This Friday, in addition to their regular Friday evening market,  The Woodmill in Stellenbosch will be hosting a boutique beer festival, showcasing a selection of micro-breweries.

The Woodmill Boutique Beer festival is an organised indoor event during which a variety of micro breweries including Paulaner Brauhaus, Trigger Fish, Valley Brewery, Boston Breweries and Darling Brew will showcase their beers.
 
Beers will be available for tasting and purchase alongside a host of edible delicacies housed at the regular Woodmill market, which is open every Friday night.
 
Ample parking and a designated kiddie’s play area will be available.

In traditional beer fest style, there will be Oempa Band to keep things festive.

I haven’t yet been to the Woodmill Market, but if I didn’t already have plans for this Friday, I think an artisan beer tasting would have gone down very nicely indeed and been the perfect excuse to wander out thattaway.

Date & Time: Friday 3 February 2012, 5.30pm – 10pm.

Place:  The Woodmill, Vredenburg Road (off Adam Tas), Stellenbosch

Cost: The tickets are R30 which includes a Woodmill Beer Glass and 5 tastings.

limited tickets available:

Phone 0786257388 to purchase or visit the woodmill friday night market.

www.thewoodmill.co.za

The organisers of the Nitida ‘Degustazione’ Farmers Market in Durbanville have launched a new evening version of the lovely food market.

Now, in addition to the morning market, held on the last Saturday morning of every month, there is also a ‘sunset market’ which takes place the evening before. Both markets are now held at Cassia Restaurant rather than down on the lawn below.

From what I gather, the focus of the Friday evening market is on live music, prepared food and a chance to socialise and catch up with friends. The Saturday morning market is equally sociable, but with a stronger emphasis on fresh produce and the opportunity to stock up on staples.

I love the idea of night markets – they’re such a wonderful, laid-back way for people to gather without the formal environment of a restaurant. I haven’t yet been to this new Nitida offering, but I look forward to trying it out soon!

The evening market is on every last Friday of the month from 5pm to 9.30pm.

For more information, visit Nitida’s website, or contact Getha on 083 651 0699.

Summer is most definitely in attendance in Cape Town!  And I can’t think of many better ways to spend a sultry summer’s evening than lolling about on a lawn somewhere leafy, picnicking on a communal spread and enjoying the sounds of some local musical talents.

We’ve covered Picnic Baskets (the kind you order in advance, usually on wine farms), and we’re all set for Picnic BYO (great places for picnics, and some ideas on where to find awesome goodies to fill your own basket).  This time, though, it’s all about Picnic Concerts.

Click a link below to skip to that particular event, or scroll down to view them all!

• De Waal Park – Concerts in the Park
• Backsberg Picnic Concerts
• Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts
• Solms-Delta Summer Concert Series
• Helderberg Nature Reserve Picnic Concerts
• Paul Cluver Summer Concerts

De Waal Park Summer Sunset Concerts

De Waal Park, Oranjezicht.  Cape Town.

A new series of summer concerts launched in De Waal Park last last year. The season continues in the new year until Sunday 1 April 2012. The concerts, free to the public, will be on every other Sunday afternoon at 4pm.

Venue / Location:
De Waal Park is located in Oranjezicht, with gates on Molteno, Upper Orange and Camp Roads. Entrance is free and patrons are encouraged to arrive from 15:00.

http://www.dewaalpark.co.za/events-in-de-waal-park/

Dates & Times:
SUNDAY 5th FEBRUARY – The Gugulethu Tenors
SUNDAY 19th FEBRUARY – The Rudimentals
SUNDAY 4th MARCH – Ike Moriz
SUNDAY 18th MARCH – Saudiq Khan
SUNDAY 1st APRIL – Nomfusi *starts at 3pm, not 4pm.

Cost:
None, it’s free!

kykNET Backsberg Picnic Concerts

Backsberg Estate, near Paarl. 

It’s lovely out at Backsberg Estate, and spending a Sunday afternoon lolling about drinking their fantastic wines and listening to great artists sounds pretty good to me (dress for hot weather, it’s cooking this time of year).  Audiences can choose to pre-book a special Backsberg picnic to enjoy with these sunset acoustic performances, or buy one of their (apparently) famous lamb burgers at the venue. http://backsberg.co.za/picnicconcerts/

Dates & Times:
Admission to concert venue starts at 3pm, with the opening act starting at 4pm and the main act at 5pm.  Sadly, the summer season is already over half-way through – but four concerts still remain:

• SUNDAY 29 Jan: Die Tuin Dwergies
• SUNDAY 05 Feb: Blues Broers
• SUNDAY 12 Feb: Laurie Levine
• SUNDAY 19 Feb: Francois van Coke

Cost:
Tickets are R85 or R170 with a picnic and R100.00 at the gate. Children under 12 years get in free when accompanied by their parents.

How to book tickets:
Online bookings can be made at www.ticketbreak.co.za/backsberg.  Contact Details: picnicconcerts@backsberg.co.za

Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert Series

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Rhodes Avenue, Newlands, Cape Town)

Dates & Times:
Season runs from 20 November 2011 – 1 April 2012. SUNDAY evenings, concert starts at 5.30pm (gates open at 4pm).
View full lineup.

Cost:
Ticket prices vary from R60 to R125 (adults), depending on concerts and whether you are a member of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Society. See here for individual prices.

How to book tickets:
Online bookings can be made at www.webtickets.co.za. Redeem your e-ticket at the Kirstenbosch Ticket Office. Over-the-counter tickets go on sale on the Tuesday preceding each concert, from the Visitor’s Centre Ticket Office only. On Sunday tickets will be available at all three entrances. Telephone bookings (021 761 2866) can be made from the Tuesday before each concert, with an administration fee of R10 per ticket applicable.

Solms-Delta Summer Concert Series 2012

Solms-Delta Estate, Franschhoek

Enjoy a feast of rural Cape food, music and dance each Saturday evening from 14 January to 10 March 2012.  Sample the estate’s wine and tuck into a hearty Fyndraai Kaapse Braai Buffet in a beautiful setting.

Listen to the Solms-Delta Music van de Caab’s homegrown bands and the Delta Soetstemme and Delta Valley Entertainers perform alongside some of South Africa’s favourites, such as much loved Hannes Coetzee, Les Javan, Hot Water, Tribal Echo, House of Davids, Kaapse Affodille and Pieter van der Westhuizen.

Dates & Times:
SATURDAYS. 14, 21, 28 January;
4, 11, 18, 25 February;
3, 10 March.
From 7.00pm to 9.30pm.
Cost: R195pp (food and music). Kids U 12yrs R95.
More info/bookings:
To book call Henry 021 874 3937 or email: restaurant@solms-delta.co.za and follow them on Twitter @solms_delta and Facebook.com/solmsdelta, for updates.

Helderberg Nature Reserve Picnic Concerts

Helderberg Nature Reserve, near Somerset West

This series of summer concerts is held to raise funds for the nature reserve’s Environmental Education (EE) projects.

Dates & Times:
The season is already more than half way through, but three concerts still remain: SATURDAYS – 5 February 2012, 19 February 2012, 11 March 2012.
All concerts start at 17:30.

Tickets at the gate: R40 Adults, R10 Scholars, Free for children under the age of five

Enquiries: call the Information Centre  (021) 851-4060.
Or email helderbergfriends@telkomsa.net.
www.helderbergnaturereserve.co.za/events/concerts/

Paul Cluver Sunset Concerts

Paul Cluver Estate, Elgin

Only an hour or so out of Cape Town (less, if traffic is kind) is Paul Cluver Estate, in Elgin. During the summer season, Saturday evening concerts are held under the trees at the estate’s lovely wooden amphitheatre. Concert tickets are limited, so it’s not too crowded, and you can order a picnic in advance, or bring your own food (but not your own wine).

Dates & Times:
Selected Saturdays during the summer season.  Gates open at 5pm (seating is unreserved), and concerts start at 7pm.  Five more concerts remain for 2011/2012:

• SATURDAY 4 February 2012 – FreshlyGround (R325)
• SATURDAY 11 February 2012 – Share The Love (special concert) (R200)
• SATURDAY 18 February 2012 – Elvis Blue (R200)
• SATURDAY 25 February 2012 – Watershed (R325)
• SATURDAY 10 March 2012 – Vusi Mahlasela (R325)

Cost: Various (depends on concert price)

Bookings:  Book concert tickets via Computicket.  Book picnic hampers directly with Paul Cluver Estate:  021 – 844 0605  or email tourism (at) cluver.com

Time really flies. It seems like it was only a blink or two ago that I first found out about The Market Place at Hathersage Farm. But, unbelievably, the market is already celebrating its second year, and will be holding a special market this Sunday (29 January 2012) as part of the festivities:

To help us celebrate our 2nd birthday, participating traders are showing appreciation for you, our supporters, by slashing prices and throwing in a few freebies along the way! We’ll have new exhibitors and even a chance to WIN amazing hampers on the day. You’d be forgiven for thinking its Christmas!

Draws for hamper give-aways will take place on the 29th at 10am, 11am, 12pm and 1pm, and you can still enter! Just drop me an email with your name and contact number, and I’ll pop your details into our Lucky Draw Box. Winners must be present.

If you haven’t yet been, it’s quite a laid back way to spend a morning/afternoon. There’s a mix of food and more crafty items, some along the side of the river, some indoors and more out under the trees. It can get quite crowded, but if you can find a good spot on the lawn in the shade you’re on to a good thing (send out runners for champers and nibbly bits).

The market runs from 9am until 2pm. Find out more at The Market Place Facebook Page.

Location
Hathersage Farm, Gordon Road, Somerset West
GPS: 34° 5′ 0.6612″ S, 18° 52′ 3.9864″ E

I love summer sunset concerts, and I especially like the ones out in the rambling winelands, where the place is a little slower than it is in the big city.

One particular series of concerts I am very much looking forward to is the Solms-Delta Summer Concert Series, which kicked off last weekend at the Franschhoek-based estate.

Here’s what’s on the cards, according to organisers:

Enjoy a feast of rural Cape food, music and dance each Saturday evening from 14 January to 10 March 2012. Enjoy our wine, a hearty Fyndraai Kaapse Braai Buffet and the best live music you could hope to hear in this magical setting.
 
Listen to the Solms-Delta Music van de Caab’s homegrown bands and the Delta Soetstemme and Delta Valley Entertainers perform alongside some of South Africa’s favourites, such as much loved Hannes Coetzee, Les Javan, Hot Water, Tribal Echo, House of Davids, Kaapse Affodille and Pieter van der Westhuizen.
 
Summer Concerts 2012 – Line-up

Don’t know about you, but I’m thinking… day out in the winelands, checking out a bunch of food markets in the area, followed by a picnic and concert at Solms-Delta sounds like a pretty good way to spend some downtime.

Yep, definitely sold on that one.

Solms-Delta Summer Concerts 2012: Event Details

Dates & Times: 14, 21, 28 January; 4, 11, 18, 25 February, 3, 10 March.
From 7.00pm to 9.30pm.
Cost: R195pp (food and music). Kids U 12yrs R95.
More info/bookings:
To book call Henry 021 874 3937 or email: restaurant@solms-delta.co.za and follow them on Twitter @solms_delta and Facebook.com/solmsdelta, for updates.

I’m looking forward to checking out a new market very recently launched at the Montebello Design Centre in Newlands. The Mooi Makers Market will showcase handmade products by and for designers, makers and craft producers from South and Southern Africa. Market organisers are “striving for quality products, design and sustainable and ethical production and fair trade”.

The Mooi Makers Market will run every week on Fridays and Saturdays, weather permitting (updates on their Facebook page).  ** no market on Saturday 4 February 2012**

They had a couple of markets in December, and from the photos it looks fantastic.

And what an awesome venue for a market like this. I love Montebello (and it’s close to me) so I can already picture wandering from stall to stall, dotted about the centre’s leafy grounds… can’t wait!

Plus (and I’ve very excited about this), this goods market will soon be joined on Fridays by a new outdoor food market, run by an already very successful market organiser. Best of both worlds, in my opinion… More details as soon as I have them!

Mooi Makers Market – Event Details

Location: Montebello Design Centre, 31 Newlands Avenue, Newlands.
Dates & Times: Fridays and Saturdays, 9am-3pm.
This Friday (13 January 2012) has been cancelled, as there’s rain forecast, but Saturday’s market is currently still good to go.

A very promising looking market will be held at Gabrielskloof Estate this weekend, starting this evening at 5pm. The wine (and olives and lavender!) estate is located off the N2 not far from the Houw Hoek Pass (after the Hermanus turnoff, but before the Greyton/Genadendal exit) – just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town central.

Gabrielskloof is hosting the ‘Our Favourite Things’ market today and tomorrow, and here’s what is apparently in store for visitors:

On Friday 16 December, the “opening” night of the market will be celebrated with a super talented live gypsy jazz band from Stellenbosch – Manouche. The evening kicks of at 5pm and stallholders will be ready to welcome friends and guests with their crafts, delicacies, and fresh produce.
 
We’ve selected the very best in (as much as possible) local talent and passion – handmade chocolate by von Geuseau chocs from Greyton, amazing charcuterie from Luddite in Botriver, Genevieve MCC, oysters, ‘Food from the Karoo’, french crepes, goat’s milk cheeses from neighbouring farm “Anysbos” (and much more, and of course a fantastic selection of stylish crafts from as far as trendy design capital Cape Town.
 
We repeat all the magic on Saturday 17 December, when the market starts at 12pm and finishes around 5pm. We will have a play area for the kids with a jumping castle (and supervision, of course), so bring the whole family – including dogs

Sounds awesome – and if you’re in Hermanus, as so many Capetonians seem to be at this time of year, it’s only half an hour away!

Our Favourite Things Market – Event Details

Location: Gabrielskloof, Bot River (directions and map here)
Dates & Times: 16 December 2011, 5pm onwards; 17 December 2011, 12pm to 5pm
More info: www.gabrielskloof.co.za

Weekly organic farmers market held every Sunday at Chart Farm, Wynberg.

Informal, outdoor environment with a breath-taking view over the Constantia Valley.

Dates & Times:
Sundays – times to be confirmed.

Location:
Chart Farm, Wynberg

More information:
www.chartfarm.co.za

The market is held in a large beautifully refurbished industrial building, and features a range of arts and crafts, gourmet food & drink, and live entertainment.

Over 80 food, art and fashion stalls. Authentic indoor factory venue, right on the water’s edge. Roaring fire places and unique draught bar. Live music (and other entertainment). Ample, secure parking.

Dates & Times:
Fridays: 5pm-9pm (summer season)
Saturdays & Sundays: 9am-4pm

Location:
31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay (next to Fish on the Rocks)

Website:
www.bayharbour.co.za

The aim of the Blaauwklippen Family Market is to provide families the opportunity to enjoy a day out on the oldest and most beautiful wine estates in South Africa. With a delicious variety of food, an interesting selection of crafts, wine tastings, carriage rides and entertainment for old and young alike it is sure to provide a relaxed atmosphere.

Dates & Times:
Sundays: 10am – 3pm.

Location:
On the R44 between Somerset West and Stellenbosch,
GPRS-Coordinates: S 33°58′ 23.3″ E 018°50′ 51.0″

Contact Details:
Email
info.themarketarchitects@gmail.com
Phone
084 608 6325
Website
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blaauwklippen-Vineyards-Family-Market/147482601977987
http://www.blaauwklippen.co.za/

One of my favourite markets in Cape Town is the Earth Fair Market in Tokai.  I love all the traders, and go almost every Wednesday, meeting my mom for a glass of organic champers and a nibble of whatever takes my fancy.  I also do quite a bit of my grocery shopping there – snapping up some of Rudi’s amazing sausages, bacon or what-have-you from Cure Deli, smoked angelfish, nuts from By Nature, berries from Sugarberry Trading (during the short but ever so sweet berry season) and more besides.

Market organisers take immense care in choosing their stallholders, and maintain a really high level of quality.  Additionally, and importantly, there’s a great feeling of friendliness which I find very welcoming and fun.  No snobbishness here – it’s all very laid back and wonderful.

Being primarily a food market, there are usually only a few handmade goods stalls – but that will all change this Friday for the Earth Fair Christmas Market – and I can’t wait to see who the organisers have chosen to participate.

On the cards for this year’s market: a range of top quality handmade goods and beautiful Christmas gifting items, including textiles, frames, jewellery, body pamper products, lights, Christmas cakes and decorations, handmade bags and more.

In between shopping, you can try something from their delicious selection of crepes, sushi, paella, wraps etc, and wash them down with real beer and organic wines (and bubbly!).   The kids corner will be ready to keep the little people entertained so bring them along and do your shopping at leisure.

See you there!

Earth Fair Christmas Market 2011 – Event Details

Location:  Earth Fair Market, South Palms, Tokai (near Builders Warehouse)
Dates & Times: Friday 16 December (public holiday) 3pm-9pm.
Cost:  Free entry.
More info:  www.earthfairmarket.co.za

Having been to quite a few festive-themed markets this year, I can honestly say that quite a few were not as interesting as I’d hoped.  Some organisers manage to add the spark that makes for a market that is not only beautiful to look at, but has a wonderful variety of carefully chosen stalls, with products made with care.

Others… do not.

But, all is forgiven, because one of my very favourite Christmas markets is coming up…

The Designer Maker Market made its debut last year and it was a big hit, as far as I was concerned.  Lovely venue, beautifully presented courtyard and stalls, quality products.

This year, the market will stretch over 3 days, instead of just one, and there will again be a carefully selected group of designers and crafters.  An improvement on last year will be the “host of food offerings” available (including The Creamery, yay!) and the fact that Jacques Erasmus’ Hemelhuijs café will be open for the duration of the market (got a bit hungry last time!).

I’m very much looking forward to this market – and can’t wait to see what beautiful creations will be on display.

Location:  Freeworld Design Centre , 71 Waterkant St (on fanwalk).
Dates & Times: Wednesday 14 December 2011 – 3.30pm until 9pm, to coincide with Carols by Candelight at the church / Thursday 15 and Friday 16 December 2011 –  10.30am until 9pm (16TH is a public holiday).
Cost:  Free entry.
More info:  Free World Design Centre website.  Contact Lauren Shantall 072 615 1560