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Prison Break Market: A Family-Friendly Weekend Destination

Food, Fun and Local Flair

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Prison Break Market

Looking for a vibrant weekend escape that blends fresh produce, mouth-watering food and drink, creative crafts, interactive experiences and endless family-friendly fun? Prison Break Market in Glenferness, nestled between Lonehill and Kyalami in Johannesburg, offers just that — a unique market experience that feels more like a day-long outing than a simple shopping trip. 

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A Market Worth “Breaking” Out To

Prison Break Market is one of Johannesburg’s most beloved weekend destinations, voted Best Craft Market in Joburg multiple times and celebrated for its dynamic atmosphere that appeals to all ages.  

The concept and design of Prison Break Market are the brainchild of developer and owner Peter Gillespie. He wanted to create a midway environment between a pop-up market and shopping centre, and to give a base to crafters to permanently be able to manufacture goods in front of clients and encourage them to teach their trade. 

It was created just after Covid-19 had more or less cleared in the country and people were looking for places to venture into the outside world again. The entire market is based off Old English train station architecture, with their sheds mimicking the carriages on trains whilst archways mimic gothic stations. 

The name “Prison Break” is twofold: firstly, because it is situated opposite a Johannesburg prison and, secondly, because the market is about breaking out of the prison in our minds.  

Entry to the market is free, and the space is completely cashless — meaning all vendors accept card payments for a smooth, hassle-free visit.  

The market is open most weekends and public holidays, welcoming families and visitors to explore its diverse offerings. However, operating hours do differ so check their website for more details.  

Shed 1: Fresh Produce & Gourmet Delights at the Harvest Pantry

One of the highlights for food lovers and families alike is Harvest Pantry, a shed dedicated to fresh, locally sourced produce and artisanal foods. Here, you can: 

  • Pick up farm-fresh fruits and vegetables 
  • Shop artisanal staples like homemade cheeses, yogurts, fresh bread, sauces and jams 
  • Enjoy coffee and freshly baked cakes at a French-style café 
  • Discover a variety of pantry treasures for your kitchen at home 
 

Permanent vendors include A Cut Above, Bettinas Cafe, Coconut Bar, and Veggie Brothers, to name but a few. However, pop-up vendors change weekly! So, whether you’re stocking up on healthy ingredients or just browsing, the Harvest Pantry offers a delicious start to any weekend adventure.  

Fresh fruit and vegetables at Harvest Pantry
Fresh coconut drinks at Harvest Pantry
Bettina's Cafe at Harvest Pantry
venison meat at A Cut Above in Harvest Pantry

Shed 2: Sit Back & Relax at Yard Eatery

Yard Eatery is a collection of food and beverage stalls offering a unique mix of flavours and experiences. Where the Harvest Pantry lets you stock your homes, Yard Eatery lets you stock your stomach in real time. With an indoor and deck seating area, as well as The Side Bar, you can find anything your heart desires, from Bad Ash Mexican, Balkan Burger, Che Cantina, Love is Bao, Oh Hey From Porto, and more. Live sport is often streamed on a big screen to unite the nation in green and gold. 

Balkan Burger at Yard Eatery
Fresh prawns and chips from Oh Hey From Porto at Yard Eatery
chicken and chips plate at Yard Eatery

Shed 3: Creative Crafts & Workshops for All Ages

Art lovers and curious kids will feel right at home at the Crafters Shed. You can: 

  • Browse handmade arts and crafts from local artisans 
  • Watch creators making their works in real time 
  • Join workshops in weaving, stained glass, woodwork or jewellery making 
  • Unleash your creativity with painting experiences 

 

This interactive element makes the market more than just shopping — it’s a place to create, learn and have fun together. Some of our favourites includes rug tufting at Coco Craft, jewellery making at Meringue Jewellery, stained glass painting at Pisces Glass Studio, slime making at Dipity Slime, and more. 

lady rug tufting at Coco Craft
make your own jewellery at Meringue Jewellery
Dipity Slimes workshop at Craft Shed
metal arts and crafts at Craft Shed
Stained glass painting workshop at Craft Shed

Shed 4: Painting Pottery at Create Lonehill

Prison Break Market is home to Create Lonehill, one of the flagship stores in the franchise. Here, you can spend a leisurely day painting crockery that is personal and completely unique. They serve foods, drinks, cocktails and freshly baked treats to keep the creative juices flowing.  

pottery and ceramics ready for painting at Create Lonehill
pottery painting at Create Lonehill
Create Lonehill pottery shelves

Shed 6 and 8: Host Your Own Party at San Quentin or Alkatraz

Names after one of the world’s oldest prisons, known for hosting a variety of artists who performed for prisoners and guards, the San Quentin Events shed is ready to bring your party visions to life. The unique archtiectural design of Shed 6 lends itself to cater for any event, from conferences, vobrant cocktail events, luxurious wedding receptions, product launched, fashion shows, and more.  

Shed 8, Alkatraz, is also named after a world-famous prison. This space is Prison Break Market’s intimate venue, ideal for small parties, exclusive gatherings, or VIP get-togethers. The space includes both the upstairs Skybar and the downstairs area, with included furniture, customisable setup, entertainment systems, and a fully stocked bar.  

red carpet and large venue space at San Quentin Events
large venue space at San Quentin Events
large venue space at San Quentin Events
large venue space at San Quentin Events
intimate venue at Alkatraz
downstairs venue at Alkatraz
upstairs bar at Alkatraz

Shed 7: Food, Drinks and Elevated Experiences at The Pour House

No weekend is complete without indulging in great food and drinks, and The Pour House delivers both relaxed vibes and elevated experiences. Here you can: 

  • Sip boutique wines, craft beers, artisanal gins and premium spirits 
  • Enjoy live entertainment on select weekends 
  • Take part in wine tastings, where you can sample wines and learn more about what goes into each pour 

 

Special Events & Masterclasses at The Noble Experiment 

One of the market’s standout offerings is Gin University — a hands-on masterclass where you make, bottle and take home your own bespoke gin. Participants learn about botanicals and distilling techniques, create their own signature spirit and graduate with a 500 ml bottle to keep.  

In addition, the distillery hosts gin tastings and plans for future cocktail masterclasses, perfect for anyone who enjoys learning about spirits or wants to try something a little different on the weekend.  

Furthermore, Prison Break Market often transforms into a celebration space for wine lovers as well. Its Local Wine Expo Weekend brings together a wide range of South African wine producers for tastings, education and interactive sessions. These special events elevate a weekend visit into a festive experience for aficionados and curious sippers alike. 

The Pour House Jozi Uncorked
The Pour House The Noble Experiment
The Pour House Thyme and Tide
The Pour House The Smokehouse

Shed 11: Fun & Games — Gaming Centre “The Gulag”

For families with gamers or teens, Prison Break Market has something extra fun — The Gulag: a state-of-the-art gaming hub and esports arena right on the market grounds. Here you can: 

  • Enjoy console and PC gaming experiences 
  • Join friends for casual or competitive play 
  • Explore esports training spaces and community gaming sessions 

 

It’s the perfect destination within the market for teens and young adults to enjoy structured play while the rest of the family explores food, crafts and produce. 

two men playing computer games at The Gulag
computer equipment and games at The Gulag
men playing computer games at The Gulag

Other Attractions: Shed 5, 9 & 10

Shed 5 is home to MiJump, the Indoor Trampoline Park. This. boutique offering is perfect for children with excess energy and a flair for adventure.  

Shed 9 is The Dance Academy, where all dancers of all ages can practise Ballet, Acrobatics, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Pilates.  

Lastly, Shed 10 is your one-stop-shop for kiddie’s entertainment. Parents can sip on a coffee and catch up on emails whilst children interact with animals and go wild on jungle gyms and jumping castles. 

More Than Shopping — A Full-Day Outing

Prison Break Market is more than a series of stalls — it’s a destination for families and groups, with sprawling spaces to explore, themed events throughout the year, and activities that engage visitors of all ages. Whether you’re sipping coffee while kids jump around, discovering handcrafted treasures, participating in interactive workshops, or learning about gin and wine, the market delivers a fun, engaging and memorable experience for everyone.  

Plan Your Visit 

📍Prison Break Market — 10 MacMillan Road, Glenferness (between Lonehill & Kyalami), Johannesburg. 

🕐 Weekend Hours — Most sheds and attractions operate from morning through late afternoon/evening on Saturdays and Sundays. Specific times vary by shed. 

💳 Cashless Market — All vendors accept card payments for a smooth visit.  

Whether you’re after fresh produce, artisan goods, creative workshops, spirited masterclasses, or gaming fun, Prison Break Market offers a family-friendly weekend outing filled with flavour, creativity and lasting memories. 

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10 MacMillan Road, Glenferness, Johannesburg
www.prisonbreakmarket.co.za
@prisonbreakmarket
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