Best Flea Markets In Chicago
A flea market can be a treasure trove of goodies, both in terms of newer items, as well as older vintage items that you'd be hard pressed to find elsewhere. And you can be sure that every single flea market has its own flair. Lucky for residents of Chicago, there are plenty of flea markets to choose from, both in and around the city. Here are five of the best.
Wolff's Flea Market
Allstate Arena
6920 N. Mannheim Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
(847) 524-9590
www.wolffs.com
Whether you're headed to Wolff's indoor Palatine or outdoor Rosemont location, you're going to have a lot of goodies to discover. The markets boast more than 700 vendors, including small businesses and garage sale vendors. Some offer items that are new, and others offer things that have seen a few years. No matter what, there's limited quantities, so if you see something you want, grab it. And while you may go looking for something specific, chances are you'll find it, along with a whole lotta stuff you didn't know you need (but want anyway). Rosemont is open on Sundays, April through October, and Palatine is open on Saturday and Sundays from May through October.
Randolph Street Market Festival
1340 W. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 666-1200
www.randolphstreetmarket.com
Easily one of the biggest flea markets and market festivals within Chicago's city limits, the monthly Randolph Street Market Festival is a combo indoor/outdoor event. No matter what month you go, you'll get the chance to see vendors spread across eight acres, and all offer an immense variety, from antiques and collectibles to crafts, to even chocolates (and so much more). After all, the festival is home to the Chicago Antique Market, as well as the Indie Designer Market and Holiday Market. Admission is typically $8 in advance and $10 at the gate (kids under 12 are free). Advance tickets are also available.
Vintage Garage Flea Market
5051 N. Broadway Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
(312) 505-6373
www.vintagegaragechicago.com
If it's vintage you're looking for, the Vintage Garage in Chicago's Uptown should be on your must-visit list. You'll discover all sorts of antiques and unique finds in the unique space: the 75-100 vendors are spread across a parking garage structure! While each monthly market has a theme, there's still an immense variety and still plenty of clothes and jewelry no matter what the theme. Admission is $5 for everyone older than 16, and the market happens every 3rd Sunday from April through October.
Related: Best Places For Antiques In Chicago
Grayslake Antique Vintage Flea Market
Lake County Fairgrounds
1060 E Peterson Road
Grayslake, IL 60030
(715) 526-9769
www.zurkopromotions.com
For flea market finds all year round, head north to Grayslake. Outdoor in the warmer months, indoor in the winter, this flea market is all about antiques and collectibles. Choose among a huge array of styles, such as mid century modern and shabby chic, and you'll get your pick of thousands of options. Admission is $7, and the market takes place every second Sunday and then the preceding Saturday. Children under 12 are free.
Kane County Flea Market
Kane County Fairgrounds
525 S. Randall Road
St. Charles, IL 60174
(630) 377-2252
www.kanecountyfleamarket.com
Considered a top flea market destination in the world, Kane County Flea Market is worth the trip. In its 49th year of operation, expect to find all sorts of treasures from the vendors, some newer, some who have been showcasing their wares for decades. Featuring a variety of antiques and collectibles from hundreds of vendors, peruse the many stalls to find everything from jewelry to furniture and books (and everything you can think of between). While parking is free, admission is $5 for everyone 12 and up, and as the organizers say, the market is even more entertaining than a movie. Check the website for upcoming dates.
Liz SanFilippo Hall is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not blogging about food, she's working part-time at a culinary vacation company, The International Kitchen, based in the Windy City, as well as repping Younique cosmetics and skincare products. Some of her writing can be found at Examiner.com.
