Sunday market in the Arts on Main courtyard, next to galleries that are open Tuesday to Sunday.
Market on Main is a Sunday market held in the courtyard of the Arts on Main complex at 264 Fox Street in Maboneng, a regenerated inner-city precinct east of Johannesburg's central business district, in Gauteng province, South Africa. It operates on Sundays from about 10:00 to 16:30 and sits beside galleries, studios and creative businesses in a converted industrial building, several of which are open from Tuesday to Sunday.
The market focuses on food, drink and local design. Stalls typically sell freshly prepared street food, baked goods, coffee, craft beer and other drinks, together with a limited number of stands offering clothing, accessories, prints and small design items by local makers. As with other contemporary urban markets in Johannesburg, it differs from a generic shopping centre by being small-scale and independent, with no chain stores, and the ratio of locally made goods to imported souvenirs is high. Visitors seeking traditional African crafts in volume will find wider choice at dedicated craft markets such as those in Rosebank or Bruma.
Prices at food stalls are fixed and bargaining is not customary. Design stalls may show some flexibility on multiple purchases, but a polite request rather than hard haggling is the norm. Cards and mobile payments are increasingly accepted, though cash in rand is a sensible backup at smaller stands. Foreign visitors can claim VAT refunds on qualifying goods when leaving South Africa, but market food and low-value items generally do not qualify.
The atmosphere is relaxed and community-oriented, with live music in some seasons, families and groups sharing tables, and visitors moving between the market and the adjoining galleries. The courtyard layout is compact, and a full circuit takes well under an hour, so most visitors combine it with a gallery visit, a walk to nearby street art and cafes, or a guided tour of Maboneng. On-site food options are the main attraction and cover a range of casual meals and snacks.
Maboneng is a popular destination but sits within the inner city, so visitors are generally advised to arrive by ride-hailing app or as part of an organised tour, to stay in the busier, well-trafficked streets and to avoid displaying valuables. The precinct is at its most comfortable during daytime opening hours.
| Hours | Sun 10:00-16:30 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Address | 264 Fox St, Maboneng, Johannesburg 2094 |
Location
264 Fox St, Maboneng, Johannesburg 2094
-26.2044, 28.0583 View on map
Highlights
- Sunday courtyard market at Arts on Main in Maboneng
- Street food, coffee and craft drinks
- Local design stalls and small independent makers
- Adjoining galleries open Tuesday to Sunday
- Easy pairing with Maboneng street art walks
Tips for visiting
- Visit before lunch, from about 10:30, for shorter queues at food stalls.
- Pair the market with the Arts on Main galleries while they are open.
- Bring some rand in cash for smaller stalls that do not take cards.
- Use ride-hailing or a guided tour rather than walking in from other inner-city areas.
- Stay within the busy precinct streets and keep valuables out of sight.
When to visit
Sunday late morning to early afternoon is the liveliest window. Dry, sunny weekends between April and September make the open courtyard especially pleasant.
Accessibility
The courtyard is at ground level and mostly flat, so wheelchair access is generally manageable, although cobbled or uneven sections and crowds can slow movement. Some upper-level galleries may involve stairs.
Frequently asked questions
When does Market on Main run?
It runs on Sundays, from about 10:00 to 16:30, in the Arts on Main courtyard on Fox Street. Visitors should check for changes on public holidays.
Can visitors also see galleries at Arts on Main?
Yes, the galleries next to the courtyard are open from Tuesday to Sunday, so they can be visited on the same trip as the Sunday market.
Is bargaining expected at Market on Main?
No, most stalls use fixed prices, particularly for food and drink. Design stalls may accept a small reduction on multiple items.
Is Maboneng safe to visit for the market?
Visitors generally treat daytime trips as manageable when using ride-hailing or a tour and staying within the busy precinct. Keeping valuables discreet and avoiding unfamiliar side streets is advised.