A Market That Lets You Actually Breathe;
Fourways Farmers Market won’t be found advertising on billboards. You won’t find influencers dangling champagne flutes or striking yoga poses on hay bales for content. And honestly, that’s part of the charm. Hidden among the greenery of Modderfontein Reserve, the place still goes by the name Fourways Farmers Market, even though it quietly moved out of Fourways some time ago.
That detail matters. If you search for the name and head straight to Fourways, you’ll end up about 20 kilometres off-course, probably circling a construction site in frustration. Punch in Modderfontein Reserve instead. Trust me.
Because once you’re through the gates, what you’ll find isn’t just another parking-lot craft fair. It’s more of a weekend escape disguised as a market. Think open lawns, proper trees, food you’d actually come back for, and space. The kind of glorious space that lets you stop moving, sip something cold, and just enjoy the day. Parents can settle into a shaded spot while the kids run barefoot and semi-feral (in the best way possible).
The Look and Feel at the Farmers Market?
The first thing that hits you isn’t the food, the music, or the bustle. It’s the space. Everything feels spread out and intentional. You’re not weaving through tight, shoulder-to-shoulder lanes or queuing for overpriced olives like it’s a Black Friday clearance sale.
Instead, the Fourways Farmers Market leans into something different, something rare in Joburg. It’s a market that, at its core, doesn’t feel like a market at all. There’s no rush. No loudhailers. No endless stalls crammed into hot tents. It’s relaxed by design, and it shows.
Set in what feels like a little forest clearing, the entire layout gives off the feel of a gentle festival in a nature reserve. You’re still technically in the city, just minutes from Sandton, but it doesn’t feel like it. Trees rise up around the perimeter, offering natural shade and a soft sense of enclosure without boxing you in.
A rustic beer garden lives under the canopy, surrounded by food trucks arranged in a loose horseshoe. In the centre? A neat open lawn where people stretch out on blankets, kids dart between patches of sun, and someone’s always strumming something easy on a guitar. There’s a real sense of ease to it, like you’re meant to stay a while, not just shuffle from stall to stall.
It’s one of the few spots in Joburg that somehow pulls off “busy” without ever tipping into chaos. If you’ve been to Prison Break Market and loved the buzz, this feels like its calmer, more grounded cousin, all the good energy, minus the sensory overload.
What’s Good to Eat?
Food-wise, it punches above its weight. Think less “hipster gimmick” and more “quality weekend grub”. You’ll find your usual suspects: gourmet burgers, pulled pork rolls, and loaded fries. I can’t say for sure if Filthy Moustache was there, but something about the smokey chaos and mountain-sized portions gave me their spirit. It’s that same kind of unapologetic, eat-with-your-hands food that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
But what surprised me was how much else was going on, and how well it worked.
There’s proper woodfired pizza, which might not be revolutionary, but still somehow feels unexpected in a market setting. A small stand was quietly steaming handmade dim sum without fanfare, and then there’s the African street food. Real stuff. Like magwinya that doesn’t feel like a token offering, and no one stares when you order it. It’s just there, part of the lineup, and it slaps.
I remember one lamb shawarma wrap from a nameless stall tucked on the edge. No signage, just smoke, tongs moving fast, and a guy nodding like, “You’ll see.” Messy, juicy, tender. The kind of thing you eat standing up, sauce dripping onto your shoes, and somehow it’s perfect. No filters. Just flavour.
There’s usually a fresh juice stand or two, but what really deserves a shout is the frozen gin & tonics. They go down way too easily for something that’s basically a slushy in disguise. You’ve been warned.
In terms of pricing, it’s fair for Joburg. You’re not getting lunch for R50, but you’re not being robbed at the Fourways Farmers Market either. R200 for two will get you somewhere. Not Neccesarily full, but satisfied enough to lay back under a tree and not think about food again for a while. Portions are generous enough to share, and the range is broad enough that even picky eaters, plant-based folks, and your kombucha-loving friend will find something that works.
A Playground for Kids, Not a Prison for Parents
If you’re a parent, you already know the drill, most weekend outings boil down to one critical question: Will the kids be busy enough that I can sit down for 15 minutes?
At Fourways Farmers Market, the short answer is yes. Absolutely, yes.
There’s a decent playground (nothing fancy, but it does the job), open lawns that feel like they go on forever, and very little in the way of cars or hard edges. It’s the kind of setup where kids can roam free-range without you needing to shadow them like a security detail. Bring a friend or a cousin into the mix, and odds are you’ll be looking for them long before they come running back to you.
It’s all open enough to give them freedom, but still contained enough that you’re not scanning the horizon every five seconds. Add a pretzel or an ice cream cone to the mix and you’ve probably bought yourself a few solid hours of peace.
Dogs are welcome too, as long as they’re on a leash and not trying to adopt every picnic blanket they pass. It all adds to the relaxed, social feel. Families, couples, even the odd solo book-reader, everyone seems to find a spot that works. That said, come early. The prime real estate under the trees or close to the playground fills up fast, and you don’t want to be the one roasting in full sun by 11am.
The Atmosphere at Fourways Farmers Market: Equal Parts Picnic, Playground, and People-Watching
The best words that come to mind? Loose, easy, and chilled. The market doesn’t push you to be anything, not trendy, not curated, not overly “local and organic.” You just show up and somehow it all works, whether you’re here for barefoot kids, low-key day drinking, or just some decent bread.
There’s usually a DJ or a live acoustic set playing under a shaded canopy, but it never overwhelms the space. No blaring bass, no overhyped emcees, and definitely far from anything resembling a “club in the forest.” It’s background sound that lifts the atmosphere without trying to steal the show. Everything just settles into that timeless Sunday feeling, even if it’s a Saturday.
The crowd? A mixed bag, in the best possible way. Parents set up little base camps near the playground with flasks and folding chairs. Twentysomethings sprawl out on blankets with craft gin in one hand and a disposable film camera in the other. Older couples stroll slowly down the gravel paths, pausing often, usually holding hands.
And the best part? You don’t have to fit in. It didn’t feel cliquey, curated, or overly cool. One guy rocked up in full medieval gear, not sure if he wandered in from a nearby cosplay gathering or was just making a bold statement, but even he kind of melted into the scene. No one stared. No one cared. It’s that kind of space.
You can treat it like a brunch spot, a lazy family outing, a casual date, or a solo breather. Nothing feels out of place, and no one seems in a rush to leave.
What You Should Know Before You Go
Parking
There’s no charge for parking, but space fills up quickly. By midday, the upper lot is usually packed, and you’ll be navigating a dusty overflow zone or parked creatively under a tree. Come early if you’re picky about where you land.
Entry Fee
At last check, adults paid R20–R30 to get in. Kids often go free. It’s a fair trade for access to the lawns, vibe, and general calm.
Card Over Cash
Most vendors use Yoco or SnapScan, and very few handle cash, most don’t even carry change. Bring a fully charged phone, or a power bank if you’re one of those digital nomads who skips the wallet entirely
Weather Watch
This is a true open-air market, charming when it’s sunny, closed when it’s not. If it’s raining or looks like it might, check their social media before you drive out. There’s no plan B.
Seating Strategy
Shade goes fast. If you’re coming with a group or kids, bring a blanket, camping chairs, or claim a table before grabbing food. You’ll thank yourself.
Our Ratings
Value for Money: ★★★★☆
Entry is cheap, and you can easily spend a full day without breaking the bank, unless you go wild at every stall.
Experience & Atmosphere: ★★★★☆
Lively, relaxed, and easygoing. From barefoot kids to date-day couples, it strikes a great balance without feeling forced.
Food & Drink Variety: ★★★☆☆
Good range, but a few stalls felt interchangeable. Still, plenty to graze on and drink if you’re not expecting gourmet.
Family & Dog Friendliness: ★★★★★
Kids, dogs, grandparents — it really does work for everyone. Space to run, chill, sip, snack, or people-watch.
Convenience & Access: ★★★☆☆
Parking is free but fills up fast. Pathways are okay, but it’s not ideal for strollers or wheelchairs after rain.
Would I Recommend It?
It’s one of Joburg’s best open-air markets, I’m surprised it wasnt busier, but also kind of hopeful it continues to fly under the radar.
Final Verdict: ★★ – A Very Good Stop
If you’re after a laid-back, family-friendly weekend outing that doesn’t involve screens, queues, or shopping malls, Fourways Farmers Market delivers. The setting is easy on the eyes, the crowd is unpretentious, and there’s enough food, music, and open space to keep everyone happy. Come hungry, bring a blanket, and stay longer than you meant to.