New England’s Coolest Antiques Fairs and Vintage Markets (That Aren’t Brimfield)

If you’re one of those people who always have the thrice-a-year Brimfield Antique Flea Markets dates circled on their calendar, here’s some good news: Those venerable shows in Brimfield, Massachusetts, may be the ultimate, but we’ve discovered plenty of terrific antiques fairs and vintage markets throughout New England that are well worth checking out too. Here, in no particular order, are 10 of our favorites to help get your treasure hunting started.

New England’s Coolest Antiques Fairs and Vintage Markets
(That Aren’t Brimfield)

Vintage Bazaar New England | Portland, ME, & Amesbury, MA

Vintage Bazaar New England got its start in Salisbury, Massachusetts, in 2011; moved to southern Maine in 2016; and added Massachusetts (this time Amesbury) back to the lineup in 2019. Over the years and no matter the location, it hasn’t strayed far from the founders’ original vision of combining vintage finds, beautiful antiques, self-described “rusty junk,” and artisan crafts with good food and music. With an array of food trucks and more than 175 vendors, this once-little farm festival is all grown up.

When?

Spring Bazaar: April 5-7, 2024 (indoors, located in Newington NH)

Summer Bazaar: June 22-23, 2024 (outdoors, located at Kimball Farm, Haverhill MA)

Fall Bazaar: October 5-6, 2024 (outdoors, located at Kimball Farm, Haverhill MA)

Holiday Bazaar: December 6-8, 2024 (indoors, located in Newington NH)

The Pro.found Vintage Market | Lancaster, MA

Founded by four women with a passion for building community and an eye for vintage and unusual decor, this twice-a-year market brings together more than 120 vendors for spring and fall shows at Kalon Farm in Lancaster. These outdoor shows are held rain or shine, with music and food trucks rounding out the fun. (There’s also a special indoor holiday show in Boxborough each year, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts.)

When?
June 8-9 and September 21-22, 2024

Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market | New Milford, CT

Started in 1976, the Elephant’s Trunk has become a traditional pilgrimage site for seekers of vintage treasure, with more than 500 vendors and a lineup of food trucks from near and far. It’s open Sundays from April through mid-December (including holiday weekends), and you should plan an early start: Regular admission begins at 7 a.m., but the truly dedicated pay extra for early admission (5:45 a.m.) or even super-early admission (4:45 a.m.).

When?
Sundays from April through mid-December (including holiday weekends)

SoWa Vintage Market | Boston, MA

Every Sunday, this indoor market serves up a new mix of eclectic wonders, vintage decor, art, furniture, and more on Harrison Avenue in Boston’s South End. And when you’re ready for a change of pace, the SoWa Open Market next door aims to please with a full farmers’ market and an army of food trucks.

When?
Every Sunday

Portland Flea-for-All | Portland, ME

Outdoor markets have an undeniable charm, but their indoor cousins have plenty going for them, as well. One of the best “under-cover” versions is located on Congress Street in Portland’s art district. With an ever-changing lineup of vendors, the Portland Flea-for-All is a vintage, antique, and artisan market aimed at those who love to create and restore. Started in 2012, it serves up something for every budget and taste, from antique furniture and handmade jewelry to vintage clothing and classic vinyl.

When?
Friday-Saturday

The Providence Flea | Providence, RI

Since 2013, this juried vintage and maker market has been a year-round event, operating outside on South Water Street every Sunday all summer, then reemerging periodically throughout the winter as an indoor event. Drawing inspiration from the famous flea market in Brooklyn, New York, the show features carefully selected vendors and artisans who sell everything from vintage furniture and old movie posters to handcrafted jewelry and fine art.

When?
Sundays

Wilmington Antique and Flea Market | Wilmington, VT

Every weekend from mid-May through mid-October, the Wilmington Antique and Flea Market offers up a 10-acre potpourri of antiques, collectibles, jewelry, glass, furniture, flowers, plants, vegetables, and artisan crafts. Founded in 1983 and dubbed the “home of rare finds and useful items,” this classic market is a must-visit for anyone passing through Wilmington (midway between Bennington and Brattleboro).

When?
Saturdays and Sundays, mid-May – mid-October (including the Monday of long holiday weekends)

Todd Farm Antique and Flea Market | Rowley, MA

Drawing well over 200 vendors from across New England and New York, the venerable Todd Farm Antique and Flea Market attracts up to 5,000 treasure seekers to the North Shore town of Rowley each Sunday. Although the organizers welcome vendors from across a wide spectrum, the knowledge accumulated since they opened in the early 1970s has helped them settle on a winning formula, requiring that each vendor feature at least 50 percent older items. This keeps them from straying too far from their antique and vintage roots and makes Todd Farm destination shopping each Sunday from April through November.

When?
Sundays, April – November TBA

The Somerville Flea | Somerville, MA

Every Sunday in summer, the Somerville Flea is the place to be for art and crafts, music, and cool vintage stuff. There is an emphasis on old and repurposed goods at this event, which is situated near Davis Square, but the farmers’ market and artisans’ booths are attractions in their own right.

When?
Sundays, August – October

What are your go-to New England destinations for vintage and antique finds?

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