One of many ways to spend a leisurely weekend along the Garden Route is to sample one, or several markets in and around Knysna. Here, we provide a detailed list of some of the best!
Wild Oats Community Farmers Market – Sedgefield
Located only 20km from Knysna, in the quaint town of Sedgefield, the Wild Oats Community Farmers Market is held every Saturday morning, come rain or shine. An authentic producers market, with a vast range of local produce to choose from, it is found adjacent to the stunning Swartvlei lake-lagoon.
Food for sale at this small, rustic market includes free-range chicken, lamb and dairy; freshly baked goods and freshly-baked fruit and vegetables. In addition, there is a hearty selection of just-made breakfasts available to satisfy and delight market-goers.
Started up in 1999 by two of Sedgefield locals – Rose Brettel and Susan Garner – it has been designed to inspire a pride in all things local, and to instil a sense of community connectedness. What’s more, the overall vision of the Wild Oats is focused on increasing environmental awareness through education on how to minimise your carbon-footprint, which all begins with buying local.
Times:
Summer: 07.30 – 11.30
Winter: 08.30 – 11.30
Harkerville Saturday Market – Plettenberg Bay
Make your way to Plettenberg Bay for a vibey, unforgettable market experience. Taking place every Saturday, the Harkerville Market is all you could ask for in a weekend market.
Located only 18km from Knysna, this market consists of a diverse array of fresh food, locally produced crafts, and a wide range of other specialities such as plant stands, book stands, and much more.
In terms of food, the emphasis is placed on natural, organic products – and healthy options on offer include garden-fresh mushrooms and vegetables, just-baked pies, free-range meat and delicious home-cooked meals.
Plett’s very own celebrity, DJ Grahama Vos (a.k.a. The Baldieman) is on hand to entertains guests all day with his extensive collection of favourite tunes.
African Arts and Craft Market – Knysna
This popular daily market, found in Knysna itself, is your one-stop go to for all things “curio”. Supporting local community development projects within the Knysna Municipality, the African Arts and Craft Market displays a range of stunning sculptures, wire art and kitchen items for sale.
Continuously growing in size, and popularity, this is the perfect market to visit if you’re after South African and Garden Route souvenirs of all shapes and sizes. What’s more, it displays the true artistry of a local community, and encourages the development of local talent in all forms.
Scarab’s Craft Market – Sedgefield
Found in Sedgefield’s Scarab Village, only 20km from Knysna, the Scarab’s Craft Market boasts some of the best authentically handmade craft on the Garden Route.
Featuring everything from clothes, arts, crafts, delectable food and jewellery, it’s the ideal way to spend a leisurely Saturday morning. As it is set within the well-known Scarab Village, there is also the opportunity to visit the Sedgefield Craft Brewery – for a tasty pint, the Scarab Paper and Craft Centre, the Windpomp Diner for a bite to eat, and the DaZel plants nursery. Given such a wide array of attractions, there is truly something for everyone.
The Friday Market – Knysna
Although, The Friday Market is only open during the summer months, it is definitely worth an honourable mention. Offering exquisite food stalls featuring a range of mouth-watering cuisine, face painting and a jumping castle for the kids, incredible dichroic glass jewellery on sale, gorgeous locally-designed clothes for sale, and much more.
Keep an eye on their website to find out when it’s back up and running!