If you’re looking for some inexpensive and interesting shopping trips, fall is the best time for Chicago flea markets. The weather’s cool, crowds thin out a bit, and most of the good ones are still open before everything moves indoors.
We’re the Ben Lalez Team, and between weekend showings and exploring neighborhoods, we’ve visited almost all of them. Who doesn’t love spending an afternoon wandering around a flea market, taking in a little bit of history, finding one-of-a-kind items, and getting some great food on the side?
These are the markets that we think you should definitely check out, whether you’re shopping seriously or just looking for something different to do on a weekend with the family.
If you didn’t see our previous article on Chicago’s Best Street Festivals and Halloween Events In October, make sure to check it out!
Maxwell Street Market (West Loop)
Maxwell Street Market is the original Chicago flea. It’s been running since 1912 and still draws a mix of long-time vendors and new sellers every year. You’ll find tools, records, kitchenware, clothes, and plenty of odds and ends that change from week to week. It keeps things interesting and gives you a reason to keep coming back!
It’s easy to browse here. No admission, close parking, and a laid-back setup that lets you browse at your own pace. The market also has some of the city’s best Mexican street food, and for a lot of people, that’s reason enough to go.
It runs select Sundays from May through early October, wrapping up mid-month. At the time of writing this article, this market is now closed for the year. But make sure you mark it on your calendar to check out next spring when they re-open!
Randolph Street Market Festival (Various Locations)
Randolph Street Market is a rotating event that features around a hundred vendors selling vintage furniture, clothing, art, and jewelry. You’ll also find food stalls and live music.
Fall markets usually take place indoors at Plumbers Hall in the West Loop. Sometimes the location shifts to Ravenswood or nearby suburbs, depending on the season. This year, there is a Holiday market from November 15 & 16 and December 13 & 14.
Prices vary, with some tables having affordable decor and others selling collector pieces. It attracts both casual and pro shopper, and you can easily spend a few hours walking through. Always check the schedule before heading out since dates aren’t consistent. Check our link above for the holiday market schedule this year.
Swap-O-Rama Flea Markets (Chicago and Suburbs)
Swap-O-Rama is where you go if you want to go big. Three locations (Ashland Avenue, Melrose Park, and Alsip), each packed with hundreds of vendors selling just about everything you can imagine. The Ashland market alone has 500 booths inside and more outside when the weather’s good.
It’s one of the most affordable markets in the city, with admission around a dollar on weekends. You can find tools, clothes, electronics, bikes, and home goods, and bargaining is part of the fun. Because most of it’s indoors, it stays open later into the season than other outdoor markets.
Buyer’s Flea Market (Humboldt Park)
Buyer’s Flea Market is the city’s largest indoor market, and they’re open every Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. It’s located on Division Street in Humboldt Park and has more than 100 vendors under one roof.
You’ll find clothing, electronics, jewelry, toys, and antiques… a little bit of everything at reasonable prices. The market’s been around for over forty years, so it certainly has a bit of history. It’s heated in the winter, air-conditioned in the summer, and comfortable all year.
Families like it for the selection and the food. You can grab fruit cups, churros, or snacks while you walk through.
5 Star Swap Mart (Villa Park)
If you’re west of the city, 5 Star Swap Mart in Villa Park is a reliable indoor option. It’s located at 270 W. North Avenue and open most days, except Tuesday. Hours are from noon to 7 pm during the week and 10 am to 6 pm on the weekends.
You’ll find discount clothing, electronics, household items, jewelry, and tools. There’s also a small food court, live entertainment on weekends, and even a salon on site.
We like 5 Star because it’s open year-round, including weekdays when other markets are closed. Parking and admission are both free.
Wolff’s Flea Market (Rosemont)
Wolff’s Flea Market takes over the parking lots outside Allstate Arena in Rosemont every Sunday from April through October. It’s one of the biggest open-air markets in the area, and attracts serious collectors, resellers, and flea market hunters.
Hundreds of sellers set up tables with antiques, vintage goods, housewares, clothing, and bulk snacks. Prices range widely, but you can usually negotiate on most things.
Parking is free, and admission is only a few dollars. The market usually closes for the season after the last Sunday in October and reopens in spring. This year, the last day will be October 26, so make sure to check their schedule before heading out.
Kane County Flea Market (St. Charles)
The Kane County Flea Market is about an hour west of Chicago, but we think it’s worth the drive. It’s held the first weekend of every month at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles and has been running for almost sixty years.
This is one of the biggest markets in Illinois, with hundreds of vendors selling antiques, furniture, estate pieces, folk art, and jewelry. The organizers call it “fancy junk,” and we agree. You’ll find everything from handmade crafts to rare collectibles.
Early entry on Saturday costs a little more, but serious shoppers go then for the best selection. Sunday is busier but still packed with options. The market runs rain or shine through December.
Grayslake Antique & Vintage Market (Lake County Fairgrounds)
If you’re heading north, the Grayslake Antique & Vintage Market is a good spot to check out. It’s located at the Lake County Fairgrounds and is open on select weekends throughout the year, including fall and winter.
Dealers here focus on quality antiques and vintage finds like furniture, estate jewelry, collectibles, comics, coins, and more. It’s mostly indoors, which makes it comfortable even in colder months. Admission is usually around $7–$8 and covers both weekend days.
The market’s been featured in national lists for top vintage fairs, and regulars come for the quality of items and fair prices. If you like treasure-hunting but prefer things organized, this is your spot.
Permanent Vintage Markets
If you’d rather shop year-round than wait for weekend events, Chicago has several permanent vintage markets with consistent hours and rotating vendors.
Broadway Antique Market (Edgewater)
Broadway Antique Market can be found on North Broadway in Edgewater and houses 75 dealers across two floors. Most of what you’ll see is higher-end stuff like mid-century furniture, lighting, jewelry, and artwork.
The building’s clean, well-organized, and ideal for anyone furnishing a home with vintage pieces. It’s been voted Chicago’s top antique shop several times.
The New Lincoln Antique Mall (Irving Park)
The New Lincoln Antique Mall has been around since 1995, and has recently renovated its 7,000-square-foot space on West Irving Park Road.
You’ll find everything from 19th-century furniture to vinyl records and art items. Some dealers also offer restoration services, which makes it easy to buy pieces that might need a little work.
They’re open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm, and Sundays until 4 pm.
Gem: A Vintage Collective (Avondale)
Gem is a newer market on Milwaukee Avenue that’s grown fast since opening in 2024. It has more than 40 vendors selling vintage clothing, housewares, and locally made art. They also host small workshops like sewing and printmaking.
Hours are daily from 11 am to 7 pm, and they’re closed on Tuesdays. They don’t have a website, so you’ll have to check their Instagram page for more information.
La Grange Park Antique Mall (La Grange Park)
La Grange Park Antique Mall has been open since 2003 and sits about thirty minutes west of the city. It has thirty dealers across 6,000 square feet, selling antiques, jewelry, coins, furniture, and collectibles.
The place moves a lot of volume, around 1,000 items a week, so the stock feels fresh every time. They’ve even got a small mascot cow named Moonique that regulars love taking pictures with.
It’s open daily from 11 to 5, and parking’s easy.
Jackson Square (La Grange)
Jackson Square is another multi-dealer market nearby in La Grange. They have furniture, vintage decor, artwork, and clothing.
They’re active on Facebook with updates about vendors and featured items, so it’s best to check there for hours before visiting.
Three Sisters Antique Mall (Blue Island)
Three Sisters Antique Mall has been around since 1996 in a restored 1918 Woolworth building on Western Avenue. It covers two floors and hosts more than sixty dealers.
Here you’ll find antiques, furniture, vintage clothes, toys, books, glassware, and jewelry. Many film and stage designers shop here for props because the inventory is deep and well-maintained.
It’s open daily from 11 pm to 5 pm, and the building itself is worth seeing if you like classic architecture.
Well, That’s It!
Chicago’s flea and vintage markets don’t stop when the weather turns cold. Some close for the season, others move indoors, but there’s always somewhere to browse. Whether you’re after antiques, cheap treasures, or something unusual for your home, these markets are a great way to scratch that itch.
Although we’re a real estate team and love talking real estate, we’re also always happy to share what we’ve learned about living and shopping in Chicago. Whether you’re a long-time resident or you’re thinking about moving to the city, we’re always free to talk about Chicago! Give us a shout, and let’s talk!
