If you’re looking for a low-key, reliable way to entertain the kids (and yourself) on the weekend, how about a little treasure hunting at these local indie and flea markets? The weekly or monthly events offer plenty of vintage and handmade finds for you to discover. Double-check the website to confirm any changes or updates to mask and social distancing protocol as well as confirm the event is still happening. Read on for all the details. Happy treasure hunting!
"Sunday Fundays" are back but this time, with masks! In addition to masking up, expect wider aisles and vendors being more spread out across campus to observe social-distancing requirements so you and your little ones can hunt for one-of-a-kind treasures. There are hand sanitizing stations available but no water fountains so plan to bring your own water or expect to purchase water on site. Parking is available on campus as well but is limited.
When: Every Sun., 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Cost: $5 cash at entrance, $5 + fees for contactless tickets Where: 7850 Melrose Ave. Fairfax Online:melrosetradingpost.org
Organized by The Odd Market (the same group that hosts Odd Nights at the Autry), the Los Feliz Flea is a curated market with over 100 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, and more. Boasting plenty of shady areas and socially-distanced tables for kids to sit and eat at, this free-to-park and free-to-enter is by far the best value for treasure hunting.
When: Every Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: John Marhsall High School 3939 Tracy St. Los Feliz Online: theoddmarket.com/losfelizflea
While it may not have the same kid-friendly games and entertainment as Melrose and Los Feliz, this neighborhood market is chock-full of colorful and unique finds (both vintage and handmade), along with friendly vendors, including some pint-sized entrepreneurs. The vibe is cool and hipster-y, but in a fun-filled, welcoming way. Added bonus: It's free.
When: Every Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. & Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: 1911 Sunset Blvd. (in the lot of Taix in Echo Park) Echo Park Online:silverlakeshop.com
This westside affair located on the grounds of the Santa Monica Airport ($5 to enter, kid and on-site parking are free) will entertain young and old with a variety of vintage and one-of-a-kind finds. Are the kids getting bored? Wander over to the runway observation deck where you can watch small planes take off and land regularly—a must for aviation fans.
When: 1st & 4th Sun. 7:00 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Santa Monica Airport Interim Open Space Santa Monica Online:santamonicaairportantiquemarket.com
Update: This in-person market remains closed until further notice.
While technically not a flea market, Smorgasburg LA is a free-to-enter, open-air event featuring top food vendors serving up Korean dumplings, Peruvian tacos, "Salt n Peppa Lobsta" and more. Plus, once a month the market also hosts Hecho in LA, with a live DJ and the family-friendly I Love Micheladas beer garden.
When: Every Sun., 10a.m.-4p.m. Where: ROW DTLA 777 Alameda St. Downtown Online:la.smorgasburg.com
UPDATE: This in-person market remains closed until further notice.
Bring the family ($4 per person to enter, kids under 12 are free) to Pierce College in Woodland Hills to discover what is touted as "one of LA's top sources for vintage." When in session, expect 200 vendors, great food trucks, and live music at the Topanga Vintage Market. Be sure to keep an eye out for local artisans providing free demos for kids to enjoy.
When: Every 4th Sun. of the month Where: Pierce College Victory Blvd. & Mason Ave. Woodland Hills Online: topangavintagemarket.com
UPDATE: This in-person market remains closed until further notice.
This popular artisan market and evening festival may be on hiatus during the winter months, but be sure to mark your calendar for its return in Jun. Bring a blanket and spread out on the sprawling Autry Museum lawn where there are inflatables in one direction and food, craft, and toy vendors in the other. But that's not all: Non-pandemic years, there's also live music, donation-based balloon sculptures, and all the food trucks.
When: Every 3rd Fri. of the month Where: Autry Museum of the American West 4700 Western Heritage Wy Griffith Park Online: theoddmarket.com/autry