Antique and flea market guide

Warm weather and antique markets go hand-in-hand. What better way to spend a sunny afternoon than with a stroll along rows of tables and blankets laden with costume baubles, antique books, furniture, vintage toys and other oldies-but-goodies? You can snag some seriously amazing stuff, provided you know where to look. Here are a few to keep you happy all spring and summer long.

Antique Markets

Brimfield Antique Show
One of the best in the world, Brimfield is the granddaddy of antique markets. Set designers, interior designers, the Olsen twins and even Martha Stewart make pilgrimages here. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle to help you stay hydrated and prepare yourself for the 5,000 dealers. Arrive early—the early bird does get the vintage Eames chair at an incredible price—and bring cash, as it is the preferred payment. If dawn rising isn’t your strong suit, skip opening day and go towards the end of this six-day antique fair; the vendors are more willing to sell their wares for lower prices as the market draws to a close. $5 admission. May 10–15; Jul. 12–17; Sep. 6–11. Main St, Brimfield (brimfield.com)

Elm Bank Show
The Elm Bank Show in Wellesley specializes in antiques from the early 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. In comparison to Brimfield this is a small show, featuring around 80 vendors, but it’s without a doubt this is one of the prettiest antique shows in Massachusetts. This is a great place to find vintage jewelry and silverware. $7 admission. Jun. 11, 9am–5pm; Jun. 12, 10am–4pm. Elm Bank Reservation, 900 Washington St, Wellesley

Golden Ball Annual Outdoor Antiques Show
Held in the historic tavern, the Golden Ball’s antique market welcomes 100 dealers from New England, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania to showcase collectibles. The proceeds of this antique market go towards the restoration of the Golden Ball Tavern, built in 1768, as a museum (Paul Revere’s men once stopped in for a pint). $7–$25 admission. Sep. 24, 9am–4pm. 662 Boston Post Road, Weston (781-235-7477, goldenballtavern.org)

Cambridge Antique Market
If you can’t wait until summer is officially here to traipse through fields of antiques, head over to the Cambridge Antique Market. This market is open year round and hosts 150 dealers on five floors. Whether you’re looking for a vintage bike, jewelry, clothing, toys or china—you name it, they’ve got it. The prices vary greatly from dealer to dealer, so take a bit of time to browse before locking down your purchases. Free admission. Year-round: Tue–Sun 11am–6pm. 201 Msgr. O'Brien Highway, East Cambridge (617-868-9655, marketantique.com)
 
Flea Markets

SoWa Vintage Market
SoWa Vintage operates on the first Sunday of the winter months until May 1st, at which time the vintage market opens every Sunday as part of SoWa Open Market. You can find antiques (often repurposed), antique art, jewelry and vintage clothing. Like the rest of SoWa, the aesthetic tends toward arty and quirky. Free admission. May–Oct: Sunday 10am–4pm. 460C Harrison Ave, South End, Boston (sowavintagemarket.com)

Todd Farm Antiques and Flea Market
Up to 240 vendors from New England and New York convene at Todd Farm in Rowley, Mass to sell antiques, jewelry, fishing rods and sundry collectibles at reasonable prices. An important note: if you are heading to Todd Farm after it’s rained, be sure to bring your wellies—the field gets pretty muddy. Free admission. Apr. 3–Nov. 27: Sundays 10am–4pm. Rte 1A, Maine St, Rowley (toddfarm.com)

Raynham Flea Market
A mere hour from Boston, the Raynham Flea market boasts 500 dealers in its indoor space year-round. During the summer, 400 additional dealers set up outdoors. You’ll find everything here from fresh flowers and kettle corn to antiques, make-up, collectibles and shoes. While it isn’t all vintage or antique, everything is very interesting. Raynham is certainly an experience. $1 admission. Year-round: Sunday 8am–5pm. Junction of Rte 24 and Rte 44, Raynham (raynhamflea.com)

Wellfleet Flea Market
The Wellfleet Flea Market is a nice distraction if you find yourself on the Cape in peak season. The 200-odd vendors sell everything from new items and food to antiques and collectibles. Can’t get enough? Come back in the evening to take advantage of the drive-in cinema. $1–$3 admission. May 9–Oct. 11. Route 6, Wellfleet (508-349-0541, wellfleetcinemas.com/flea-market)

Revere Swap 'N Shop
This flea market takes place on the grounds of the Revere Showcase Cinemas. Items here are mostly garage sale quality with some new items, crafts and collectibles sprinkled throughout. Of all the markets in the area, this one varies the most in the quality of items that are sold. The Revere Swap ‘N Shop averages about 250 dealers per day. $1 admission. Mar.–Dec.: Saturday and Sunday 7am–4pm. Showcase Cinemas, 565 Squire Rd, Revere (781-289-7100)

You might also like
See more in Shopping + Style