If a Mid-Southerner says he just got back from The Big One, he's talking about the Memphis Flea Market.
Each month, 800 to 1000 dealers put their goods on display for bargain hunters at this Memphis tradition. Booths loaded with new and used merchandise fill three onsite buildings and sprawl across a huge outdoor lot.
Location:
- Memphis, Tennessee
- 955 Early Maxwell Boulevard
- Mid-South Fairgrounds in Midtown
- Entrance near corner of East Parkway and Central Avenue
Dates and Times:
- The third weekend of each month
- 8 a.m. through 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
- Rain or shine, outside venders squeezed inside when it rains
- Holiday Market held during an extra weekend each December
Admission:
- $3 per car, includes parking
- Leashed pets are welcome, inside and out, if you scoop
Merchandise:
- Antiques and collectibles
- Jewelry and clothing
- Spices, fruits, and vegetables
- Pottery, art glass, weavings, and woodcrafts
- Movies, music, and electronics
- Candles and perfume oils
- Cosmetics and toiletries
- Pet, home, and garden supplies
The Inside Scoop:
- Most of the dealers with vintage merchandise -- home furnishings, and things that would make great home furnishings, but aren’t -- are outside.
- Your admission ticket is good for the entire day. Save it and come back later if you’ve passed on something. The dealers are more likely to negotiate at the end of the day when it’s time to pack.
- On Sundays, some of the outside dealers start packing up their booths to leave mid-afternoon.
- Concessions are available, but at theme park prices. The funnel cakes are worth it, but you might want to pack a thermos or some bottled water.
Don't Miss:
Even if you don’t need tube socks or toiletries, do stroll through the buildings for a few choice booths.
- Custom Embroidery: The vendor will monogram while you shop. Her machine can’t handle pillowcases unless you open the seams, but any single-layer fabric is fine. Bring napkins, sheets, or fabric you plan to use for throw pillows, bed-coverings, or seat-backs.
- Handmade Glass Jewelry: The pendants and rings are bold and bright, and selling for 85% less than at local festivals and craft fairs. The pendants are perfect for chandeliers and sconces, and the rings are sturdy enough to support unlined café curtains on a thin rod.
- Vintage Postcards: The dealer has thousands of them, everything from architectural photography to risqué French cartoons. Frame and hang them, tuck them inside your mirror frames, or line the back of your bookcases, it doesn’t matter; they are gorgeous.
