The Five Best Flea Markets in The U.S.

With so many great flea markets to choose from across the country, selecting which ones to attend is nearly impossible. That’s why we made it easy for you, selecting a handful that you should add to your flea market bucket list. 

1. Rose Bowl Flea Market

One of the coolest venues in the country, the Rose Bowl Flea Market has been one of the best-attended and profitable flea markets for more than 50 years. The market is known near and far because of its uniqueness, quality of vendors and great shoppers of all ages – and it’s at the ROSE BOWL. Big Fun. On the second Sunday of every month, 2,500 merchants gather to vend thousands of antique or vintage items ranging from housewares like furniture and glassware to odds and ends like antique photography. While you’re strolling the grounds, you might spot a celebrity or two also looking for a great piece. You’ll enjoy the sunshine and the stars at the Rose Bowl Flea Market.

Where: 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, California

When: Second Sunday of the month

www.rgcshows.com

2. Brimfield

With 5,000 dealers stretched over 21 fields along one mile of Route 20 in Brimfield, Massachusetts, the annual flea markets are believed to be the largest and oldest outdoor antiques shows in the country. It began in 1959 in auctioneer Gordon Reid’s backyard but today attracts more than 1 million visitors every year during the May, July and September events that run six consecutive days. Various fields may be themed to antiques and collectible categories, such as pottery, or rustic furniture. Brimfield is amazing, but be prepared to walk – a lot. So it’s a good idea to wear good walking shoes and to pack some water and a snack. Also keep in mind: cash is king. Your bargaining power is greatly increased with cash in hand.

Where: Route 20, Brimfield, Mass.

When: May 14-19, July 9-14, and September 3-8

www.brimfieldantiquefleamarket.com

3. Round Top  Antiques Fair, Texas

The 20-mile stretch of Texas Highway 237 that runs north of La Grange is, most of the year, as quiet and undisturbed as the cow pastures it cuts through. But for two weeks each spring and fall, this unassuming road, located partway between Austin and Houston, becomes the main artery for one of the largest shopping events in the country. Known as Round Top Antiques Week, this buyer’s paradise is more impressive than its name suggests: it spills beyond Round Top to span several other towns, it features way more than just antiques, and it runs at least sixteen days at a time. Thousands of sellers haul in enough stuff to fill Houston’s Galleria, and every barn, dance hall, and shed in the area becomes an instant storefront. In fields and front yards, tents bloom like bluebonnets. And trampling through those fields are collectors, designers, merchandisers, bargainers, magpies, pickers and junkers from around the world, who’ve come with wildly varying budgets and shopping lists but are there for the same reason: to feel the rush of striking gold at the biggest treasure hunt in Texas. The activity is centered around Warrenton and Round Top, but also includes Shelby, Carmine, Fayetteville, Oldenburg and Rutersville. There are two shows yearly: spring and fall.

Where: Fayette County, Texas

When: March/April and September/October

www.roundtotexaspantiques.com

4. Brooklyn Flea

The New York Times calls the Brooklyn Flea “one of the great urban experiences in New York.” And that’s saying a lot. Founded in April 2008 by Jonathan Butler
and Eric Demby, Brooklyn Flea has grown into one of New York City’s top attractions, operating flea markets every weekend of the year that feature hundreds of top vendors of furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles, and antiques, as well as a tightly curated selection of jewelry, art, and crafts by local artisans and designers, plus delicious fresh food. Travel + Leisure, Country Living, Budget Travel, and Fodor’s have ranked the Flea one of the best markets in the U.S. and the world; and if you’re interests exceed collectibles, Time Out NY named the Flea one of New York’s “Essential Pick-Up Spots.”

Where: DUMBO Archway, 80 Pearl St., Brooklyn, New York.

When: From April through December

www.brooklynflea.com

5. Fleur de Flea, Louisville

Kentucky has a great reputation for bargain shopping and treasure hunting. Flea markets and thrift store abound, but only one is known as “the coolest flea market in Kentucky, and that’s the Fleur de Flea Vintage Market. The Fleur de Flea is a permanent 35,000 square-foot indoor industrial warehouse in historic Paristown, close to downtown Louisville, the Highlands and Germantown. The indoor site has more than 150 vendors selling antiques, vintage, furniture, shabby chic, primitive, farmhouse, vinyl, books, collectibles, vintage clothes, handmade, pumpkins, mums, delicious food, local craft beer, yummy cocktails, repurposed items, junk, funk and so much more. It’s jam-packed with vendors from all over the South. And there is a bar! The market is open year-round Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The Paristown Flea is nearby and offers two Saturday flea market dates, June 17 and October 21.

Where: 947 E. Breckinridge St., Louisville, Kentucky.

When: Year-round

www.thefleurdeflea.com

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Brimfield Unofficially Opens Flea Market Season

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