With this list of the biggest flea markets in the US, you can easily plan your next big shopping. But, before we just list you best and biggest flea markets to go to, let us share with you some interesting facts about the history of flea markets.
According to some stories, the first flea market in the US appeared in the 1700s, in the area of New York City. The root of the name flea market is almost unknown and represents a concept that is not sufficiently researched. The first mention of the name of the flea market was recorded in Paris in 1860 and is related to the term called ‘’Marche aux Puces’’, which literally means ”flea market”. There is another theory that suggests that flea market got its name thanks to the Dutch settlers who settled in New York and called their markets Vlaie, meaning “swamp”, which was used to refer to the position of their markets. Over the time, English speakers pronounced name slightly different with an “f” upfront, which later on resulted in the term we are very much familiar with, the term “flea market”. And that is why you can also come across the name “swamp meet” that refers to a flea market. No matter the name and the history, it is no new fact to anyone how popular flea markets in the US are. A large number of enthusiasts, collectors, treasure hunters visit flea markets hoping to find valuable items similar to these most expensive items found on Antiques Roadshow.
Finding out which are the biggest flea markets in the US turned out to be a serious quest, since there is no ultimate list of all US’ flea markets and their sizes, and according to some estimates there are a few thousands of flea markets in the US. Hence, it is impossible to track them all and find relevant information about their sizes. That’s why we’ve decided first to search for the flea markets that are often considered the best and the most popular. Since, in this case, it is natural to assume that the best are also among the biggest since the size of a flea market is also a criterion for its quality, because the bigger it is – the more suppliers it can host and more goods can display. Also, more people can come for shopping, and that makes it more popular. So, with this combination, we came up not only with the list of the biggest flea markets in the US but also of the best.
For our starting sources, we relied on lists of the best flea markets coming from CNN, FleaMarketInsiders, HuffingtonPost, to name a few. Those that are considered the best we checked separately for more data about their sizes, and then used three criteria to create our ultimate ranking – size, the number of suppliers, and the number of visitors. The last two criteria help us place the markets that occupy the same size. So, let’s finally check those biggest and best flea markets that America has to offer!
10. Brooklyn Flea
Surface: 0.26 acres
Location: Brooklyn, NEW YORK
The Brooklyn Flea Market was founded in 2008 and represents one of the most interesting flea markets in New York. What is specific to this flea market is that it is located in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Fort Greene (Saturdays) and Williamsburg (Sundays) during the summer season, while in winter it moves within the former Williamsburgh Savings Bank. The Brooklyn Flea Market has a varied and extensive range of different types of fabrics and materials, handcrafted products, and furniture, offered by over 130 vendors. The average annual number of visitors this flea market attracts is approximately 192,000.
9. Alameda Flea Market
Surface: 1,15 acres
Location: Alameda, CALIFORNIA
The Alameda Flea Market is one of the largest in Northen California and it is opened once a month. The flea market is located at the former Naval Air Station and covers a surface of 1,15 acres on which it sells antique objects, and the basic rule is that items must be a minimum 20 years old. It was opened in 1996, and now more than 144,00 people visit it annually on average.
8. Rose Bowl Flea Markets
Surface: 1.32 acres
Location: Pasadena, CALIFORNIA
The Rose Bowl Flea market was opened back in 1968. It is located on the Rose Bowl stadium and represents one of the most visited flea markets with an average annual visit of about 240,000 visitors while the number of traders who offers their products is 400. An interesting fact related to this flea market is that goods and money rapidly change hands and is not a rare situation that an object repeatedly changes owners. Also, one of the greatest collections of jewelry in the Rose Bowl flea market can be found in the Orange area.
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7. Raleigh Flea Market Mall
Surface: 4.5 acres
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh flea market was established by the family of Stewart, in 1971. Originally, the flea market was located at the Historic State Fairgrounds and owned 6 tables and several vendors, now it’s a popular destination for many collectors, and it can host almost 1,000 vendors. The flea market has 6 buildings and several acres of land. As part of the flea market you will find all kinds of antiques, jewelry, carpets, and other types of products. An average annual visit to this flea market makes up for 300,000 visitors.
6. Daytona Flea & Farmers Market
Surface: 30 acres
Location: Daytona Beach, FLORIDA
Dayton Flea & Farmers market was open in 1981 and attracts a large number of visitors each year. The flea market is annually visited by an average of 2,500,000 visitors, and on the 30 acres of land 800 vendors offer their services. On this flea market you will not find ancient objects, but there is a large range of new and used goods waiting for a buyer. Many visitors advise arrival just before the end of working hours because it is easier to bargain for a lower price with the seller. You can come and shop here every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5. Brimfield
Surface: 35.2 acres
Location: Brimfield, MASSACHUSETTS
Brimfield flea market was founded in 1959 by enthusiasts and auctioneer Gordon Reid, who set up a flea market in the yard. Each year the flea market attracts large numbers of visitors (around 1,000,000) and is one of the largest in the country. According to visitors’ estimates three most popular and most visited fields here are: Heart-O-The Mart, Dealer’s Choice, and J & J Auction Acres. These three offer different and very interesting, unique objects.
4. Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market
Surface: 100 acres
Location: Shipshewana, NORTHERN INDIANA
Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market is a true oasis for every real auctioneer and treasure hunter. It was founded in 1922 at the home of George Curtis, with a goal to carry out the trade with farm animals and today represents one of the biggest flea markets. The flea market has an average annual visit of around 240,000 visitors who purchase goods from more than 400 vendors.
3. First Monday Trade Days
Surface: 100 acres
Location: Canton, TEXAS
The third place on our list of biggest flea markets in the US belongs to First Monday Trade Days, which was established in 1850. Its name was inspired by a tradition of traders gathering on the first Monday of the month and today represents one of the largest flea markets organized outdoors and indoors where customers are offered a wide range of products from antiques to handmade products. More than 3.6 million visitors come by every year to look for interesting objects that more than 2,500 vendors present here. Many visitors recommend visiting the Civic Center building, where you can find antiques and collectibles at least 20 years old.
2. Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market
Surface: 130 acres
Location: Springfield, OHIO
This flea market exists for over 25 years and covers an area of 130 acres and represents home to a lot of visitors and collectors who come from different parts of the US and the world. The Springfield Antique show & Flea market is open once a month and has more than 2,000 vendors, who sell mostly very rare items. The main selling product on this market are antiques from the 19th century. The average attendance during the year amounts to 300,000 visitors. Many visitors recommend that if you want to visit this flea market, do it in September, because many traders want to get rid of their items before the winter comes, and hence the prices are lowered down.
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1. Austin Country Flea Market
Surface: 130 acres
Location: Austin, TEXAS
The first on our list of the biggest flea markets in the US is Austin Country Flea Market. It is one of the largest and oldest flea markets in Texas and offers a wide range of different types of products such as: tools, electronics, collectibles, car accessories, jewelry, furniture, clothing, and many others. This flea market is used as a set while shooting the series ”From Dusk Till Dawn” directed by Robert Rodriguez, which may help raise its popularity. Now, it attracts more than 2 million visitors annually.
