Austin is well know for being a vibrant city full of great culture and style. Heartland of the south, hipster haven, or urban conglomerate, it has lots to offer to people of all different persuasions.
It also has an incredible shopping scene that lets everyone express their very own style in their wardrobe and their home, thanks to their incredible flea market scene.
In Austin, no two flea markets are alike. There is a great variety in location, size, and product. From homemade tchotchkes to local art to genuine European antiques, you can find pretty much anything you’re looking for as long as it’s old, used, or made by hand.
Get your walking shoes on and get ready to spend the day getting lost in retail therapy, because we made a list of the 8 best flea markets in Austin.
Related:
The 8 Best Flea Markets in Dallas
The 9 Best Houston Flea Markets
1. Austin Flea
Inspired by the Brooklyn Flea in New York, the Austin Flea has been a go-to for local handmade and vintage goods since 2009.
They don’t have a permanent location, meaning they’re always popping up around the city. If one week their location isn’t accessible to you, they next they might be right next door!
Regular locations are usually hosted outside at breweries, distilleries, coffee shops, cider mills – you see the pattern.
This means that your day of shopping can be conveniently paired with tasty treats and delicious drinks.
The Austin Flea has an average of 20 stalls selling artwork, home decor, candles, textiles, beauty products, and jewelry, to name a few.
If you can’t wait for their next event, shop online! The Flea has gone virtual, allowing you to shop some of their premier artisans.
2. Kyle Flea Market
The Kyle Flea Market dates back to 1980. They’ve been open for business every Saturday and Sunday for over forty years, offering free parking and free admission to visitors at their location in none other than Kyle, Texas, a town about 20 miles outside of Austin.
Their vendors set up shop both inside and out, selling a wide array of vintage goods. You can find mid-century modern furniture, hand carved Hawaiian idols, early 20th century cameras, millennial trading cards … and that’s just scratching the surface.
You can even get a haircut there! Open 9-5 both days, the Kyle Flea Market is a place to get lost in (which you might just do, there’s so much to see)!
3. Austin Country Flea Market
The Austin Country Flea Market has the claim of being the oldest and largest flea market in Austin and has been rated in the top 10 World Best Flea Markets on the Travel Channel.
They are home to more than 300 vendors in an open air market. Don’t let inclement weather get you down – the pathways along the vendors are paved and covered.
This mammoth shopping center is open on Saturday and Sunday from 10-6, year round. There’s no entry fee, but it does cost $2 to park.
Tip: if you arrive before 10 am, you can park for free! A day at Austin Country Flea Market can feel like going to the fair. Their concession stands sell classic snacks like hotdogs, turkey legs, and funnel cakes. They also have live music each day from 12:30, featuring local hispanic bands.
4. Wimberley Market Days
Wimberley Market Days is a volunteer-run market on 20 acres of land. It’s Texas Hill Country’s largest outdoor market, featuring 490 booths to shop at on the first Saturday of the month rom 7-4, March through December.
The volunteers are primarily from the Wimberley Lions Club, but also local civic organizations. All net profits from the market support the Lions Club’s non-profit activities.
The parking fee is considered a donation, but the $5 goes to a good cause so how can you say no?
You can spend the day getting lost among all the vendors, get BBQ for lunch, and listen to live music.
If you’re looking for something in particular, you can browse their vendor list on their website which outlines each vendor’s general merchandise.
They have a handle map that’s well numbered to plan your route. Otherwise, enjoy the day and wander aimlessly!
5. Round Top Antiques Flea Market
The Round Top Antiques Fair claims to be the oldest antique show in Texas, having been established in 1968.
For the past fifty years, their three week-long shows each year have been hosted in the Big Red Barn and other venues.
The Big Red Barn lives up to its name as it’s 33,000 square feet of space! While the antiques show offers a great array of vendors, products tend to fit into the style of Americana antiques.
The newer Continental Tent has housed vendors selling European antiques since 2008. With such precious cargo comes responsibility, so Round Top offers a porter service to help you carry items to your car.
This exclusive antique show costs $10 for general entry, but VIPs can pay $20 for exclusive first access to the building.
You can buy in advance or pay cash at the door. Parking is free.
6. City-Wide Vintage Sale
City-Wide Vintage Sale is a small business vendor haven that’s been in operation since 1977. The women-ran business started as City-Wide Garage Sale, a way to bring all the garage sales to one place during a time of severe gas prices.
Its success kept the sale running ever since. In 2019 they changed their name to City-Wide Vintage Sale.
Today, they call the Palmer Event Center home where they are open 10-5 on Saturday and 11-5 on Sunday once a month.
Check their website for exact dates. Since their inception, the main requirement for their vendors is that they must sell antique, collectibles, second hand, used, or vintage merchandise.
It’s a can’t miss event each month right in the city center.
7. State Surplus Store
If you’re looking for something more than a hand-woven bag or vintage jewelry, head to the State Surplus Store.
It’s open to the public Monday through Friday from 8-4:30. Every day they receive salvage and surplus items from state agencies and abandoned airport property.
While this can mean things like jewelry, watches, and sunglasses, it also extends to luggage, furniture, electronics, and cars.
They have a regularly updated list of vehicles for sale, their mileage, and the price.
You must use cash or a bank check to buy a car. Otherwise, you can shop for filing cabinets, power tools, office supplies, and even sofas at the Surplus Store starting at $1 for items.
Some items such as heavy equipment are available via online auction.
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