The Playground

Live performances at The Playground. Image: Lorne Philpot

The Playground: Joburg’s hottest new Saturday rooftop market

Be sure not to miss out on Johannesburg’s vibrant new market and hangout spot with live entertainment this Saturday.

The Playground

Live performances at The Playground. Image: Lorne Philpot

Braamfontein’s new Saturday rooftop market, The Playground, launched on Saturday 29 January, bringing vibrance and energy back to the city.

When South Africa entered the initial hard lockdown in March 2020 it lost one of Joburg’s great inner-city attractions – the Saturday Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein.

The market was instrumental in changing people’s perceptions of inner Johannesburg and became a landmark for the district of Braamfontein. Neighbourgoods market saw almost 2-million visitors pass through the space during its existence.

Since opening in 2011 the Neighbourgoods Market had become somewhat of an institution and a major drawcard for local and international visitors and foodies.   

BRINGING LIFE BACK TO THE CITY

Co-founder of the former Neighbourgoods Market Adam Levy is the force behind The Playground, a creation of his company Play Braamfontein that was started 18 years ago.

Views from the upper deck. Image: Lorne Philpot

Levy has brought together a team of specialists to curate every aspect of the experience – combining food, art, design, fashion, and music.

“The market – which will feature everything we loved about the last version, will go further. The Playground will amplify new stories and build new storytellers in this city. It will excite a whole new generation and be a holding place for outstanding talent,” Levy said.

A NEW SPACE TO PLAY

As its name suggests, The Playground aims to be a space where visitors can engage the lighter side of life and experience being in a unique urban environment, with a buzz.

The Bar at The Playground. Image : Lorne Philpot

The Playground will host a weekly artisan market every Saturday with a menu of gourmet street food and cocktails.

“I believe that there is an opportunity to break moulds, create trends, and open the space up to showcase talent and inspire creative culture. This next iteration will be transformative, and we are intent on The Playground once again becoming a weekly must-visit for its unique energy,” Levy said.

SHOWCASING LOCAL TALENT

The market is a delightful space where patrons can enjoy live performances from local artists as well as sample a variety of cuisines produced by local chefs. In fact, it is possible for visitors to eat their way around the world with a plethora of cuisines on offer.

A multitude of cuisines are on offer at The Playground. Image: Lorne Philpot

The Playground showcases over 30 food stalls and promotes local fashion and design. It acts as a talent incubator in showcasing the best up-and-coming young designers, on the upper level which is dedicated to new local designers.

WHERE AND WHEN

The Playground is located at 73 Juta Street Braamfontein and aims to change the way that weekends are spent in Joburg.  The multi-story open-air location with custom-designed performance space and outdoor decks overlooking the city is the perfect Saturday outing. 

The Playground artisan market is open from 09:00 to 18:00 every Saturday and includes an afternoon music line-up. Entry to The Playground is free from 09:00 to 11:00 but an entry fee of R20 is payable if arriving after 11:00. Only card payments are accepted as the venue is a cashless environment.

ALSO READ: Bag a bargain nature getaway this Valentine’s at these national parks