Flea markets provide a unique way to uncover the true essence of a city. Through handmade crafts, locally grown produce, secondhand clothing, and pieces of art, you can get a better idea of what a city and its people are all about. When you visit a flea market in a town like Austin, you’re sure to find some genuine treasure troves.
“Keep Austin Weird” has been the city’s motto for over 20 years now. Despite being the state capital, Austin isn’t your stereotypical Texas city. It’s a place full of open-minded, easygoing people and has always been a city with an edge. Austin is home to many hidden jewels and has a ton of quality flea markets.
Flea Market Austin: The Best Markets In Town
What do you get when you mix a vibrant city, different cultures, a range of styles, a thriving art scene, and some of the best music on the planet? That’s right, you get amazing flea markets. Whether you want to upgrade your wardrobe, pick up antiques, or find a rare collectible, you’re in the right place.
One of the most fun aspects of searching for the best flea market in Austin is that no two places are the same. Not only are there awesome stores for specific types of products, but they come in all shapes and sizes, from large outdoor markets that sell everything to quirky bazaars showcasing art and collectibles.
So, if you’re a fan of bargain hunting at local flea markets, Austin is most certainly one of the best cities in Texas to get your fix. As a city that’s constantly going through change, there are great finds to be had every day. Many of these locations are close to one another, so you can generally get to a lot of them in an afternoon.
There’s no better way to get a little exercise than exploring a city. If you find a new jacket or unique gift along the way, it’s an added bonus. Now, let’s take a look at our comprehensive list of Austin flea markets.
Austin Country Flea Market
Austin Country Flea Market is one of the oldest and largest markets in Central Texas and it claims to be ranked in the top 10 World’s Best Flea Markets by the Travel Channel. It’s been a mainstay in the city and is one of the most traditional outdoor flea markets in Austin.
It opens every Saturday and Sunday, year-round, from 10 am to 6 pm. There’s no entry fee but the market car park costs $2 per vehicle. However, if you get there before the market starts, you can park your car for free. Thank us later for this insider tip. Within the market, you can find a variety of goods from over 300 vendors.
Need tires, tools, auto parts, or accessories? You’ll find plenty of vendors for those. How about jewelry, clothing, or shoes, new and used? You’re spoiled for choice. In addition, there are antique stalls, handcrafted goods vendors, toy shops, and everything in between.
If all the shopping works up an appetite, the market concession stands to sell classic American snacks, like hotdogs, cakes, and turkey legs. You’ll also find a handful of artisan food companies there. Whether you want fresh produce or ready-to-eat food, you have plenty of options.
The last noteworthy point about the Austin Country Flea Market is that it’s open regardless of the weather. Even though it’s an outdoor market, there are covers and paved pathways to keep everyone dry. Oh, and you can enjoy live Hispanic music performances as you shop.
Austin Flea
Austin Flea has been around since 2009 and does a marvelous job embodying the Austin spirit. “The Flea Team” hand-picks vendors for each show (this is what they call their markets) to ensure shoppers get the best combination of art, jewelry, beauty products, textiles, vintage pieces, home decor, and more.
So, as you can see, Austin Flea delves into quite a few marketplaces and has something to offer for everyone. The company prides itself in giving a platform to local sellers only. There’s no space for mass-produced goods or imported items. You’ll have to go elsewhere for them.
One of the coolest things about the Austin Flea is that it has no fixed home. It pops up at different locations around the city, and you’ll have to check their website or social media page to see where they are following. The market is usually open on Saturdays but occasionally opens on Sundays, too.
More often than not, Austin Flea “shows” are held at breweries, coffee shops, or distilleries. Flea markets and breweries are a match made in heaven. You can enjoy your day of shopping with a delicious snack in one hand and a refreshing drink in the other.
Austin Flea arranges entertainment for a lot of their shows, which can be anything from live music to drag performers. As a forward-thinking flea market, Austin Flea also sells online, which is highly beneficial for us, you, and the artisans trying to sell their products.
So, if you’re looking for a unique Austin flea market this weekend, check out the Austin Flea website and find out where it’ll be.
City-Wide Vintage Sale
City-Wide Vintage Sale has been a prominent member of the Austin vintage scene for 46 years. It regards itself as an incubator for small and local businesses, selling to a range of customers, including vintage stores, interior designers, set designers, and, of course, bargain hunters.
The business has one of the coolest origin stories we’ve heard in some time. In 1977, when there was a gasoline shortage, individuals accustomed to hosting garage sales banded together to sell from one location in order to save gas for themselves and their customers.
This was not only convenient, but it was also a climate-friendly decision that sparked the development of a much bigger business. Throughout the years, City-Wide forged its identity as one of the top indoor flea markets in Austin to specialize in vintage and collectible goods.
Today, the women-owned business maintains its original concept as a marketplace that only sells antique, second-hand, vintage, or collectibles. Imports and new products aren’t allowed. Citywide holds one sales event per month, and the dates are usually available on the company website.
All events are held at the Palmer Event Center. They run on Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. There’s a $9 admission fee for adults. If you want to get in before the crowds, you can buy Early Bird tickets for $12, allowing you to enter at 8:30 a.m.
812 Outdoor Market
The 812 Outdoor Market is one of the most popular flea markets in Austin today. It’s not just popular for its merchandise though. Every weekend, the 812 sets up and creates a unique festival-like atmosphere with a heavy Latin influence.
There’s live music and dancing every weekend, and you can people-watch or shop with delicious Mexican snacks and ice-cold beer in your hands. The 812 has a real family feel about it, and you always leave there feeling ten times better than when you entered (and that’s not the beer talking).
You can find typical flea market goods at the 812, such as vintage clothing, electronics, furniture, antiques, jewelry, tools, and fresh produce. Unlike some of the more “modern-style” flea markets we’ve touched on, the 812 is a place where you can find real bargains.
There’s a $2 entry fee per person, but this essentially covers the “free parking”. You’re sure to make up the cost of the gate with a great deal once you get inside.
Marketplace Austin
There’s another largely Hispanic flea market in Lamar Austin, TX, called Marketplace Austin. It’s one of the largest indoor flea markets in the city, and the vast majority of the vendors are Mexican or Latin American. It’s popular among the locals and Hispanic communities of Austin.
The market is home to approximately 80 different businesses. But it’s not your usual flea market. Yes, there are thrift stores, toy stands, jewelry stalls, and electronics sales. But, there are also some businesses there that you typically don’t find in a market, like financial services, beauticians, barbers, and photographers.
We recommend visiting for the Mexican food alone. Marketplace Austin has some truly delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine. The market is open from Friday until Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm each day.
Kyle Flea Market
Kyle Flea Market has been around for over 40 years but has seen an upturn in popularity in recent years. Located in the city of Kyle, the market is technically outside of Austin, but a 25-minute car ride will get you there, and it’s most definitely worth a trip.
Vendors sell a wide range of goods there, from handcrafted ornaments to modern furniture. However, the market has developed a strong reputation for its vintage and recycled clothing. You can also find a ton of jewelry and electronic goods at Kyle.
It’s a great place to find a bargain, especially if you’re looking for second-hand furniture. The market has indoor and outdoor areas, so it’s always open regardless of the weather, every Saturday and Sunday from 9 am until 5 pm. Food trucks are available on-site if you need a bit to eat.
Other Austin Flea Markets
In truth, Austin has so many flea markets that we can’t go through them all. However, before we go, here are a few more of our favorites that are well worth a visit next time you’re in town:
- The SoCo Makers Market
- Barton Creek Farmers Market
- The Blue Genie Art Bazaar
- Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
- Renegade Craft Fair
- Wimberley Market Days
- Round Top Antique Flea Market
- State Surplus Store
References
- Austin Flea info: austinflea.net
- Austin Country Flea Market info: austincountry.citymax.com
- City-Wide Vintage Sale info: citywidevintagesale.com
- Marketplace Austin info: marketplaceaustin.com
Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.
