offer, all while taking in the classic Cape postcard views of Table Mountain.

Trading hours: Wednesday once a month: 4:30pm - 9pm
Otto du Plessis Dr | Bloubergstrand | Cape Town

Mojo Market
Newly opened in Sea Point, this market is open from morning to night, everyday - yes, everyday - of the week, and we are delighted. Local traders come and sell a range of wares. Some of these showcase the design talent that can be found in and around the city, with African artifacts, jewellery and clothing along with art such as handmade prints from the Big Heart Company. Along with exploring the stalls, you can satiate your post-day thirst and hunger with beer, juice, coffee and all things sweet and savoury (and umami, and moreish). Mojo’s namesake coffee is a winner and Raclette does a killer grilled cheese sandwich using a truly unique method. Check out the Baskin-Robbins stall to scoff on some of the best ice cream in Cape Town; you can even go the extra mile and get a waffle bowl (it is exactly what it sounds like) filled with ice cream.

Trading hours: Open 7 days a week| 9am - 9pm
30 Regent Rd | Sea Point | Cape Town

Chilled Market at the Range
Open every Friday and lying in the lush vineyard area of the Constantia Valley with Tokai Forest nearby, this outdoor market offers a respite from the busy movement of the city after a long day, without you having to even leave town. Settle in below Table Mountain and welcome in the weekend with this market which solely trades in delicious artisan food and drink. There’s something for everyone with local wines, cold beers on tap and cool drinks (sodas), and scrumptious gourmet dishes of all kinds. These include soups and salads made with ultra fresh ingredients, desserts, shisa nyama (braai - or barbequed - meat) and lekker South African biltong. There are also live music performances and an outdoor playing area for the kids, including a jumping castle and jungle gym, so it’s really family-friendly.

Trading hours: Friday: 4:30pm - 9:30pm
Orpen Rd | Cape Town

V&A Waterfront Food Market
Everyone knows the schlep of getting home tired and hungry after a long work day and a frustrating commute, then remembering you still have to cook. Maybe you also have a family with members whose tastes all differ and every day someone is sure to be complaining about the nightly home cooked meal. Treat yourself to a break from this madness once in awhile and head out for dinner at the V&A Food Market on any day of the week.

Whether you’re a foodie who likes to try all the most exotic and unique dishes, or in need of comfort food, you will definitely find something to suit you. The Noodle Bar, Mex It Up, Lamb Fold Over and Tunisian Delights are just a few of the vendors there. You can find just about anything you can think of and anything you can’t - Bubble Teas and Costa Rican Coffee-flavoured ice cream are pretty novel to us.

Trading hours: Open 7 days a week | November - April: 10am - 8pm | May - October: 10am - 6pm
Dock Rd | Victoria & Alfred Waterfront | Cape Town

Bang Bang Vintage Markets
Cape Town loves vintage and designer clothes so these fashion markets, which happen on the last and first week of every month (they are often around on First Thursdays), are pretty popular. They’re treasure troves filled with quirky and fabulous garments and jewellery and a fun escape from a busy, repetitive schedule. Shake off the post-workday feelings and have some fun hunting around - take a look at the bargain rails too. These are pop-up markets that happen in the CBD so you can visit them in between getting drinks or food from the nearby eateries and bars. And if you go on First Thursdays evenings, you can also view some art exhibitions in the open galleries.

Trading hours: First and last Thursday of the month: 4pm - 9pm
Loop St | Cape Town

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Get freaky with Halloween 2019.

Vinyl, clothing, books and more: get antiques and hidden gems at this vintage market.

Looking for daytime bazaars? Check out our 10 Top Markets in Cape Town overview.

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