1300 Social Market

1300 Social Market Event Description

1300 Social Market is a community-driven lifestyle, entertainment, and small-business market event based in Barberton, Mpumalanga. The event was created to bring the Barberton community together through a combination of local food, fashion, entertainment, sport, music, family activities, and entrepreneurship.

The name “1300” represents Barberton’s postal identity and gives the event a strong connection to the local community. Its slogan, “Market By Day • Groove By Night,” captures the concept of creating a vibrant experience that starts as a family-friendly market during the day and develops into an entertainment-focused social gathering later in the day.

The first 1300 Social Market was held on 6 June 2026 at Game On Sports Centre, opposite Coronation Park, and attracted approximately 520 people. The event also created temporary opportunities for 15 staff members, while providing a platform for local vendors, creatives, artists and small businesses to showcase and sell their products and services.

The market features food vendors, fashion and retail stalls, photography, gaming, children's activities, music, DJs and live entertainment, with an emphasis on creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs and young people. The initiative also extends into sporting and community activities, including the 1300 Social Market Top 8 5-a-side tournament, which further connects sport, entertainment and local economic participation.

Beyond being an entertainment event, 1300 Social Market aims to become a sustainable community platform that supports local businesses, creates employment opportunities, promotes local talent and provides Barberton with a consistent social and cultural experience.