Keep it local and support East London’s markets!

East London is awesome in so many ways, and one really spectacular thing about us is that we really know how to hold successful and superb markets. East Londoners are known for keeping it local and steadfastly supporting the local community and, needless to say, we really are spoilt when it comes to markets in and around the city. Just take a look below, see for yourself…

Keep an eye out for the fantastic Fine & Fabulous Markets held regularly at the beautiful Pinecreek Restaurant & Farmstall.  These markets are tailored to the occasion, celebrating everything from high holidays such as Christmas & Easter to a wide range of other reasons such as Young Entrepreneurs… the Feel Good Market… and the monthly markets.  Enjoy browsing for delicious treats, beautiful handmade crafts and pre-loved & vintage items.

Outside of East London in the picturesque setting of Morgan Bay you can find a delightful monthly Craft and Farmer’s Market. Situated at Yellowwood Forest Campsite, surrounded by indigenous trees on the banks of the Inchara River, you can enjoy a morning browsing through locally made produce, handmade jewellery and accessories and then treat yourself to a delicious meal at the Tree Pot tea garden, renowned for their pizzas! It’s well worth the trip out to Morgan Bay, you won’t be sorry. To reach the market at Yellowwood Forest, take the N2 at Hemingways Mall. It is a beautiful drive which should take you approximately one hour to reach.

At the Stutterheim Farmer’s, Craft & Art Market, you will find more than just a market.  Located at Eagles Ridge Hotel at the foot of the Amatola mountains, this is a day out for the whole family to enjoy.  You will find a variety of stalls there selling everything from fresh organic fruit & veg and homemade biscuits, to clothing and pottery. With everything there is to browse through you’ll need to take your time and not worry about the kids getting bored – at this market they even cater for the children with activities such as pony rides, archery and a play area for them to enjoy.  Held every three months, the Stutterheim Farmer’s, Craft and Art Market is definitely not one to miss.

Tea in the Trees host a Food and Craft Market Day on the first and last Sunday of the month at its stunning setting in Chintsa West.  Market Day is the perfect opportunity to get out for a lovely drive into the countryside and sample some of the wide range of fresh food and purchase the local crafts. Tea in the Trees also has an outdoor restaurant and is child friendly with a jungle gym and sandpit to keep the kids entertained. Pets are also welcome but must be kept on leads. Tea in the Trees is situated on the Chintsa West Corner, 35km outside of East London.

On the last Saturday of the month, Mel’s Fun Farm hosts a lovely family day/market. Situated close to the friendly N6, this market is filled with a variety of stalls as well as a tea garden and play area for the kids. The venue also doubles up as a touch farm so there is plenty to keep the children entertained while you browse through the goods on offer and take a break for a cup of tea. To reach Mel’s Fun Farm take the N6 from the circle at Merrifield School and drive for approximately 10km. Turn left at the Dewpoint Road sign then first right onto the gravel road. Drive for 1.5km and you will see the farm on the left hand side.

Avalon Market in Kidd’s Beach has gone from strength to strength since its beginnings two years ago. Both Kidd’s Beachers and East Londoners flock to this charmingly beautiful and tranquil coastal village market where you find homemade goodness at its best. Stay and while and treat yourself to a tea or coffee and some delicious treats… you will be spoilt for choice! Please note that Avalon Market is in the process of moving to a brand new and exciting venue and will be back up and running in October.

The Hand Made & Home Grown Market is a monthly informal car-boot-sale type concept. As the name suggests, everything on offer is handmade and homegrown and the market is becoming more popular by the month. Held on one Saturday a month, the criteria for trading has proved a definite success. Open from 9am to 12pm, you can find the Hand Made & Home Grown Market at Highway Community Church on Gonubie Main Road.

For a market with a difference, and especially if you’re a parent, why not visit the ‘Almost New’ Baby and Children’s Market. Held every three months, this is a market where you can buy used goods and also sell your own, prior to the event. Each quarter, the organisers of the market have a period where they take in stock and invite parents to sell their goodies. Items  include everything from cots and furniture to toys and feeding accessories, for newborns to 9 year olds.

For interesting and unusual shopping, there is the Court Crescent Flea Market, a weekly event held on the East London beachfront, in front of the Osner Hotel.  Selling a variety of goods from new and used books to unusual arts and crafts, the market is open every Sunday from 9am to 2.30pm. Browse a while and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean.

Lavender Blue is one of East London’s favourite coffee shops and Farmer’s Markets, situated on the Old Gonubie Road. Held every Saturday morning, the market allows crafters to sell products which they have either grown or produced themselves – Lavender Blue is passionate about empowering people to earn an income for themselves. Browse a while at the market and then enjoy the beautiful environment while treating yourself to something from their delicious array of eats. There’s a small play area to keep the kids entertained too and a delightful nursery to meander through.

Every Saturday morning in front of the library in Gonubie you can find a lovely little flea market selling homemade produce as well as clothing/bags. Open from 8am-1pm, this is the perfect place to start your day and then perhaps head on down to the Boardwalk for a stroll along one of East London’s most beautiful beaches.

At King’s Mall in Gonubie there are markets held every couple of months or so, usually in conjunction with the start of a new season. Supported by both Gonubians and fellow East Londoners, you can find a little bit of everything at these markets and there is always a friendly vibe as you go about your shopping.

For further information on these markets and their dates/times, please visit the events and entertainment section of our website. If you are a local artisan looking for an affordable platform to showcase your product, please visit Made in East London RSA, a ShowMe East London initiative.