My pick of small-town farmers’ markets in the Klein Karoo (so far)
- Leanne Johnson
- Apr 8
- 7 min read
Small-town farmers’ markets are the unsung heroes of slow living. Join me on a journey of my personal picks of 6 farmers’ markets in the Klein Karoo and beyond. From riverside stalls and village greens to organic gems, each market is a celebration of local flavour, handmade wares, and heartfelt community spirit.
Sometimes, the most meaningful journeys are the ones that invite us to slow down and connect with the simple pleasures in life, and nothing captures that quite like a stroll through a small-town farmers’ market. Whether it’s my local market, one in a neighbouring town, or a gem discovered while travelling, there’s something deeply grounding about stepping into these spaces that represent the heartbeat of ‘village life’.
Each market visit is a connection to place, and a reminder that the simplest moments often leave the deepest imprint.
The celebration of local flavours, gathered community, and the showcasing of the ‘handmade and homegrown’ all come together in a way that feels nostalgic and transformative.
Every Saturday, the rhythm of a small town - often accompanied by live music - unfolds in baskets of tomatoes, jars of honey, and shared smiles.
Maybe it's the fresh air and unpretentiousness of it all, but a while spent under the trees, enjoying local wares, chatting to a local farmer and tapping your feet to the strumming of a busker’s guitar is always uplifting and restorative.
At these weekly platteland markets, nothing is rushed except the laughter of children chasing after the promise of something sweet.
Speaking of ‘something sweet,’ I'm not sure why the pancakes from a farmers’ market stall taste so utterly delicious, but they just do. Maybe it’s being outdoors, or maybe there’s a kind of soulfulness that comes from food made by hand by someone who genuinely loves what they do.
Join me on my happy exploration of 6 farmers’ markets - 4 in the Klein Karoo and 2 a little further afield - that, in my opinion, are worth a Saturday morning browse if you happen to be in the area.
#1 Montagu village market | ‘A warm welcome; always’
As a Montagu resident, (the technical platteland term is ‘inkommer’) local loyalty demands me mentioning this one first.
Farmers’ markets are storytellers; each one a tell-tale sign of its unique community vibe and heart.
That's why I love our Montagu village market. It’s nothing fancy, but it is a weekly small-town staple that lets you in on the secret of genuine community spirit and the allure of slow living. Sometimes there’s live music, but always there's a contented buzz that makes this creative and collaborative hub the place to be between 08h30 and 12h30 on a Saturday morning.
As the local stall holders share their wares - some artisanal, some home baked, some freshly picked, some collected, some handmade - you are drawn into friendly greetings, ‘juicy gossip’, and obligatory chats about the weather. (You’ll always walk away with a smile).
#2 Swellendam farmers’ market | ‘Your happy place’
Just 40 minutes from Montagu, along Route 20 - or with easy access if you're travelling on the N2 - the Swellendam Saturday morning market is an easygoing surprise where children roam free.
The ‘under the oaks’ riverside location for this country craft market - with fluttering bunting, fresh produce, artwork, gifts, curios, herbs, plants, and food stalls - is a slow-living drawcard for a relaxed Saturday morning outing. The only reason you’ll want to be on your phone is to take photos of the picturesque setting and surrounds.
This type of market can also be a treasure trove spot for picking up rare, antique, and collectable second-hand books; often for next to nothing if you’re willing to browse a little longer. (My lucky antiquarian book find? A 1915 reprint of The Lighter Side of School Life by Ian Hay.)
Don’t rush off; this beautiful historic town has a lot on offer. Wander around and pop in at some of its lovely coffee shops, speciality stores and clothing boutiques up and down Zwellengrebel Street.
#3 Barrydale community market | ‘The new kid on the block’
There are many reasons to fall in love with Barrydale’s quirky characters and whimsical personality. And now, the newly-launched weekly farmers’ market - only 40 minutes from Montagu on Route 62 - is yet another reason to visit.
Since I joined Barrydale’s very first park run in February 2024, it only felt right to show up for their very first Saturday morning market in April 2025, held at Môreson, just behind De Oude Kerk Antiques.
Here’s why young and old will fall in love with this farmers’ market: There’s a chilled vibe, a contagious energy, and live music. The two open barns - featuring the local stall holders selling everything from baked goods and farm produce to antiques and vintage collectables - are jam-packed with affordable produce and treats. ‘Window shopping’ is not an option here.
A hessian-covered long table becomes the ideal community-style setup for ‘kuiering’ and enjoying good company while sharing whatever food fare takes your fancy. You'll want to stay awhile.
I’m not sure it’s possible to feel stressed in Barrydale, but if you are (maybe you're just passing through and still carrying some of that big-city tension), local holistic massage therapist, Kaeran Hart, is ready to help you unwind with a 15-minute de-stressing back, neck, and shoulder massage. (In the true spirit of ‘supporting local’, I felt it necessary to treat myself to her relaxing touch).
I'm not a fortune teller, but I can (almost) guarantee that this Barrydale weekly startup is likely to get a lot more press. As a small-town farmers’ market with a big personality, this one deserves a visit.
(As this market only opens at 10h00 on a Saturday, I suggest you arrive in Barrydale a little earlier to either join their park run, or to sit and enjoy a coffee and croissant - colonial style - at the iconic Karoo Art Hotel).
#4 Greyton farmers’ market | ‘A namasté vibe’
Here’s the thing about platteland farmers’ markets: no two are the same. Each one has its own unique ‘tone and voice,’ reflective of its context. It’s not just about the products on sale; it’s about the people, the stories, and the joyful atmosphere that invite you to slow down.
Greyton’s weekly market - an hour and a quarter from Montagu - deserves a mention. Tucked away in the scenic Overberg region of the Western Cape (bordering the Klein Karoo), this is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic, heartwarming (and slightly bohemian) local experience.
Held every Saturday morning under the shady trees of the square opposite the church, this market overflows with eclectic charm, community spirit, an abundance of locally produced delights, a couple of local horses, plus a resident freelance poet.
From homemade preserves and artisanal cheeses to second hand books, local art, a coffee cart, and just-baked treats, every stall offers something lovingly crafted or grown.
Whether you're a curious traveller or a local from a neighbouring town, Greyton’s market is a celebration of everything that makes small-town living - and shopping local - so special.
The next two farmers’ market’s aren’t in the Klein Karoo (and one is technically not a ‘platteland dorpie’), but they both deserve a mention as destination markets.
#5 Stanford village market | ‘Must love dogs’
Travelling a little bit further on a Saturday - an hour and a half from Montagu - is the heritage village of Stanford. I love this pretty little town and will use any excuse to make a trip there. It’s here that you will find a quintessential farmers’ market that starts in the town square and spills out onto the porch of the local hotel and the village green.
There are no rushed transactions or impersonal checkouts; just honest conversations between growers and gatherers, bakers and buyers, artists and admirers.
At the local nursery stall, I picked up a Camelia and Foxglove for my garden. The warm and welcoming stallholder not only offered helpful planting tips but also took the time to enjoy a bit of slow-living chatter with me.
Dogs are an integral part of the Stanford village market experience. As the Saturday morning market gets into full swing, Labradors, Poodles, Labradoodles and Jack Russell's all bring their owners ‘out to play’ up and down Victoria Street.
Dogs on a leash are also welcome at the local coffee shops where they become the perfect ice breaker for a guy to chat to a girl. I witnessed first-hand some charming and hospitable ‘pick up lines’ as a guy asked questions about a girl’s Poodle: “Is this your dog? He’s so friendly.. Oh, is he not usually so friendly?...Are you local?…Where are you staying?... Please come and join me and my dog for coffee.”
#6 Oranjezicht organic market | ‘Next level experience’
I realise that this Cape Town waterfront market is a ‘city’ market, but it definitely has a ‘village’ feel.
I imagine this is what small-town farmers’ markets want to be when they grow up!
If you are used to platteland farmers’ markets, then the Oranjezicht organic market will have you gaping! Nestled between the soccer stadium and the ocean, with Table Mountain as your backdrop, this ‘upmarket’ Saturday morning organic market has earned its stripes as a destination location. It really is something special.
Be prepared for a wonderland of organic and artisanal goodness as this vibrant undercover outdoor market celebrates farm-fresh organic produce, small-batch artisanal food, and sustainable living. It is such a sensory spoil.
With its strong community focus, eco-conscious values, and irresistible foodie flair, it’s no wonder the Oranjezicht Market is a must-visit Cape Town gem for those - near and far - who love local.
My 3 Oranjezicht market tips:
Get there early - when it opens at 08h15. Within an hour, as the Cape Town crowds arrive in their fashionable activewear, it’s like the clock strikes midnight; the wonder is drowned out and the magic disappears.
Take a basket. It’s impossible not to be tempted by the organic fruit and vegetables, the buckets overflowing with flowers, the bread and pastries, the speciality botanical and herbal teas, the gourmet coffees, the clothing, the handmade candles and soaps, the farm-to-table fare etc, etc.
Get a health shot. Make sure you order a freshly squeezed organic and vegan health smoothie. After all, ‘when in Rome…’
For now, these 6 farmer’s markets get my recommendation. Some are perched along riverbanks and some under 100-year old oak trees while others come alive on village greens, in local parks or next to the sea. The setting is always part of the magic - an echo of the town’s heritage - and each farmer’s market is bound to cast its slow-living spell over you as it bursts with weekly colour, character and connection.
Written by Leanne Johnson