‘Tis the season for rows of white tents, vendors lined up as far as the eye can see and picking through knick knacks in search of the perfect flea market find. Events like the Louisville Festival of the Arts at the Paddock Shops and Lyndon’s Summer Festival have kicked off the summer rush, the first in a huge lineup of summer fleas and makers' markets. Here are a few of the can't-miss markets of this summer:
Locust Grove
June 26
$8; free for children 12 and under
The annual antique show features an array of Louisville stores on the beautiful grounds of Locust Grove. The show anticipates another year of presenting one-of-a-kind vintage goods with an array of price tags. Food and drink will be available. The admission price supports the continued preservation of Locust Grove and includes access to the historic home museum.
The Flea Off Market
1007 E. Jefferson St.
July 1-3, August 5-7
The Flea Off Market occurs once a month in the parking lot of Fresh Start Growers Supply. It supports 200+ local artists, businesses and vendors of all kinds including Louisville food trucks and restaurants. An extra perk of this particular market? Beer and summer cocktails from local breweries and bars, available all day. The Winger Brothers will perform around sunset on July 1 and other live local musicians and entertainers will play throughout the weekend.
Fourth of July Spectacular Flea Market
Kentucky Expo Center
July 1-4
First thing's first: Of the three big flea markets on the holiday weekend, this is the only one indoors — aka, air conditioning. Vendors from a number of states come to this giant flea market with over 600 booths and free admission. Open for four days total, this market is the biggest and longest of all so it gives everyone a chance to find time to check it out.
Fleur de Flea Summer Market
Waterfront Park
July 2
Vendors will be local to the Kentuckiana region at this Summer Market, with plenty of opportunities to buy items you can’t find at big commercial retailers. The setting at Waterfront Park provides a prime location to make a day of it with family and friends to start off the Fourth of July weekend. Even if you don’t buy anything, head over and just hang out and enjoy the day and the vibes by the river.
Crescent Hill Art & Music Festival
301 S. Peterson Ave.
July 3-4
This Fourth of July neighborhood picnic sounds like a utopian day of family fun, welcoming everyone around town to join them. Besides the 85 artists in attendance, there will also be lots of entertainment, from a kid’s zone to a pet contest. The best thing about art festivals in the suburbs is free parking — the Seminary on Grinstead Drive will have free parking available and a free shuttle to the Peterson-Dumesnil house, so there’s really no reason to not go to this charming little event in Crescent Hill.
FleaTiques
Mellwood Antiques
July 9-10, August 13-14
Flea Market + Antiques = FleaTiques. Mellwood Antiques puts on this event during the second weekend of each month to benefit a local charity, which will also have a featured booth at the market. This market is committed to “keeping Louisville weird” and they undoubtedly have something for every retro, vintage or urban interest.
The Flea Circus
3125 River Rd.
July 23-24
Hosted by The Flea Off Market, this special spin-off event has more attractions thanks to the venue of Louisville Turners Circus. A pool, sports, music, circus performances, a bar and food court with a river view, free admission — what else could you really ask for? Plus, of course, all of the vendors. This circus will be open until 9 p.m. each day, so you’ll be able to do everything there to make for a very exhausting but fun Louisville weekend.
The Made Market
The Pointe, 1205 E. Washington St.
August 13
Butchertown is always a sure place to find some cool treasures, and this market will have Louisville vendors as well as vendors from across the region selling their creations. The Made Market hopes to unite the “maker community” and draw attention to the amazing talents that are right here in our area. There will be food trucks as well.
Image: Flea Off Market
