The Playground Braamfontein vibe
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The Playground Market in Braamfontein

ByThe Scribs & Nibs

The Playground is in one of Joburg’s coolest neighborhoods, Braamfontein, more affectionately called “Braam.”

When I hung out with The Playground in Braamfontein at the end of November, I got to see some of the planning and renovations to transform the old Neighbourhoods space into The Playground. Even with all the hints, I was super impressed with the market when it opened. Founder, Adam, shared that the Playground is part of Braam’s revival into a multicultural melting pot of all the best of South Africa’s voices in the creative space.  You’ll see all that in action here at the Playground.

The market totally electrifies the streets of Braam in a way I’ve never seen before. There were so many people out and about supporting Joburg’s creative scene.

The Basics

  • Open every Saturday from 9am-6pm
  • Free entry before 11am, R20 after
  • Lots of food stalls to keep everyone’s taste buds happy
  • Bar, coffee stands, juice, and bubble tea!
  • Live music
  • Local creators with fashion, home goods and beauty products
  • Please Uber to save yourself the hassle of parking. It’s not fun

The Playground Vibe

On opening day, I easily spent 5 hours at the market and I got a glimpse into what the Neighbourgoods Market scene was probably like. We wandered the stalls, then got food, went for drinks, got dessert, and just had a great time in the different spaces The Playground had to offer.

I felt cool just by being the Playground. The crowd is full of groups of friends, couples, and occasionally a fashionable, small child dancing along to the DJ.

Besides benches and some tables, there is an outdoor balcony overlooking Braam.

Is it family-friendly? It depends. If your kids enjoy food markets and a young-adult crowd, then yes! There is only one entrance and exit so no one is going to easily get lost here.

Food Market at the Playground

The first time I visited the Playground, I was shocked at how many food stalls there were! You need to come with an appetite. Here are just some of the stalls that have caught my eye so far.

Afters Treats and Eats— A nostalgic twist on classic desserts. Don’t miss out on the carrot cake.

Tilt Coffee— It’s unlike you’ll miss the cute tuk-tuk set up selling great coffee. I’ve visited their brick-and-mortar location across from 27 Boxes in Melville and it’s also great for a coffee and toastie.

The Shawarma Guys—Wow. The falafel wrap is so stuffed with goodies that you’ll need to take a break before you go for seconds.

The Oyster Bar—Get fresh oysters and sparkling wine for a classy time.

Erica’s Eats—I was too full to eat here but this place serves up vegan Mexican-style food. The “chili non carne tacos” sounds really good to me.

Li’s Kitchen—that’s not the name but there is a man selling amazing steamed dumplings.

All the dessert stalls—All the items look homemade and tasty. There are even some vegan and gluten-free options.

Freshly Squeezed Juice Guy—My favorite juice peeps in Joburg. They also have a stall at Fourways Market. I love that you point at the fruit you want and just a second or two later, it’s a delicious juice! Magic.


Check out all the vendors here.

Shops

On the second floor, there is a section of shops to support young designers. The Jozi Streets brand sells some cool Joburg skyline view shirts and sweatshirts that are really unique. Blcktagg also has a stall selling his cool artwork.

Blcktagg also did the mural by the bar.

What else can you do in Braam?

There is plenty more to come from the Playground including more murals, new food vendors, and music performances. Head out next Saturday to experience the Playground Market for yourself.

Check out more on their website.

Have you been to the Playground in Braamfontein? Let me know what you think in the comments!