Spring is in the air — well, maybe not in the northeast part of the U.S. at the moment — and flea market season is not far off. Spring is a busy time for flea markets. It’s the best time to find antiques and collectibles that dealers discovered during the winter. And it’s a great time to get outside and enjoy the bustling search for vintage furniture, clothing, jewelry, advertising and more. The big three antiques markets — Original Round Top Antiques Fair in Texas, Renninger’s Kutztown Antique and Collector’s Extravaganza in Pennsylvania and Brimfield Antiques and Collectibles Show in western Massachusetts — are always good to target, and their dates are listed below. But here are a few other markets, listed from the east heading west, that collectors will find are worth a visit as the spring flea market season gets underway.
1. Original Round Top Antiques Fair – Spring Antique Week
4036 Texas Hwy., Round Top, Texas
March 27 to April 1, 2017
2. Renninger’s Kutztown Antique and Collector’s Extravaganza
740 Noble St., Kutztown, Pennsylvania
April 27 to 29, 2017 and June 22 to 24, 2017
3. Brimfield Antiques and Collectibles Show
Brimfield Town Hall, 23 Main St., Brimfield, Massachusetts
May 9 to 14, 2017
4. Brooklyn Flea
Brooklyn, New York
Saturdays: Brooklyn Flea Williamsburg: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 90 Kent Ave. Brooklyn
Sundays: Brooklyn Flea DUMBO, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Manhattan Bridge Archway, 80 Pearl St., Brooklyn
A newcomer to the flea market circuit, the Brooklyn Flea has been called “hipster heaven.” Every weekend, the markets feature hundreds of vendors offering furniture, vintage clothing, antiques and collectibles, as well as jewelry, art and crafts by local artisans and trendy food. And starting the first weekend in April, through October, the markets move outdoors — Saturdays in Williamsburg and Sundays in DUMBO (DUMBO is short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). While it’s smaller than many other markets, what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality. What could be nice than spring at a funky flea market in New York?
5. Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market
Clark County Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ohio
March 18-19, April 8-9, May 19, 20, 21 Extravaganza, and June 17-18, 2017
The Springfield Antiques Show and Flea Market has been called “One of America’s Best” by CNN and some top publications. Held 9 times a year at the Clark County Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ohio, it is known for a vast selection of antique and vintage items, as well as midcentury modern pieces. In addition to the regular shows, there are Extravaganza weekends in May and September that feature over 2,000 vendors, 20,000 customers and lots and lots of food. They pride themselves on a unique mix, saying to “expect the unexpected” vintage, antique, re- & up-cycled, artisanal goods and locally sourced producers.
6. Nashville Flea Market
The Fairgrounds, 625 Smith Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee
Spring Fling: March 24-26, 2017,
Spring Extravaganza: April 21-23, 2017
Spring Fest: May 26-28, 2017
The Nashville Flea Market is considered by many to be one of the top ten flea markets in the country. It’s been operating for almost 60 years. With an average of 2,000 booths, dealers and vendors from 30 states offer items every month. It advertises a huge and unique selection of antique furniture, dishware, clothing, rugs, jewelry, leather goods, more, as well as specialty foods. Dates are above; hours are usually Friday 8 a.m. to 5p.m., Saturday 7a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
7. Alameda Point Antiques Faire
2900 Navy Way (at Main Street), Alameda, California
First Sunday of each month: April 2, May 7, June 4, 2017
Alameda Antiques Faire is a cool way to spend the first Sunday of any month. It’s the largest show in Northern California and it has over 800 dealer booths that are restricted to selling items at least 20 years old. It’s picturesque and attracts high-end dealers and serious vintage collectors. But there are plenty of bargains to be found among the vintage stereos, mid-mod dining room furniture, vintage dresses, classic Barbie dolls, and much more.
Please let us know what your favorites are! Be sure to comment below!
Two recommendations:
The Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, CA. On the second Sunday of the month, for 45 years with 2500 vendors. You can find everything.
A newer market is the D.C. Big Flea in Chantilly, VA just outside Washington DC. Held indoors. Next 2017 markets, April 29-39; July 22-23; sept. 16-17; nov 4-5. Great selection.
Take a look at the Kane County Fleamarket held the first weekend of every month from Mar. to Oct. at the Kane County Fairgrounds, in St. Charles, IL. about 30 mi. west of Chicago.
Our favorite open-air market is THE FRENCH NEST held from May-O)ctober in Ft. Collins Co. Lots of eclective and rustic and antiques. Join us!!! I have been a vendor there for several years.