We are in the last few weeks of 2021, and what a year it has been! The pandemic negatively impacted the flea market and swap meet industry, and this year was spent recovering and reopening markets all across the nation. Now, both consumer and seller confidence is up and the industry is almost back to normal.
As we look back at 2021, there were some flea markets and swap meets that struck a chord with shoppers. Here are the top five markets of the year that stood out from the rest:
Rose Bowl Flea Market –
Pasadena, California
This monthly flea market attracts 20,000 buyers every month, including celebrities and interior designers such as Cameron Díaz, Angelina Jolie, and Christian Louboutin. The granddaddy of them all, The Rose Bowl Flea Market is considered an outdoor MEGA event. For over 50 years, this flea has been the most well-attended and vendor profitable market in the entire country. The Rose Bowl is known all over the world because of its uniqueness, quality of vendors, and great shoppers of all ages.
For more information, visit www.rgcshows.com/rose-bowl.
The 127 Yard Sale
Commonly referred to as “The World’s Longest Yard Sale,” this flea market spans six different states and is 690 miles long. Originally planned as a tourist attraction for the scenic back roads in Tennessee and Kentucky, it now also runs through Michigan, Ohio, Georgia, and Alabama. Along the way, merchants set up shop in front yards, fields, parking lots, and parks. Vendors include seasoned dealers, antique shop owners, collectors trying to downsize, and other vintage fans. The event regularly attracts more than 1,500 vendors and is held every summer in August.
For more information, visit www.127yardsale.com.
First Monday Trade Days –
Canton, Texas
Small town Canton’s claim to fame is the famous flea market First Monday Trade Days. The population may be fewer than 5,000 people, but every month it grows in size as thousands of shoppers visit one of the largest flea markets in the U.S. First Monday Trade Days began as a swap event for livestock and farm equipment over 100 years ago. The name is a misnomer as the event is Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of each month. On those days, a series of buildings, shopping areas, and pavilions bustle with 6,000 merchants.
For more information, visit www.firstmondaycanton.com.
Brimfield Antique Flea Market – Brimfield, Massachusetts
Known as “America’s Oldest Outdoor Antiques Flea Market,” this show boasts three large events throughout the year and comprises about 20 individually owned show fields that have specific opening times and admissions, although many of the events are free to attend. As many as 50,000 shoppers attend the Brimfield Antique Flea Markets each event and thousands of exhibitors show up to sell their goods. There are many creative dealers who inspire one another and their customers, and the majority of attendees visit their favorite dealers each time they return.
For more information, visit www.brimfieldantiquefleamarket.com.
Rogers Flea Market – Rogers, Ohio
With 1,600 indoor and outdoor selling spaces, this flea is easily the tri-state area’s largest weekly open-air market. Open every Friday year-round and the first Saturday of the months April through October, the grounds consist of 250 total acres and during peak season, this award-winning market can host up to 50,000 visitors on a Friday. Come to the farmers market for produce, baked goods, meat, cheese, grocery items, new and vintage goods, and so much more. They also host auctions on their website as well as on site.
For more information, visit www.rogersohio.com.