Get out and shop in Virginia at a range of summer markets, ranging from antique shows to farmers’ markets.
Summer market season has arrived in Virginia. It’s the perfect time to go outdoors and do some shopping at the same time.
From flea markets and antique shows to craft fairs and farmers’ markets, here are the best summer markets happening in Virginia this year.
Flea markets
Hillsville Flea Market
Location: W Stuart Drive, Hillsville
Dates: May 23-26 and Aug. 29-Sept. 1
The Hillsville Flea Market takes over the entire Town of Hillsville every Memorial Day and Labor Day. Over 500,000 visitors flock to the small town every Labor Day to buy from antique and gun dealers. The Labor Day market is the bigger of the two events.
The vendors set up their tents along the streets, in the VFW parking lots, and in surrounding fields. Selling starts at 7 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. each day. Given the massive turnout each year, organizers recommend arriving early to get a good parking spot. Parking normally costs around $5.
Fairfax Funky Flea Market
Location: 4031 University Drive, Fairfax
Dates: May 30, Jun. 27, Jul. 25, and Aug. 29
The Fairfax Funky Flea Market is an outdoor community event featuring more than 70 vendors on the last Saturday of every month from April through November.
Vendors will be selling products ranging from vintage clothing and jewelry to accessories, home décor, art, pottery, glass, tools, and artisan goods. While at the market, grab a snack from one of the food trucks.
Pulaski County Flea Market
Location: 5581 Fairgrounds CIR., Dublin
Dates: Jun. 6-7 and Sept. 19-20
The Pulaski County Flea Market has been held twice a year at the New River Valley Fairgrounds each June and September for the past 49 years. It serves as a fundraiser for the Dublin Lions Club, which uses the proceeds to fund its charitable efforts.
Each market draws more than 20,000 visitors who shop from more than 800 vendors. While there, be sure to get one of the famous “Lion Dogs.”
Admission is $2, with children six and under getting in for free.
Shen-Valley Flea Market
Location: 2163 Fairfax Pike, White Post
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays
The Shen-Valley Flea Market at Double Tollgate has been the Commonwealth’s largest year-round flea market since 1985. Each week, vendors set up shop at more than 300 tables. Items for sale range from fresh-baked goods and handmade jewelry to collectibles and antiques.
The market is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. each week. However, it’s also open on Mondays during Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Parking is free.
Antique shows
Lucketts Spring Market
Location: 890 W Main St., Berryville
Dates: May 15-17
This year marks the 26th annual Lucketts Spring Market at the Clarke County Fairgrounds. Organized by Old Lucketts Store, a general store based in a 138-year-old home, the spring market is meant to help people spruce up their homes as spring arrives.
More than 200 vendors from across the country will be selling vintage items, such as garden accessories, textiles, and clothing in a variety of styles, including American farmhouse, European country, and mid-century.
While at the market, get a drink from the Vanish Beer Garden and something to snack on from a food truck while enjoying the live bands.
Virginia Highlands Festival Antiques & Vintage Show
Location: 1 Partnership CIR., Abingdon
Dates: July 24-Aug. 2
The Virginia Highlands Festival Antiques & Vintage Show is the ideal place for collectors looking to peruse thoughtfully curated antiques and collectibles.
Part of the Virginia Highlands Festival, the show is held in the air-conditioned Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. The Grand Hall of the center will be filled with booths displaying formal and primitive furniture, collectibles, jewelry, porcelain, China, rugs, vintage clothes, linens, paintings, and pottery.
Those with a cherished piece may consider bringing it to Antiques Discovery Day on Sunday, Aug. 2, from 1 to 5 p.m. Experts from the William King Museum of Art will offer their expertise in identifying and appraising presented pieces. Appraisals cost $10 for one item or $25 for three items.
Running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily admission to the show is $7, and show passes are $30.
Craft fairs
Summer Art Market at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
Location: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Dates: July 11-12
This year marks the fifth annual Summer Art Market at Del Ray Artisans Gallery.
The two-day indoor market allows attendees the opportunity to browse and purchase original artwork from local artists. Creators who work in mediums like ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, paper, and photography will be featured. Attending both days is advisable since different artists will be featured each day.
Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, the market is free and open to the public.
Seawall Art Show
Dates: Aug. 22-23
Location: High Street, Portsmouth
Visit the Seawall Art Show to find a one-of-a-kind piece, including wood carvings, oil paintings, handwoven clothing, art glass, fine jewelry, and pottery. The show features work for sale by more than 85 artists.
The event also includes food and live entertainment. Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event is free.
Farmers markets
Carytown Farmers Market
Dates: Sundays from May 3 to Oct. 25
Location: 3201 Maplewood Ave., Richmond
The Carytown Farmers Market is held every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the City Stadium.
The idea behind the market is to offer local producers and consumers the opportunity to deal directly with each other instead of having to go through third parties. Items for sale range from coffee and baked goods to jewelry and goat soap.
Old Town Farmers’ Market
Dates: Saturdays
Location: 100 Block of N. Royal St., Alexandria
The Old Town Farmers’ Market in Alexandria is said to be one of the oldest such markets in the country, having been held continuously at the same site. In fact, George Washington’s produce was transported from Mount Vernon to be sold at the market.
During the growing season, more than 70 vendors are on-site. They sell such items as fruits, vegetables, hot prepared food, meat, poultry, cheese, bread, pastries, pasta, pickled vegetables, cut flowers, potted plants, soaps, art, and jewelry.
Although the market has been held at Market Square since 1753, it has been temporarily moved to the 100 Block of N. Royal Street due to City Hall and Market Square renovations.
Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market
Dates: Saturdays
Location: 400 High St., Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market serves as a community gathering spot where shoppers can browse products from more than 50 producers.
Items like cheese, eggs, honey, produce, jellies, smoked meats, and seafood are available for purchase. Ready-to-eat food items include meat, coffee, and pastries.
The market is open year-round, with summer hours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. During warm weather months, yoga and live music are offered in the courtyard.
Salem Farmers Market
Dates: Saturdays
Location: 3 E. Main St., Salem
Explore downtown Salem, then stop by the Salem Farmers’ Market on the corner of Main and Broad streets. The market has been giving local farmers a place to sell their crops since 1992. Items for sale include produce, baked goods, fresh-cut flowers, honey, eggs, grass-fed beef, and pasture-raised poultry.
During the summer, the market is open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Botetourt Farmers Market
Dates: Saturdays
Location: 90 Town Center St., Daleville
Since 2007, the Botetourt Farmers Market has been offering locally produced food and goods to the community throughout the growing season. All products sold come from within 75 miles of the market. Products range from honey and mushrooms to flowers and pottery.
On occasion, musical acts provide the soundtrack for the market. The market is open at the Daleville Town Center from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
