There is nothing more magical than strolling under stars and lights, through passageways of food, people, and hand-crafted
goods. The smell of spice and sugar in the air could make one feel like a small speck tangled up in a larger cosmos. Especially when looking up and seeing, through the canopy of fairy lights, the stars twinkling in a great concerto. Night-markets are, in all their glory, magical and romantic, almost timeless. Listed below are a few upcoming night markets that UP students can visit and experience.
Market @ the Sheds
With COVID-19 restrictions loosening their grip on outdoor and indoor activities, this market can be placed at the top of the list for social adventures. This event usually takes place on the last Saturday of the month, but may change over long weekends, so just be sure to keep tabs on their website to avoid disappointment. This charged urban market is described as an African inner-city experience and is famous for boasting local artists, entrepreneurs, designers, and gourmet South African cuisine. There are an estimated 60 vendors ready to pop-up and seven live bands booked to perform. Trading hours are from 11:00 to 20:00, and the entrance fee is R50 before 14:00, and R100 thereafter. In this case, the early bird gets the worm, but the night-owl gets the show. Market @ the Sheds is a venture of the Capital Collective, a non-profit organisation that advocates for restoration efforts in the inner-city. This market elicits an authentic African ambiance, provoking a new perspective on Pretoria and Africa as a whole.
Castle Gate Night Market
This monthly market features all the night bazaar must-haves: food, live entertainment, vendors, and lots of fairy lights. This market takes place every second-last Friday of the month. This is a market in which people flutter from one vendor to the next, finally settling on a cosy spot under strings of lights, eating and drinking what they have just bought from one of the many niche booths. Located at Castle Gate Lifestyle Centre, the market usually runs from 16:00 until 22:00.
Ja Night Out
This market is located at 78 George Storrar Drive, which is approximately ten minutes from Hatfield Campus and takes place every first Friday of the month. The entrance fee is R20 and the event begins at 17:00 and runs until late. Live music is expected along with general good vibes and a rocking atmosphere.
Good Mood Night Market
Starting at 17:00 in the afternoon at Irene Village Mall, Centurion, one can expect to find open-air delicacies like craft drinks, mouth- watering cuisines, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. The
food is what sets this bazaar apart from the rest, from mango sorbet to fluffy pulled-pork black tortillas and the most chocolate-y brownie. Good Mood Night Market takes place every third Thursday of each month.
The Stall
This market may seem like any other, but what distinguishes it from its humble peers is the live entertainment, being a fire dancer. There is also an array of regular live entertainment sets taking the stage for the ultimate social experience. This market features a mix of arts and crafts, food stalls, and varying alcohol stands (gin bar, wine bar, craft beers, cocktail stands, and much more). Seating is readily available, but the market does encourage you to bring a camping chair as the space fills up quickly. The Stall is on the last Thursday of every month and is open from 17:00 to 21:00.
The Broadwalk Night Market
Behind Virgin Active Faerie Glen is the Broadwalk Night Market. This is a night of live entertainment, unspoilt ambiance, interesting food, and a view of nature, as this market is next to a lake. One can only imagine the reflection of the twinkling lights and stars on the dark water as you eat a delicious gourmet meal with someone to keep you company. Its operating hours are from 17:00 to 22:00 it occurs on the last Friday of the month. The entrance fee is R20.
Photos: Anneke Laaks
