Prison Break Market Johannesburg is one of the most original and celebrated market and event destinations in South Africa — a Best of Joburg award-winning lifestyle precinct in Glenferness, Midrand, built across seven uniquely designed themed sheds on a property situated opposite the Leeukop Prison. The entire concept is the brainchild of developer Peter Gillespie, who envisioned a space that sits midway between a pop-up market and a permanent retail centre — giving artisans a place to manufacture, teach, and sell in one location, while creating an authentic, community-driven experience that Johannesburg’s conventional malls simply cannot replicate.

With 43,000+ Instagram followers, panoramic views of the Sandton skyline from timber decks, a craft gin distillery, boutique wine library, creative workshops, live entertainment, and two dedicated private event venues, Prison Break Market Johannesburg has grown into a genuine destination — not just for weekenders, but for event organisers looking for something truly unforgettable.

Why Prison Break Market Johannesburg Is Unlike Any Other Venue

Prison Break Market Johannesburg occupies a unique position in the Johannesburg events landscape. It is simultaneously a public market, a creative hub, a food destination, and a world-class event venue — all wrapped in a prison-themed aesthetic that draws on the history of the surrounding area and the legendary San Quentin State Prison for its branding and character.

The atmosphere is deliberately unpretentious and authentic. Because vendors manufacture and sell in the same location, every visit feels genuinely alive — guests can watch artisans at work, taste gin being distilled, join a stained glass workshop, or simply sit on the wooden deck with a craft cocktail and watch the Sandton skyline glow at sunset.

The 7 Themed Sheds

Prison Break Market Johannesburg is structured around 7 distinct sheds, each with its own personality and offering:

• Starfood Market (Shed 1) — Artisanal food hub featuring freshly baked bread, German butchery, French-style café, Mediterranean stalls, gluten-free options, charcuterie, jams, and pastries. Open Wed–Fri 09:00–15:00, Sat–Sun 09:00–17:00
• The Yard Eatery (Shed 2) — Gourmet market-style restaurant with Japanese-inspired noodles, bao buns, pizzas, a Kyalami racetrack-themed kids play area, and a wooden deck with Sandton skyline views. Open Thu–Sun 10:00–21:00
• Crafters Shed (Shed 3) — Live artisan workshops in weaving, stained glass, woodwork, metalwork, and jewellery making. Home to Rosa Handmade, Acorn & Anvil, Craft Academy, Green Punk Designs, and Local is Lekker ZA
• Create Lonehill (Shed 4) — Ceramic and crockery painting studio with food, drinks, and a relaxed creative atmosphere. Open Tuesday 09:00–17:00, Wed–Sun various hours
• Dreambox (Shed 5) — Bookings required; check the website for current offering
• San Quentin Events (Shed 6) — The flagship private event venue
• The Pourhouse (Shed 7) — Home to The Noble Experiment Craft Gin Distillery, The Wine & Spirit Library, craft beer, boutique wines, and private tasting bookings. Also features The Gallery mezzanine for private bookings. Open Wed–Sun 11:00–21:00

San Quentin Events — The Flagship Private Event Venue

Inspired by the oldest prison in the world, San Quentin Events is Prison Break Market Johannesburg’s flagship event space — a massive 540m² raw barn that can be completely transformed for any occasion.

• Capacity: Up to 500 guests depending on event style and layout
• Breathtaking views of the Sandton skyline
• Blank canvas — the space can be transformed into any theme or configuration
• Smaller adjoining venue available for up to 30 guests for private functions and team-building sessions
• Full production infrastructure available
• Best for: Weddings, luxury corporate galas, product launches, fashion shows, expos, conferences, cocktail events, brand activations
• Bookings: +27 11 463 8019 | ev****@*****************co.za | sanquentinevents.co.za

Alkatraz — The Intimate VIP Venue

Alkatraz is Prison Break Market’s premium intimate event space — ideal for smaller private gatherings, VIP holding areas for artists and celebrities, or as a standalone venue for exclusive events.

• Upstairs (Skybar): 30 guests
• Downstairs: 30 guests
• Entire venue: Up to 75 guests for informal events
• 10 wine barrels and 24 barstools included
• 75-inch plasma screen (downstairs)
• Internal PA system with Bluetooth connectivity
• Fully stocked bar — local beers, wines, soft drinks
• Must be rented as a whole — upstairs and downstairs cannot be split
• Bookings: sanquentinevents.co.za | +27 11 463 8019

Location and Contact Details

Prison Break Market is located at 10 MacMillan Road, Cnr Main and Lachlan Road, Glenferness, Midrand, Johannesburg. The venue is situated opposite the Leeukop Prison with easy access from major Johannesburg routes.

For general enquiries, call +27 82 522 1739 or email in**@******************co.za. For private event bookings at San Quentin Events or Alkatraz, contact +27 11 463 8019 or ev****@*****************co.za.

Visitor Information and Amenities

Prison Break Market is open Tuesday through Sunday, closed Mondays, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Voting Day. General trading hours are 09:00–21:00, though individual shed hours vary. The venue is entirely cashless and accepts card payments only.

Leashed pets are welcome in non-food areas. The market is designed as a family-friendly destination with dedicated kids play areas including the Kyalami racetrack-themed space in The Yard Eatery. Ample parking is available on-site.

What Makes Prison Break Market Perfect for Events

Prison Break Market offers event organisers something truly distinctive: the flexibility of a blank canvas venue combined with the energy and authenticity of a working artisan market. The two dedicated event spaces — the 540m² San Quentin Events barn and the intimate Alkatraz venue — provide options for gatherings from 30 to 500 guests, while the surrounding market environment adds atmosphere that no conventional conference centre can match.

The venue’s Best of Joburg award recognition, striking Sandton skyline views, on-site craft gin distillery, wine library, and full production infrastructure make it especially well-suited for weddings, luxury corporate galas, product launches, fashion shows, expos, conferences, cocktail events, and brand activations. Event planners can take advantage of the market’s existing food vendors, craft beverage options, and artisan workshops to create truly memorable experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum capacity for events at Prison Break Market?
A: San Quentin Events can accommodate up to 500 guests depending on event style and layout. For smaller gatherings, Alkatraz accommodates up to 75 guests for informal events, or 30 guests in either its upstairs or downstairs section when used separately.

Q: Is Prison Break Market open on Mondays?
A: No, the market is closed on Mondays, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Voting Day. It operates Tuesday through Sunday with general trading hours from 09:00–21:00, though individual shed hours vary.

Q: Can I bring my pet to Prison Break Market?
A: Yes, leashed pets are welcome in non-food areas. This allows you to enjoy the market atmosphere with your furry companion while respecting food safety requirements.

Q: Does Prison Break Market accept cash payments?
A: No, Prison Break Market is a cashless venue and accepts card payments only. Make sure to bring your card for all purchases at the market.

Q: What types of artisan workshops are available at Prison Break Market?
A: The Crafters Shed (Shed 3) offers live workshops in weaving, stained glass, woodwork, metalwork, and jewellery making. Create Lonehill (Shed 4) provides ceramic and crockery painting experiences with food and drinks available.

Q: Where exactly is Prison Break Market located in Johannesburg?
A: Prison Break Market is at 10 MacMillan Road, Cnr Main and Lachlan Road, Glenferness, Midrand. It’s situated opposite the Leeukop Prison with panoramic views of the Sandton skyline from its timber decks.

Q: What food options are available at Prison Break Market?
A: Starfood Market features freshly baked bread, German butchery, French-style café, Mediterranean stalls, gluten-free options, charcuterie, jams, and pastries. The Yard Eatery offers Japanese-inspired noodles, bao buns, and pizzas, while The Pourhouse serves craft beer, boutique wines, and craft gin from The Noble Experiment Craft Gin Distillery.

Q: Can the Alkatraz venue be split for separate bookings?
A: No, Alkatraz must be rented as a whole venue — the upstairs and downstairs sections cannot be split. The entire space includes 10 wine barrels, 24 barstools, a 75-inch plasma screen downstairs, and an internal PA system with Bluetooth connectivity.

For full market information and event bookings, visit the official Prison Break Market website, or explore the Johannesburg event venues directory and Gauteng event venue listings.