The Earlybird Catches The Worm
- Lisa Martus
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Before The Earlybird Market became a date on the local calendar, it began with two vendors packing gazebos into cars before sunrise, travelling across Limpopo in search of buzzing market atmospheres, and getting home after dark.
In 2025 Amanda van Kraayenburg introduced From A–Z: a collection of locally made products, ranging from fermented foods and handcrafted goods to locally produced pantry staples, alongside Zenna, Zara’s intricate temporary henna art. Around the same time, while working as a barista in Polokwane, Rain Patterson launched Herb & Bloom, a small business producing fermented ginger drinks, fire cider and botanical cordials.
As vendors, they found themselves spending weekends together at markets throughout the province. Some were bustling, beautifully organised gatherings where hard work was rewarded and visitors shopped for hours. Rain and Amanda were inspired by those successful market days. “We went the extra mile to make a stop at our stalls one to remember,” Amanda says. “But we realized we needed a green space, specifically in Polokwane, which, as vendors, we could attend, and be home before sunset.”
The shared vision the duo longed for led to weekly meetings. The idea took shape around some of the things they value most: spending time in nature, experiencing art, and enjoying nourishing food. Sustainability, craftwork and wellness became central to the Earlybird ethos.
“We value quality over quantity,” admits Rain. “Rather than filling every available space, we hoped to achieve a curated gathering of people who are passionate about what they produce.” For Amanda, live music was essential, as was excellent coffee, and good food.
Unlike many traditional markets, they imagined an event that embraced the earlier hours of the day. Visitors and vendors alike could start the day with an off-road run, grab a breakfast, socialize and discover new local products while enjoying live music. Appreciating an early-morning-market, Amanda suggested the name: The Earlybird Market. “It matched the vision,” says Rain. A vibrant morning gathering, and a fresh start to the season.
On 30 May 2026, the first Earlybird Market hit the ground running at Baxters Barn. Friends and families browsed handmade goods from Saarthie’s Boutique, New Life Clothing and Almost Perfect, picked up organic cheese and preserves from Wegraakbosch, enjoyed local food and sipped coffee from Krabbefontein and botanical drinks by Herb & Bloom. With The Baobab Theory Collective supplying a lively soundtrack of Afro jazz, the inaugural market set the tone for what promises to become a regular fixture on Polokwane’s events calendar.
The Earlybird Market returns with a Spring edition on Sunday, 6 September at Baxters Barn. Zwakala Brewery will be pouring their locally brewed beers, while Solveld Botanicals and Nibbles on Cart join the line-up alongside The Mustard Pot Clay Café. Entertainment will come from Straight Ahead, a two-piece jazz band from Polokwane. Kids can look forward to new activities including bow shooting by Pan’s Breeze Traditional Archery and sensory play by Giggle Sprinkles. With more exhibitors and experiences to be announced, the Spring market promises another lively day.
Limpopo is home to extraordinary makers, growers, artists and entrepreneurs whose work deserves to be seen, celebrated and supported. Be sure not to miss this new local quarterly happening. Follow The Earlybird Market PLK on social media for updates on future markets. The summer edition is scheduled for Sunday, 6 December 2026.
Contact: 072 217 4884 / 072 600 0223
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