Summer is flea market season. With sunny weather and vacation days in mind, we have 7 upcoming markets that are worth a trip. These spectacular markets come around a few times a year, and each is renowned for its size, variety of items, negotiable prices and popularity among both locals and tourists. The list is in order by date.

 

1. Midland Antique Festival

Midland County Fairgrounds, 6905 Eastman Ave., Midland, Michigan

June 4 and 5 and July 23 and 24, 2016

Saturday 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The Midland Antique Festival, in operation for over 45 years, is held in June, July and again in September (24 and 25). A thousand dealers from across the U.S. come to Michigan to display 80 acres of treasures in eight barns full of indoor stands. Outside there are even more vendors. The event features a coin and sports memorabilia building, shabby chic pieces, and heavy industrial items and hardware from across the Midwest, a car auction and sales lot, local Michigan food and live music. Admission is $6, parking is free.

 

2. Burton Ohio Antiques Market

Geauga County Fairgrounds, Burton, Ohio

Saturday, June 11, 2016

8 a.m. until 4:30; general admission begins at 10 a.m.

More than 50 years old, this twice-a-year market is held rain or shine at Ohio’s oldest county fairgrounds. With stands under tents on the racetrack and inside under the grandstand, dealers from across the U.S. and Canada will be selling silver, jewelry, china, glassware, textiles, advertising, paintings, Americana, furniture, decorative accessories, rugs, old tools, oddities, food, and much, much more. Burton is just east of Cleveland and is home to one of the largest Amish communities in the world. Early buyers (8 a.m.) pay $25; general admission (10 a.m.) is $8. Parking is free.

 

3. Renninger’s Antique and Collector’s Extravaganza

Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Thursday, June 23 through Saturday, June 25, 2016

8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Kutztown, Pennsylvania, is the home of Renninger’s flea market extravaganza three times a year — in April, June and September. It’s set up behind Renninger’s Antique & Farmer’s Market, with exhibitors outside, under tents and in two 350-foot long pavilions. Admission is $4 to $6, depending on the day, or $15 for all three days, and the event goes on rain or shine.

 

4. Brimfield Flea Markets

Brimfield Town Hall, 23 Main St., Brimfield, Massachusetts

Tuesday, July 12 through Sunday, July 17, 2016

Opening times vary; most open early morning until late afternoon

Make your way to central Massachusetts to visit the market that attracts over 50,000 people three times a year in May, July, and September. This six-day Brimfield Flea Market is over 50 years old. Twenty independent show fields of dealers make up the market, and they have a staggered opening and closing schedule. This large market, stretched along a mile on both sides of Route 20, has become an exciting tradition that attracts visitors from many states and countries. Some fields have an admission fee of about $5 but most are free.

 

5. The Portland Expo Antique & Collectible Show

2060 N Marine Dr., Portland, Oregon

Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17, 2016

Saturday, July 16 (9 a.m. until 6 p.m.) and Sunday, July 17, 2016 (10 a.m. until 5 p.m.)

Celebrating its 33rd year, the Antique & Collectible Show at Portland Expo bills itself as “America’s Largest.” There are more than 1,400 booths both inside and outside with exhibitors from all over the country who bring vintage clothing, glass, silver, antique radios, turn-of-the-century furniture, movie memorabilia, collectible toys, sports memorabilia, all kinds of toys from the 1880s to the 1960s, porcelain dolls, pop collectibles like Star Wars, Sci-Fi books, comics and much more. There will be ongoing demonstrations by the Portland-based Preservation Artisans Guild, a group dedicated to restoration work from woodworking and gilding to stained glass and painting. Admission is $7.00, good for both days, and there is an early buyer weekend badge option for $30.

 

6. 127 Corridor Sale

August 4 – 7, 2016

Vendor hours vary

Called “the world’s longest yard sale,” this 690-mile flea market starts five miles north of Addison, Michigan, and ends at Gadsen, Alabama! It’s headquartered in Jamestown, Tenn. The sale features the eclectic collections of individuals, families and groups, and each vendor decides their own hours during the days of the sale. The event attracts buyers and sellers from across the U.S. to wander, meet new people and buy unique goods. Americana at its best.

 

7. Long Beach Antique Market

Veterans Stadium, Long Beach, California

Third Sundays: June 19, July 17 and August 21

6:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.; early admission from 5:30 a.m. until 6:30 a.m.

The Long Beach Antique Market calls itself “The Flea Market with Style.” Over 800 sellers feature a huge selection of antiques, collectibles and everything chic, cheap, unique and vintage, all at bargain prices. Find collectibles, home decor, jewelry, furniture, vintage clothing and more. The sale is spread out over 20 acres at the Veterans Stadium in Long Beach. Come rain or shine.

 

Summer flea markets await thousands of antique enthusiasts and collectors – be sure to plan your visit soon. Kovels.com has more information and tips on navigating flea markets, negotiating smart deals and identifying original objects. Kovels’ booklet, Flea Market Strategies: How to Shop, Buy, and Bargain the 21st-Century Way, has tips on what to wear, what to bring along and how to negotiate. Also included, tips on spotting fakes, advice on how to pay for purchases, and a list of the latest smartphone apps to help buyers shop, share and ship. Available at KovelsOnlineStore.com.