Farmers’ markets, night markets, flea markets or vintage markets…if it’s a market, we are sure to love it. PA Eats is always on a mission to find handcrafted, artisan, one-of-a-kind and unique goods to add to our living spaces, and we’re sure you are too! In honor of flea market season that’s upon us, we’re giving you the ultimate roundup of the best local events where you’re sure to score unique goods that’ll leave your friends green with envy.
Best of all, lots of independent food artisans and trucks hit the same market circuit, meaning you’ll score delicious snacks while shopping time and time again. Here’s our list of the markets in the area that you’re not going to want to miss.
Top Area Markets We’re Attending This Spring & Summer:
Franklin Flea Market
Where & When to Find It:
April–May find the market inside The Historic Strawbridge’s Building at 801 Market Street in Philadelphia.
Why It’s Cool:
The Franklin Flea Market is a collection of local vendors that gather every Saturday from April through October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. These local vendors offer everything from antique and repurposed furniture to vintage clothing. During the months of April and May, the market will be located inside The Historic Strawbridge’s Building at 801 Market St. in Philadelphia.
Vintage Garage Sale
Where & When to Find It:
Chestnut Street Parking Garage at 14 East Chestnut St. in West Chester. Unfolds May 2, June 6, Aug. 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3.; 4–9 p.m.
Why It’s Cool:
If you didn’t make it out to previous Vintage Garage Sales in 2012 and 2013, then you better mark off any first Friday on your calendar from May–October and get yourself over there. The cleverly parking garage-based market has added one more date to their schedule for 2014, featuring plenty of vendors selling upcycled items, vintage clothing and jewlery and antiques. You’ll also not want to miss the incredible food and drink options available. Parking is available in the upper levels of the garage and free with a receipt of purchase from any vendor at the garage sale.
The Night Market
Where & When to Find It:
Old City, May 15, 6–10 p.m.; West Oak Lane, June 19; Lancaster, Aug. 21; Chinatown, Oct. 2
Why It’s Cool:
The Night Market is a traveling street food fair highlighting the city’s ethnic restaurants and gourmet food trucks with proceeds going to local non-profits. Located in a different part of the city each month, you can find them in areas like Northern Liberties, West Oak Lane, University City and many more. Make sure you check out their schedule to see where they’ll be next.
Clover Market
Where & When to Find It:
Why It’s Cool:
This seasonal, open-air market boasts over 1oo local vendors selling vintage jewelry, antique furniture, collectibles, handcrafted items and original pieces of art. Among other honorable mentions, The Clover Market has been named a Best Vintage Market by Flea Market Style Magazine. Better yet, the market hosts a stellar lineup of food truck vendors and it is held rain or shine.
West Chester Home Eclective Pop-Up Shop
Where & When to Find It:
Find it at 23 N. Walnut Street in West Chester on May 2–4.
Why It’s Cool:
This local, mixed up group of artisans are gathering near and far to offer you handcrafted, vintage and antique goodies for your home decor. Check out their Facebook page for all the details of the brand-new vintage pop-up.
A Whole Lot of LuLu
Where & When to Find It:
Bridge & Main parking lot. Next market unfolds Oct. 11.
Why It’s Cool:
LuLu Boutique & Gifterie of Phoenixville is expanding its love of all things retro by taking it to the streets. They’ve brought a kickass outdoor flea market to downtown Phoenixville, with local vendors selling handmade crafts, vintage items, and lovable junk. Live music, kid-friendly activities, plus more, also unfolds at the on-going markets.
Re-Reimagined Spring Show
Where & When to Find It:
Reimagined Style at 1440 Telegraph Rd. in West Chester. May 9, 6–9 p.m.; May 10, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Why It’s Cool:
Let the pickin’ begin! The lovable West Chester antiques and vintage shop has invited fellow local vendors to join them for a two-day spring sale. From Little Shop of Hoarders, Village Art & Calligraphy, Purveyers of Fine Iron Oxide, Unite for Her, Vintage Chicken, Luxrom Design, and more, explore new-to-you inventory and fun finds. On Friday, wine and cheese and local artists will be added to the thrifting party.
Art Star Craft Bazaar
Where & When to Find It:
Based at The Great Plaza @ Penn’s Landing (on Columbus Boulevard between Chestnut Street & Walnut Street). Unfolding May 10–11, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Why It’s Cool:
The 11th Annual Spring Art Star Craft Bazaar is an outdoor retail art/craft show that is organized and juried by Philadelphia’s premier craft shop, Art Star Gallery & Boutique. With over 100 local and national artists chosen to set up shop and sell their wares at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, right along the Delaware River, you’re guaranteed to nab one-of-a-kind finds, such as housewares, paper goods, prints, ceramics, clothing, accessories, paintings/drawings, sculpture, and so much more.
- Franklin Flea Collage: Franklin Flea
- Night Market Chinatown: Food Trust
