That’s the feeling the Parkhurst Village Fair is bringing back on Saturday, October 3.

Hosted by the Parkhurst Residents and Business Owners Association (Praboa), the fair is a volunteer-led celebration created by the community, for the community. Following the success of its relaunch, this year’s fair is bigger, bringing together local businesses, more than 100 independent crafters, makers and food vendors, live entertainment, wellness activities and plenty for families — all while raising funds for Praboa’s ongoing public space maintenance, environmental sustainability and security initiatives.

Start the morning your own way

For some, the day starts with a 5km fun run at 08:00, co-hosted with Pirates Running Club and PinkDrive in support of breast cancer awareness month. Pirates Running Club will manage the route logistics, marshals and water tables, while PinkDrive will also bring health education and mobile cancer screenings to the fair.

For others, a slower start might be more appealing. The wellness space will offer free BMI, blood pressure and artery checks from the Local Choice Parklands Pharmacy, along with prize hampers and complimentary energy Fizzies and water for fun runners.

There will also be a crystal singing bowl sound bath journey with Sound Sanctuary, as well as information about nervous system regulation, targeted breathwork and somatic movement from Rise Within.

For those who like their wellness with a little more energy, the morning kicks off with a silent disco — part rave, part relaxation.

Come hungry

Once you’re in the park, the hardest part might be deciding what to eat first.

There will be Korean corn dogs, lobster bites and fried bao buns from Namami, Greek favourites from SouvLucky Greek Kitchen, Middle Eastern shawarmas and falafel from Tei Avon, Sri Lankan curries and street food from CeeCee’s Sri Lankan Cuisine, and seafood paella and calamari cooked live by Don Paella.

Add traditional Thai cuisine from Baan Bootsbar, spit-roast lamb and artisanal biltong from Meat on Grant, and gourmet loaded fries from Sublime Sensations, and lunch is pretty much sorted.

For something sweet, there’s Turkish gelato and desserts from Oba Turkish Gelato & Sweets, handcrafted mini doughnuts from The Donuttery, gourmet pastries from Sugar Rush Patisserie, and traditional butter shortbread from Sharon’s Shortbread.

Because no leisurely Saturday is complete without something in your cup, Primal Distillery will be serving artisanal craft gin, vodka and signature cocktails, Harpers Brewing will have locally crafted beers on tap, while Go Coffee, Dach and Pour and Matcha Pod will offer coffees, hot drinks, speciality espresso drinks and organic matcha. Thikki Baa will bring spiced Indian-inspired craft mocktails to the mix.

Browse, discover and bring the whole family

Between meals, there will be plenty to explore around the market. You can browse handmade resin and polymer clay jewellery from The Wild Flamingo, Indian cotton resort apparel from Boho Beach Co, hand-poured candles, beeswax products and body balms from Glow Candle Co and The Bee Space, and microfibre towel gear and outdoor accessories from Bobums.

For the home, Rosy Oaks & DIJA Shop will showcase handmade cotton home décor and artisanal ceramics, while The Landscape Studio will offer indigenous plants and garden inspiration. Say it… Creations brings functional 3D-printed lifestyle designs, and Beachals offers boho beaded footwear and sandals.

The little ones have their own adventure waiting in the Kids’ Magic Zone, with five jumping castles, a full day of free play, remote-control construction play and interactive entertainment. Most activities are included in the ticket price.

The kids area activation stands, hosted near the entrance by GodFirst Church Parks and Parkhurst Community Church, will also offer free play and a pre-planned day of entertainment.

And yes, the dogs are very much part of the day. Parkhurst wouldn’t quite be Parkhurst without its four-legged residents, and the fair has plenty planned for them too.

Raw Pet Food Deli and Craighall Vet will offer nutritional guidance and specialised pet wellness products, while Sniffari Park brings an interactive dog play pod and sensory maze. Vuma will have dog hydration stations across Verity Park, while Happy Yappers and Paws for Us Therapy Dogs will be on site raising money for a good cause.

Then there’s Barkhurst’s second annual dog competition, brought to the fair by Rawson Properties and Fairbridges, with bubbles, puppy cuddles and prizes throughout the day.

Music, dancing and a little big band magic

As the day unfolds, the main stage will keep the park alive with music and performances.

Janis, a professional cover singer and guitarist with more than 16 years of stage experience, will perform rock, country, reggae, soul and folk classics spanning the 1960s to today.

Chris Volbrecht, an independent singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with more than 30 years in the music industry, will bring a repertoire of acoustic guitar, piano and vocal hits.

Then there’s Phoenix Big Band, bringing the uplifting big band sound to Verity Park with classic arrangements ranging from Frank Sinatra standards to Neil Diamond favourites.

Young musicians from School of Rock Parktown North will add high-energy rock classics and modern live music, while Alan ‘The Wild Scotsman’ will make an appearance on the bagpipes.

The stage will also feature captivating dance and ballet showcases from the Bonegio Spanish Dance Company and the Russian School of Ballet.

A few things you won’t want to miss

The fair is full of those little touches that make a community event memorable.

The Yaya’s Rusk-Off Competition returns for its second year, inviting novice bakers and expert cooks to submit their rusks and accompanying stories to Parkhurst’s own Rusk Off 2026.

The Parkhurst Art & Photo Competition invites anyone with a connection to Parkhurst to share their own ‘My Parkhurst Village Moment’ through original 2D artwork – from painting, drawing and collage to digital art, textiles and photography. No experience is needed.

When it’s time to sit down and take it all in, the Village Vibes Beer Garden and Praboa Wine Bar will offer craft beer, gin cocktails and fine wines under the trees. Importantly, all sales at the Praboa Wine Bar directly fund local park maintenance and greening projects.

A fair supported by its community

The event is made possible by a dedicated group of local sponsors and partners.

Vuma joins as headline sponsor with its Vuma Connected Creative Station in the kids’ zone, dog hydration stations and special rewards for the first 100 visitors to its stand.

Rawson Properties and Fairbridges join as platinum sponsors, with Parkhurst residents Wayne and Angelo, from their 4th Avenue office, bringing their community-focused property insights and neighbourhood spirit to the day.

Other partners include Nan Roberts Estates, a long-time property and community partner, Mica Hardware, with an informational activation and stall, Etherealize Inc Studios, facilitating storytelling activities and supplying art materials and creative competition prize hampers, Radiant Roofing & Contracting, serving Parkhurst with a dedicated 16-man team in The Parks area, and Canine & Co, bringing local pet care expertise and activations.

Behind the scenes, Daisy Toilets will provide premium mobile VIP sanitation trailers, washbasins and janitorial services, while 24/7 Security Services will provide intelligence-led event security and community safety.

Creative by Nature will bring therapeutic horticulture and creative arts storytelling experiences, and Minuteman Press Parkhurst will serve as the official print and signage partner.

More than just a day out

What makes the Parkhurst Village Fair special is that it isn’t simply a day in the park; it’s a chance to experience the neighbourhood at its most sociable – to meet local businesses, support independent makers, discover new food, let the kids play, bring the dogs along, listen to live music and spend a few hours under the trees with the community.

By coming along, visitors are helping support the place they’re enjoying. All ticket sales directly support Praboa’s community upliftment initiatives, with proceeds also contributing to the organisation’s public space maintenance, environmental sustainability and security work.

Tickets are officially live on Howler.

So, bring the family, bring the dog, bring your appetite — or simply bring yourself. Come for the food. Stay for the music. Leave knowing you’ve given a little back to Parkhurst.

Parkhurst Village Fair

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Verity Park, Parkhurst

Tickets available via Howler.