Arizona has become one of the hubs for great antique and vintage finds and has become the go-to place for enthusiasts and fanatics. What used to be just a rare pastime for a few has become a huge industry and is continuing to grow as time goes by. Collectors amass items of value for a variety of reasons, whether to romanticize a historical piece of art or consider them as a commodity that would turn out to be profitable in time.
Here are some of the valley’s best flea markets scheduled all year round.
Junk in the Trunk
When: May 7th 2016
Where: Scottsdale’s Events Facility, 16601 N. Pima Road
Junk in the trunk started out as a backyard sale when founders Lindsey Holt and Coley Arnold decided to feature vintage and antique products in 2011. In the coming years, this used to be small town garage sale has now become the go-to place for professional antique and flea market shoppers and vintage collectors. They host a mega flea market twice a year, participated by over 200 vendors across the state who features antique, upcycled, handmade items. Live bands are also one of their main attractions, so there is never a dull and lull moment during this event. Never go hungry as food trucks are also scattered all over the place to satisfy your tummies.
Admission: Free for age 12 and below, 8$ General Admission, 50$ for Friday VIP tickets, 5$ Parking
On weekends, get 1$ off the fee if you are wearing an official Junk In the Trunk T-Shirt
The Vintage Charm Boutique
Where: DenMar Estate 2600 East Southern Avenue, Mesa, 10 AM to 6PM
If you are looking for a flea market that capitalizes on seasonal sales, the Vintage Charm Boutique is perfect for you. They sell pallet signs, homemade jams and jellies as well, and features sheets by Sheet Lady among the list of local vendors.
Admission: Free
Front Porch Pickins
When: April, Friday and Saturday, 11 AM to 5 PM
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue
Founded by three women, Desiree Byrne, Jami Byrne and Missy Fry, started this out in 2013 as a biannual event. During their events, over 400 vendors sell their goods with a projected participation of 15,000 people at a time. Front Porch Pickins feature crafts, vintage and repurposed items that any collector would gush over. They have also provided entertainment for the people, food and beverages, and fun-filled activities and games for the kids tagging along their parents.
Admission: 5$, 20$ for early admission
Dirt Road Market
When: Second Saturday of the month of November through April
Where: Schnepf’s Farms Promenade or in Big Red Farm; Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek
In this market you will find handmade soaps made by artisans and handcrafted signs. Book lovers will also find this a haven as several vendors are selling antique and vintage books in mint condition. The event also includes the participation of Country Store and Bakery and U-pick Organic Garden and Market which can cater to organic food enthusiasts. Among the many perks of attending this event, kiddie rides like roller coaster, lady bugs, a train and carousel are available to ensure that the kids also have fun.
Admission: Free, 3$ per ride, 12$ unlimited rides
Sweet Salvage
When: 3rd Thursdays of the month, 10 AM to 9 PM Friday; Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM
Where: Seventh Ave. Phoenix
Sweet Salvage is one of the valley’s pioneers in the antiques and vintage flea market scene and is open all year round as a four-day shopping event. They sell a wide variety of unique and vintage collectible items. Among other featured items, spa products, stationery, custom jewelry, bedding and clothing are available. A Sweet Botanical Nursery located in between the building showcases and sells patio and garden décor. Friendly and accommodating staff and cashiers are available in both buildings to ensure that shopping would be a breeze. They also offer delivery services for a fee and accepts all credit cards during the event. Plus, a Magnolia Smokehouse food truck is parked on site.
Fee: Free
Thieves Market
When: Saturday November 7, 9AM to 3 PM
Where: 1500 N. McClintock Drive, Tempe
Featured in “Romantic Homes” last August 2015 as one of the best flea markets in Arizona, Thieves Market lets you browse over 110 parking spaces filled with vintage and antique shops that sells a number of vintage clothing, textile, and instruments.
Fee: 3$ General Admission, 6$ Early Bird Special get in at 8 AM
Old Brick House Vintage Market
When: Second Thursday of the month, September through June, for a three-day sale
Where: 202 W. Main Street
Founded in 2014 by Kalli Gleave, this used to be a monthly vintage market in the Southeast Valley and has now grown and moved to a space three times larger than its previous ones. They sell shabby, primitive, antique, industrial, old and chic items perfect for the modern-day vintage items collector.
Fee: Free
The Big Heap
When and Where: Tucson in April, Coconino Country Fairgrounds Flagstaff in June 25th and 26th 9 AM to 3 PM, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Scottsdale in November
Dubbed as the Vintage Woodstock, The Big Heap is known for its vintage and handmade festival that not only features antique products but also a variety of artists to keep the shoppers entertained. Upcycled artisan goods, vintage furniture and décor, clothing, jewelry, hand-wrought and handmade items are available during this event. It has also become a huge gathering of out-of-state state vendors and foreign bazaar that would make any collector feel like they have gone to heaven.
Fee: 5$, kids 12 and under free
Whether you are a newbie collector or a seasoned one, it is always good to know that there is a reliable, fast, and secure way of being able to purchase the antique items and vintage collectibles that you desire. But if you have a trove filled with antiques and high-value assets, you can earn from them through Biltmore Loan and Jewelry.
Biltmore Loan and Jewelry is a highly-acclaimed professional purchaser and collateral lender in Arizona, with 30 years of experience on asset evaluation and appraisal. They pay the highest premium for a wide variety of items and is superior to any pawnshop or corner gold buyer.
Biltmore Loan buys or lends on antiques and other high value items at rates that are competitive and even higher than the industry benchmark. Among the items they purchase and grant loans to when it comes to antiques and collectibles are Asian antiques, ceramics and porcelain, clocks, furniture, metal ware, pottery, rugs (persian, oriental, and native), and silver (flatware, hollow ware). They also accept jewelry, designer handbags, sports and music memorabilla, art painting, photographs, sculptures, and bronze statues. Best of all, Biltmore Loan grants loans – even when banks and pawnshops turns you down.