In most cities, summertime is just another word for Flea Market Season. And thank goodness! Whether it’s artists, businesses or people, I’m a big fan of supporting local- especially here in New York City, where we are known for our plethora of creative entrepreneurs. When hitting up your local flea market, not only do you support your community, but you usually come across some unique items that no one else has.

Here’s a selection of well-known flea markets around the U.S. My personal favorite is the Fort Greene Flea in Brooklyn (I’m biased of course)…

Brooklyn Flea: Fort Greene Outdoor Market
My favorite, the Brooklyn Flea is a favorite stomping ground for New York City area treasure hunters, as well as a hangout for those who visit just for the amazing food. Spend a Saturday shopping at the flagship outdoor location in Fort Greene from April to November, or visit the Brooklyn Flea at its year-round, indoor location at One Hanson Place on Sunday.



photos courtesy of brooklynflea

GreenFlea Market in Manhattan
For more than 25 years, shoppers have snapped up handcrafted, vintage and antique treasures at GreenFlea Market on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. One of the city’s first open-air markets, it’s popular with residents and tourists. Proceeds from Greenflea Market benefit two New York City schools, with more than $4 million contributed since 1985.


Photo Chang W. Lee/The New York Times


photo ed_gaillard/flickr

Alameda Flea Market
The Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire (a.k.a. Alameda Flea Market) is northern California’s largest flea market. Regular shoppers from the San Francisco Bay Area wait for this first Sunday of the month event with a nearly religious anticipation. All merchandise sold at the Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire is at least 20 years old, and the antique and vintage goods fill more 800 booths.


photo kanakamenehune


photo jeff tabaco/flickr


photo hlwimmer/flickr

Brimfield Antique Show and Flea Market
Known as the queen of market antique shows, the combined booths at the Brimfield Antique and Flea Market Shows make up the largest outdoor antique show in the United States. This Massachusetts event stretches across an entire mile of Route 20, with more than 5000 dealers filling 21 fields. Brimfield hosts three Tuesday through Sunday shows each year, in May, July, and September.


photo via thevintagevillage


Photo Aram Boghosian/Boston Globe

Daytona Flea & Farmers Market
Shop the huge Daytona Flea & Farmers Market in Daytona Beach, Florida for 1000 booths full of flea market finds and fresh produce. The year-round Daytona Flea & Farmers Market opens each Friday through Sunday, and welcomes 2.5 million shoppers each year.


Photo Denise O’Toole Kelly

First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Texas
First Monday Trade Days, which is sometimes called the Canton Flea Market began 150 years ago as a market to trade horses and livestock. Now selling every imaginable type of merchandise, the flea market has more than 28 miles of vendors. Open the Thursday through Sunday prior to the first Monday of each month, First Monday Trade Days is an easy drive from Tyler or Dallas.


photo moneysavingqueen

Rose Bowl Flea Market
The Rose Bowl Flea Market is a southern California legend. Bargain hunters flock to the Rose Bowl Stadium each month. There are more than 2500 booths full of antiques, vintage clothing, and every imaginable type of merchandise, as well as celebrities and well-known interior designers in full attendance.




photos theletterkae/flickr

Shipshewana Flea Market in Northern Indiana
Known as the Midwest’s largest outdoor flea market, the Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market is located in Northern Indiana’s Amish country. Ten rings of antiques are auctioned each Wednesday morning year round. On Tuesdays and Wednesday from May to November, hundreds of vendors offer their goods.




photos northeastindiana/flickr

Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market
Shop the Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market in Springfield, Ohio for fine antiques, funky flea market finds and lots of fabulous food. It’s been a favorite destination for treasure hunters for more than 25 years. The flea market features up to 2500 sellers each month at the Clark County Fairgrounds. Three-day Extravaganza weekends in May and September have the most sellers.




photos springfieldantiqueshow.com

Now get out there and visit your local flea and farmer’s markets! Tell us some of your favorite markets in the comments below.

-xoxo