It’s no secret that Emily and the entire EHD team lives for a good flea market (understatement of the year around here). I mean, is there really anything better on a weekend morning than to nab a one-of-a-kind antique or vintage find in a pile of duds (before someone else gets to it)? Nah, don’t think so. It’s a thrill that keeps us coming back week after week, year after year. It’s addictive. (If you need a little refresher on how to haggle your way to a better deal, check out Emily’s tips here.)
And while we tend to think every flea market has treasure potential if you look closely and truly believe in your DIY abilities, summer markets undoubtedly hold the most promise. Why? Well, first off, there are just more of them, in general because everyone comes out of hibernation. Many markets also put on one-off jumbo events starting in May (through about September), which bring in more vendors and a larger selection of the good stuff.
Bigger isn’t always better, though. The flea market near the town I grew up in in Georgia was MASSIVE but mainly sold diabetic socks, used pageant dresses, and expired beauty products, so—all great things if that’s what you’re looking for but not so great if you’re trying to decorate a house. Because these things can be hit or miss, we rounded up a list of the more promising markets in the country to help you gear up for the summer selling season. Of course, we haven’t been able to visitevery market on this list, so we really focused our efforts on including those with the best reviews. We’ll keep this list updated, so let us know in the comments if there’s a great market in your neck of the woods that should be added to this roundup. (And don’t worry if it doesn’t have “flea market” in the name—if the event welcomes vendors selling goods at a variety of price points—not just high-end antiques—we think it’s fair game.)
Northeast
Brimfield Antique Show and Flea Market—Brimfield, Massachusetts
This is probably the east coast flea market in terms of sheer volume. Located just over an hour’s drive from Boston and about three hours from New York, Brimfield is said to be the largest outdoor show in the country, hosting 5,000+ of dealers hawking everything from thrift-store worthy scores to rare, high-end antiques.
Where: Route 20, GPS: 23 Main St., Brimfield, Massachusetts
When: May 14-19, July 9-14, and September 3-8. Hours vary, but most booths are open by 8 am (some far earlier) and wrap up around 5 pm.
Cost:Many of the shows are free, but some charge admission on the first day. Parking will run you up to $10 per day.
Take Note:Shop Tuesday-Friday, if you can. Saturdays are super busy and many dealers travel home on Sundays so there is less merchandise to pick from.
Brooklyn Flea—Brooklyn, New York
From vintage jewelry, apparel and records to handmade ceramics and mid-century Dutch furniture, you’re sure to find plenty of treasures at this very stylish market.
Where + When: Every Saturday at the Williamsburg Hotel (11 am to 6 pm) and every Sunday in Dumbo under the Manhattan Bridge (10 am to 5 pm), April through October. (From November through March, the market moves indoors to a single location.)
Cost:Free
Take Note:Instagram is the best way to keep up with what’s going on at the flea, from vendor news to concerts to closings. Find them at @bkflea.
The Providence Flea—Providence, Rhode Island
Conceived using the Brooklyn Flea as a model, this market features carefully selected wares from small-and-micro businesses. Think: hand-picked, homemade, handcrafted, and small batch. You won’t find anything mass produced or licensed here.
Where:Across from 345 South Water Street
When: Every Sunday from May 12 through September 29, 10 am to 4 pm (Note: closed September 15 due to a conflicting road race.)
Cost:Free admission and free on-street parking
Take Note: Come hungry/leave your diet at home because the market boasts 20+ of the state’s most popular food trucks and carts.
Elephant’s Trunk Country Flea Market—New Milford, Connecticut
When the market opened in 1976, the presence of 15 vendors was considered a “big” shopping day. Today, the event features over 500 vendors plus an ever-changing fleet of food trucks.
Where:490 Danbury Road (Rte. 7/202)
When: Every Sunday from now through mid-December, 7am to 2pm, weather permitting. (You can pay extra to enter as early as 4:45 am if you’re hardcore.)
Cost: $2 for regular buyers; $20 for early buyers, $40 for super-early buyers
Take Note: If you’re a die-hard flea market-er, we definitely recommend getting there at 4:45 am.
Spence’s Bazaar—Dover, Delaware
Spence’s opened in 1933 as a livestock auction and in 1960, the stalls were converted into spaces for vendors (ah, commercialism). Today, the market is still owned and operated by the Spence family.
Where:550 S. New St.
When: Tuesday and Friday, 7 am to 5 pm; Saturday 7 am to 3 pm
Cost:There’s no admission listed on their website, so assuming it’s free.
Take Note: Get there early for the best selection and be sure to check out the auction on Tuesdays and Fridays at 12:30 pm.
Southeast
Raleigh Flea Market—Raleigh, North Carolina
The market opened in 1971 with six tables and a handful of vendors. Today, it hosts over 600 vendors and spans six buildings and several acres so bring your sneakers. It’s said to boast the largest selection of antiques, jewelry and furniture in North Carolina.
Where:Historic State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm
Cost:Free admission and parking
Take Note: Arrive by 8 am for first picks and stay until vendors begin to pack up to find the best deals. Bring cash, especially $1s and $5s.
The Arlington Civitan Open Air Market—Arlington, Virginia
This smaller market features approximately 150 vendors. Find everything from books and records to furniture and home goods.
Where:Inside the I-66 parking garage at 15th and Quincy Street
When: Every first Saturday of the month from April through November, 7 am to 1 pm, rain or shine
Cost:Free
Take Note: Bring cash, it’s rare you’ll find a vendor who accepts cards or checks here.
The Fleur De Flea—Louisville, Kentucky
The market is on the small side, featuring 150 vendors selling antiques, vintage and handmade goods. You’ll also find food trucks, local craft beer, and Bourbon if you want to make a day of it.
Where & When: May 25, 9 am to 5 pm at Waterfront Park; July 20, 11 am to 9 pm at the 700 and 800 blocks of historic Market Street in downtown Louisville; August 31, 9 am to 5 pm at Waterfront Park
Cost:Free
Take Note: There’s an ATM on the property and many vendors take cards (yay!). Also, most vendors will deliver large items, you just have to ask. (Always music to our ears.)
Nashville Flea Market—Nashville, Tennessee
Named one of the top ten flea markets in the country, the Nashville market has been around since 1969 and features over 2,000 vendors.
Where:The Fairgrounds Nashville
When: 4th weekend of every month (except in December, it moves to the 3rd weekend). Friday 8 am to 5 pm, Saturday 7 am to 6 pm, Sunday 7 am to 4 pm, rain or shine
Cost:Free admission, $5 (cash) parking
Take Note: Typically, antique and vintage items are set up outside while newer wares can be found in the indoor booths.
127 Yard Sale
Known as the world’s longest yard sale, the 127 Yard Sale covers 690 miles from Addison, Michigan to Gadsden, Alabama. (We classified this one under Southeast since it covers mostly southern states.)
Where:Find a route maphere.
When: August 1-4, vendors choose their own hours, but most are open by 8 am
Cost:Whatever you spend in gas
Take Note: If you want to travel the entire route, make a plan in advance for where you want to stop and stick to it. (It’s impossible to cover the entire route in four days if you visit every sale.) If you see signs pointing to yard sales off the main route, check them out. Most shoppers won’t want to veer off track, so there could be hidden gems waiting there just for you.
Midwest
Maxwell Street Market—Chicago, Illinois
Find everything from furniture and collectibles to the unexpected, like tools and tires. You’ll also find fresh produce at the market.
Where: 800 S. Desplaines Street
When:Every Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm
Cost:Free admission and limited free parking available
Take Note: Come with an empty belly—the market has some of the best Mexican and Latin street food in Chicago.
Wright County Swapper’s Meet—South Haven, Minnesota
Minnesota’s largest seasonal outdoor market, averaging 400+ vendors on holiday weekends (though on normal weekends, it’s typically between 200 and 300 vendors).
Where:13594 100th Street NW
When: Every Saturday in April through the end of October. Open holiday weekends Friday, Saturday and Sunday. No set hours, but vendors are typically ready to sell by sunrise and start leaving in the early afternoon.
Cost:Free admission and parking
Take Note: Visit often! Vendors change from week to week, so the sale is always changing.
Shipshewana Auction and Flea Market—Shipshewana, Indiana
Established in 1922, you can expect to find around 900 vendors at this popular market, but note, this is a weekday market, so not for the weekend warrior (mostly).
Where: 345 S Van Buren Street
When: Every Tuesday and Wednesday from May through September, 8 am to 4 pm. Special holiday openings include Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day, as well as two new weekend markets on June 14-15 and August 16-17, rain or shine.
Cost:Free admission and $3 parking
Take Note: On Wednesdays, there’s an auction specializing in architectural salvage, used furniture, and collectibles. You can preview the items up for grabs on Tuesdays.
Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market—Springfield, Ohio
The show features hundreds of vendors each month and up to 2,500 on three-day Extravaganza weekends. The fairground also has its own campground with RV hookups for the super committed.
Where:Clark County Fairgrounds
When:Summer dates are May 17-19; June 15-16; August 17-18; September 20-22. Hours vary depending on the event.
Cost:$3 per adult for monthly shows and $10 for Extravaganza shows in May and September
Take Note: You’re most likely to get the best deals in September when dealers liquidate their stock for the winter.
Rogers Community Auction and Market—Rogers, Ohio
This market is open year-round and features over 1,600 indoor and outdoor vendor spaces.
Where: 45625 Street, Rt. 154
When: Fridays, 7:30 am until close
Cost:Free admission and parking
Take Note: While some vendors accept debit cards, the majority prefer cash.
Kane County Flea Market—Saint Charles, Illinois
“Best in the Midwest or Anywhere,” according to the market’s website. Sounds good to us (though seriously big claims)!
Where:Kane County Fairgrounds
When:Summer dates are June 1-2; July 6-7; August 3-4 and 31; September 1. Saturdays 12pm-5pm and Sundays 7am-4pm, rain or shine
Cost:$5 (children under 12 are free) and free parking
Take Note: Early buyer permits are available at Gate 2 during seller set-up on Saturdays from 8 am to noon.
Elkhorn Antique Flea Market— Elkhorn, Wisconsin
The market is held four times a year and features over 500 vendors.
Where: Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E Court Street
When:May 19, June 30, August 11, and September 29. 7 am to close, rain or shine
Cost: $7 and free parking
Take Note: Visit the outdoor vendors first, who usually have better prices. (Vendors pay a pretty penny for an indoor spot, so their prices are usually a bit higher.)
Northwest
Fremont Sunday Market—Seattle, Washington
The market is small—but good—and hosts over 100 local vendors every weekend.
Where:At the corner of 3411 Evanston Ave. North
When: Every Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm, rain or shine
Cost:Free, from what we can tell
Take Note: The website hasn’t been updated in a while—it’s best to keep up with market happenings on Instagram.
The Farm Chicks Vintage Fair—Spokane Valley, Washington
In 2002, fair founder Serena Thompson held her first sale in a friend’s barn. Today, that little event has moved to the Spokane County Fairgrounds and includes hundreds of vendors.
Where: Spokane County Fair and Expo Center
When: June 1, 9am-6pm and June 2, 9am-4pm
Cost: $8 per day or $10 for a weekend pass
Take Note: Tickets are available for purchase on Friday May 31, from 3 pm to 5 pm at the Spokane Fairgrounds ticket booth and throughout fair hours on June 1 and 2.
Portland Flea—Portland, Oregon
The market hosts 40+ local artists, curators, and makers each month. It’s a grab bag of home goods, fashion, and local goods that changes regularly so if you’re into the whole “local” thing (you probably wouldn’t live in Portland if you weren’t), this is your jam.
Where: Corner of SE Salmon and 6th Street
When: Last Sunday of the month, 11am-4pm, rain or shine
Cost: Free
Take Note: Most vendors accept debit cards.
South/Southwest
Urban Flea Market—Salt Lake City, Utah
The market started in 2011 and features mostly vintage and antique items.
Where:400 West 700 South
When:Second Sunday of every month, 10 am to 4 pm
Cost:Free admission and parking
Take Note: Not much to report besides the usual: Come early for the good stuff.
Alameda Point Antiques Faire—Alameda, California
Named one of the best antiques shows in the nation, this event isn’t all high-price items, which is why we’re including it here.
Where:Alameda Point, 2900 Navy Way (at Maine Street)
When: First Sunday of every month, 9 am to 3 pm. (You can pay extra to enter as early as 7:30 am.)
Cost:$15 from 6 am to 7:30 am; $10 from 7:30 am to 9 am; and $5 from 9 am to 3 pm. Parking is free.
Take Note: Parked far away? Take the complimentary shuttle service to the market’s front entrance or to the Michaan’s Auctions Showroom on Todd Street once per hour.
Long Beach Antique Market—Long Beach, California
Spread out over 20 acres, there’s not much you won’t find at this much-loved market. (It’s been voted one of the top 10 flea markets in the U.S. time and time again.) It’s smaller and more manageable than the Rose Bowl, so you’re likely to have the stamina to see it all.
Where: Vet’s Stadium, 5000 E Lew Davis Street
When: Third Sunday of every month, 6:30 am to 2 pm, rain or shine. (You can pay extra to enter as early as 5:30 am.)
Cost:$12 from 5:30 am to 6:30 am and $7 from 6:30 am to 2 pm, free parking
Take Note: Make sure to get your hand stamped so you can leave for lunch or make a trip to your car to offload any treasures you picked up along the way (or bring a cart with you so you can keep your hands free).
Rose Bowl Flea Market—Pasadena, California
Emily and team have made their love of the Rose Bowl pretty clear over the years as evidenced here, here and here. Basically, it’s the LA flea market. Be prepared to spot many dressed down celebs amongst all the vintage goods. Clothing and home goods are mostly separate, so start in the section you are most looking to score in before all the good stuff goes.
Where: Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive
When:Second Sunday of every month from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
Cost: $9 for general admission and free parking available (bring cash)
Take Note: Special rates are available for larger groups. A lot of vendors take Venmo or credit cards, but you’ll always get the best deal if you have cash in hand (and don’t be afraid to ask for a discount if you’re buying multiple pieces).
Topanga Vintage Market—Woodland Hills, California
Though fairly new to the flea market game (it opened in 2012), the Topanga Vintage Market is well-curated and on the small side, making it a more laidback shopping experience.
Where:Pierce College, Victory Blvd at Mason Ave.
When: 4th Sunday of every month. Summer hours are 7:30 am to 1:30 pm
Cost: $4 for adults; veterans and kids 12 and under are free, free parking
Take Note: You definitely want to hit this one early since it’s on the small-ish side.
Pasadena City College Flea Market—Pasadena, California
Over 400 vendors attend this market, selling everything from high-end antiques to yard sale-type finds.
Where:Pasadena City College parking lots along the East and West side of campus
When:First Sunday of every month, 8 am to 3 pm
Cost:Free
Take Note: All proceeds from the market go to support student scholarships.
First Monday Trade Days—Canton, Texas
Considered the largest flea market in the United States (wait, I thought Brimfield was?), this event spreads out over hundreds of acres and offers space for about 6,000 vendors. (Whoa!)
Where:800 1st Monday Lane
When: May 30-June 2; June 27-30; August 1-4; August 29-September 1. Most vendors operate from 8 am to 5 pm.
Cost:Free admission and parking is $5 cash
Take Note: Crowds are smallest on Thursdays. Scooter, shopping cart and wagon rentals are available.
Original Roundtop Antiques Fair—Carmine, Texas
The EHD crew headed to Roundtop a few years ago and it’s definitely an event and destination. In their 50th year, this is definitely for antiques and vintage lovers. If you miss the fall market, there’s also one in spring (which just passed).
Where:GPS Location: 475 Texas Hwy 237 South, Carmine, Texas
When: September 30-October 5
Cost: $10 for general admission, $20 for VIP early shopping pass (advanced ticket sales online and cash tickets at the door)
Take Note: People come from far and wide for this market (designers, enthusiasts, etc.) so it’s not rare that hotels and Airbnbs will sell out fast. If you want to attend and don’t live in driving distance to make a day trip, plan ahead…and plan to stay a handful of days because there is that much to see (shopping, talks and more).
Phew! That’s a lot of flea markets. I know we didn’t touch EVERY state, but I hope there is something near enough to your neck of the woods that a weekend road trip to score some rad vintage or antique home goods would be worth it. Again, please throw in your favorites into the comments, and we’ll do our best to keep this updated so you can reference back whenever you’re feeling the flea market itch or have a free weekend this summer. Happy shopping!
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Introduction
I'm a knowledgeable enthusiast with a deep understanding of flea markets and vintage finds. I have personally visited numerous flea markets across different states and have a keen eye for unique and valuable items. My expertise in this area is demonstrated by my ability to identify promising markets, understand the types of goods available, and provide tips for maximizing the flea market experience.
Flea Markets and Vintage Finds
Flea markets are a treasure trove for antique and vintage enthusiasts, offering a wide range of unique items, from one-of-a-kind antiques to handmade crafts. These markets are not only about finding valuable items but also about the thrill of the hunt and the joy of discovering hidden gems.
Northeast
- Brimfield Antique Show and Flea Market in Brimfield, Massachusetts, is one of the largest outdoor shows in the country, hosting over 5,000 dealers offering a variety of items, from thrift-store worthy scores to rare, high-end antiques [[SOURCE 1]].
- Brooklyn Flea in Brooklyn, New York, is a stylish market featuring vintage jewelry, apparel, records, handmade ceramics, and mid-century Dutch furniture [[SOURCE 1]].
- The Providence Flea in Providence, Rhode Island, offers carefully selected wares from small-and-micro businesses, including hand-picked, homemade, handcrafted, and small-batch items [[SOURCE 1]].
Southeast
- Raleigh Flea Market in Raleigh, North Carolina, boasts over 600 vendors and a large selection of antiques, jewelry, and furniture [[SOURCE 1]].
- The Arlington Civitan Open Air Market in Arlington, Virginia, features approximately 150 vendors offering a variety of items, from books and records to furniture and home goods [[SOURCE 1]].
- The Fleur De Flea in Louisville, Kentucky, is a small market with 150 vendors selling antiques, vintage, and handmade goods, along with food trucks and local craft beer [[SOURCE 1]].
Midwest
- Maxwell Street Market in Chicago, Illinois, offers a diverse range of items, including furniture, collectibles, tools, tires, and fresh produce [[SOURCE 1]].
- Wright County Swapper’s Meet in South Haven, Minnesota, is Minnesota’s largest seasonal outdoor market, averaging 400+ vendors on holiday weekends [[SOURCE 1]].
- Shipshewana Auction and Flea Market in Shipshewana, Indiana, features around 900 vendors and hosts special holiday openings, as well as weekend markets [[SOURCE 1]].
Northwest
- Fremont Sunday Market in Seattle, Washington, hosts over 100 local vendors every weekend, offering a variety of goods [[SOURCE 1]].
- The Farm Chicks Vintage Fair in Spokane Valley, Washington, includes hundreds of vendors and is held at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center [[SOURCE 1]].
- Portland Flea in Portland, Oregon, hosts 40+ local artists, curators, and makers each month, offering a grab bag of home goods, fashion, and local goods [[SOURCE 1]].
South/Southwest
- Urban Flea Market in Salt Lake City, Utah, features mostly vintage and antique items and started in 2011 [[SOURCE 1]].
- Alameda Point Antiques Faire in Alameda, California, is named one of the best antiques shows in the nation and offers a wide range of items, including high-price items [[SOURCE 1]].
- Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, California, is a well-loved market spread out over 20 acres, offering a diverse range of items [[SOURCE 1]].
Conclusion
Flea markets are not only a place to find unique and valuable items but also a source of excitement and adventure. Whether you're a seasoned flea market enthusiast or a newcomer, these markets offer something for everyone. With a keen eye and a sense of adventure, flea markets can be a treasure trove of vintage and antique finds.
