Cape Town’s thrift scene is going full tilt this month, with a run of Thrift Fest markets landing in the CBD, Southern Suburbs and Northern Suburbs. Expect rails of second-hand finds, handmade goods and small local brands, with organizers pushing a simple vibe: shop local, bring cash and don’t arrive empty-handed without a proper shopping bag.

Bree Street Thrift Pop-Up on 25 January

A Thrift Fest pop-up is set for Bree Street on Saturday, 25 January, running from 10 am to 4 pm. It’s an easy one to slot into your weekend plans if you’re already in town for coffee, lunch or a quick browse. Entry is expected to be free for customers at Thrift Fest markets, so you can spend your money on the good stuff instead.

Observatory Thrift Day at the Community Hall

Another Thrift Fest option hits Observatory Community Centre on Saturday, 31 January from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm. It’s hosted at the Observatory Community Centre on Lower Main Road, with the market listing showing it as a morning-to-midday jol that’s built for a proper browse.

Cape Gate Mall Edition Runs 30 January to 1 February

If you want aircon and easy parking, Cape Gate Shopping Centre is listing a “CG Thrift Fest Summer Edition” from 30 January to 1 February, with free entry. That gives you a three-day window to dip in between errands, movies or a mall mission.

What You can Shop and how Vendors can get Involved

Thrift Fest’s Woodstock Quarter market is pitched as an indoor “ultimate thrift experience”, with about 30 dealers, small businesses and entrepreneurs. Organisers say stalls start from R300 (2.2 m x 1.5 m) or R350 (3 m x 3 m), with no food vendors. Anyone keen to trade can email thriftfest123@gmail.com.