Raleigh Flea Market
One of North Carolina's top year-round tourist destinations, drawing 2.4 million visitors annually
The Raleigh Flea Market at the historic State Fairgrounds in North Carolina is one of the largest and best flea markets for antiques in the United States. It is hard to believe that this market started with only six tables and a handful of vendors back in 1971! By the 1980s, this flea market had grown into one of the area’s most popular shopping destinations. Raleigh Flea Market continues to be one of the busiest flea markets in North Carolina, spanning six buildings and several acres.
One of the reasons for the popularity of this market is the incredibly wide range of goods that are for sale here. With over 600 vendors attending the Raleigh flea market on a weekly basis (100 to 300 of which are antiques dealers), the offering is almost endless! The wares includes everything from antiques and collectibles to furniture, Nepalese arts and crafts, sporting apparel, fishing equipment, dolls and toys, pottery, leather products, antique jewelery, linen and lace and Indian crafts, to name just a few.
Many vendors selling at the Raleigh Flea Market are experts in their area, and their knowledge greatly appeals to collectors who visit this flea market searching for something specific. Most vendors are regulars too, and the returning visits of both sellers and shoppers creates a great atmosphere.
The organizers of this flea market are very much driven by a community-spirit and offer deals and host events for many local non-profits. This also adds to the awesome atmosphere here, as it really feels like those that attend are interested in supporting local endeavours and getting to know more about the community; not just frantically searching for the best bargains to be had.
Stall holders at the Raleigh Flea Market are happy to enter into bargaining conversations with interested shoppers, so do not be shy to approach with offers for desired pieces. It really is a great market for picking up odds and ends for the house, at really great prices, so don’t fear to leave empty handed!
I love walking through the Raleigh Flea Market on a Saturday afternoon. There is an inside air conditioned area as well as tons of vendors outside. You never really know what you’re going to find either so it’s good to have an open mind and not feel overwhelmed by all the stuff everywhere. I’ve never come to the market with something particular in mind, but I always seem to find “something I didn’t know I needed.”
Whether you’re looking for a piece of furniture, jewelry, vintage toys and books, second-hand clothes or first hand socks, a piece of metal or some drift wood for your pet snake; I’m not sure if there’s anything this flea market doesn’t have! They even have homemade baked goods, fresh produce and beauty products (the most wonderful soap I’ve ever smelled!) plus, the vendors seem to always be changing. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of regular vendors that you’ll always see, but they seem to be constantly adding more vendors or interchanging them. Of course, the vendors do pay for their spaces each week, and some go out of town, to other shows, etc. so it’s always new and exciting.
Great Flea market. It’s a good mix of antique, re-purposed item and brand new retail. Lots of food vendors and they have an indoor area of it’s too hot.
The vendors all seemed very eager to help and would bargain with you regarding some prices. Definitely recommend checking this place out!
The Raleigh Flea Market truly has something for everyone. You can find a lot of antiques, tools, videos, games, computers, and a lot more.
I especially enjoyed seeing Enterprise Comics. It is dog friendly as well, which makes it really a fun event. Many vendors have tents to keep you cool. And remember to bring cash!
Oh the Raleigh Flea, how I do love you. If you are looking for something new and different to do on a weekend and haven’t been, this is a great choice on how to spend your time. This is an indoor/outdoor flea market which has a good variety of vendors and lots of hidden gems.
The outside can sometimes be a lot to sort through but I have definitely found some items, like a Pampered Chef 13X9 baking dish for $15, that make the search totally worth it. The inside is much more organized but you will find the more pricy items here. I have purchased such a wide variety of items from the flea market from soup mixes to a table and chairs. The vendors are all so nice and some, especially for the pricier items, are definitely willing work with you on the price. Happy treasure hunting!