There is something unique about attending summer flea markets, even for hardened bargain hunters drifting from tables to tents in the sun, either wondering if they should make that impulse purchase or how anyone could charge money for this.
Massachusetts has a variety of places for bargain hunting, appraisals and haggling including Brimfield Flea — one of the biggest in the country that Martha Stewart has been known to visit and that the HGTV show "Flea Market Flip" sometimes films at.
We gathered a list of some of the biggest places to either peruse the wares or hawk your own:
Where: 1 Main St., Brimfield Dates: May 14-19, July 9-14 and Sept. 3-8 Admission and parking: Varies by field — some may charge a $5 admission. Parking also varies but does not exceed $10
What to know: The reigning champion of New England flea markets, Brimfield has three dates through spring and summer and is possibly the oldest ongoing flea market in the country. The market is divided into multiple fields, many with their own unique style as well as admission and parking (many have free admission). The first session in May is considered the busiest out of all three. Pet policy varies by field.
Where: 183 Gardner St., Hubbardston Dates: Sundays until November (depends on weather) Admission and parking : Free
What to know: Almost as old as Brimfield, the Rietta Flea Market started in 1966 with about 10 sellers. Almost 60 years later, it hosts up to 650 vendors. Grab a burger and some refreshment at the Long Ranch Bar. Open for the 2024 season as of April 14, the market will be a regular Sunday event until mid-fall. No pets allowed.
Where: Intersection of Route 24 and 44 West, Raynham Dates: Every Sunday year-round Admission and parking: $1.50 for adults, $1 for seniors, children under 12 free
What to know: Though Raynham is open year-round — warm weather can only enhance the experience. The indoor section is over 60,000 square feet and accommodates over 500 vendors, five snack bars and a full restaurant. Outdoors there is a further 10 acres.
Where: 100 Harrison Ave., Boston Dates: Every Sunday from May through October Admission and parking: Admission is free. Street and metered parking is free in Boston Sundays. There are paid lots available at 540 Harrison Ave., 365 Albany St., 324 and 274 Albany St. All lots are $10 cash.
What to know: Slightly more specialized, SoWa, short for South of Washington, is a farmers and artists' market. In addition to vendors, the market encompasses a number of retail shops as well as food trucks for a snack while you browse the studios and galleries.
Where: Wellfleet Drive-in Theatre, 51 State Highway, Route 6, Wellfleet Dates: Saturdays and Sundays Admission: Varies by vendor count that day — $1 to $3 per car
What to know: Located at the iconic Wellfleet Drive-in Theatre, the flea market boasts up to 150 vendors. Though there is the expected level of variety from a flea market, visitors will definitely notice a Cape Cod theme. As well as browsing, bargain hunters can take a break with a movie, the dairy bar or even a game of mini golf.
Where: 1311 Park St., Palmer Dates: Year-round, Tuesday through Sunday (open Mondays during Brimfield Antique Show) Admission and parking: Free
What to know: Don't want to add that "weather permitting" qualifier to all your flea market plans? Yankee Flea Market is for you. Declared the largest indoor flea market in New England, Yankee Flea Market hosts over 200 vendors thanks to a recent expansion this year in a 16,000-square-foot indoor location, open during Brimfield Antique Show Mondays.
Where: 490 Danbury Road (Route 7 / 202), New Milford, Connecticut Dates: Sundays, April through December Admission and parking: Price based on admission time slot — early buyers $20 for 5:30 to 7 a.m., buyers $10 for 7 to 8 a.m. and general admission $3 for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
What to know: Like its namesake, the Elephant's Trunk dwarfs many other flea markets in the region. With a mix of antique dealers and farmers market, the Trunk, as it has come to be known, has been going strong since its 1976 inception. No pets allowed.
Where: Farm Fresh Market Hall, 10 Sims Ave., Providence, Rhode Island Dates: Opens June 2 and every Sunday until Sept. 15 Admission and parking: Free
What to know: Despite its name, Providence Flea states "we're not really a flea market," citing its curated selection of vendors drawn from small businesses selling artisanal products. Same goes for food on offer, all locally sourced and homemade. The market is completely outdoors through summer and early fall, alongside the river on South Water Street. Be sure to check out its second annual Big Pride Flea June 7 at Farm Fresh Market Hall.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Flea market season is starting. Here are 8 New England markets deal lovers should go to.
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