Friday Five
The Bay Area probably has more thrift stores than it has Starbucks. Don’t quote us on that, but seriously, how else would our hipsters get their hands on their all-too-cool denim jackets? But there’s something even thriftier than a thrift store: a flea market.
Hitting up a flea market is a great weekend activity if you want to shop and be outside. But these block-long affairs can be hit or miss. Here are our favorites.
1. Alameda Point Antiques Faire
The mother of all flea markets and, in fact, one of the best in the country. Held on the first Sunday of every month, this masterpiece is located at Alameda Point, a former Naval Base, with stunning views of the city across the bay. Here, you’ll find vintage and antique home decorations, furniture, jewelry, books, collectibles—you name it—among the more than 800 stalls. All goods must be more than 20 years old. This flea market is more like a state fair or an amusement park, with food and drink stands and an intense parking situation. The price to enter is based on the time of day you go (earlier is more expensive, since you’ll have access to the best stuff that hasn’t yet been picked over): $15, 6:00 to 7:30 a.m.; $10, 7:30 to 9 a.m.; $5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s best to bring a wad of cash; negotiating at the booth is encouraged.
3800 Main Street (Alameda) | AlamedaPointAntiquesFaire.com
2. Laney College Flea Market
While nothing else in the Bay Area can compare to Alameda, that doesn’t mean the other local flea markets aren’t worthy of great finds. The one in the parking lot of Laney College, the largest community college in Oakland, by Lake Merritt, is a traditional flea market where vendors sell secondhand clothes on overcrowded racks and other goods sprawled out on the ground and tables. Part of the fun is digging through a box to find the perfect trinket. This market is known for its selection of bikes and tools, but beware: It’s been speculated that some of the bikes could be stolen. So, hey, if your bike was stolen, this might be a good market to check out. It takes place every Sunday starting at 7:00 a.m. Admission is only $1. You’ll find delicious Mexican corn and fried chicken, so go on an empty stomach.
Seventh and Fallon Street (Oakland) | Laney College Flea Market
3. Alemany Flea Market
This market is just as adorable as the San Francisco neighborhood that hosts it. Located in Bernal Heights, it’s a great spot to dig through vintage goods and kitschy cookware. Since new merchandise is prohibited here, you’re (nearly) guaranteed everything is a hand-me-down. Likewise, at least half of the booths must explicitly have antiques. Open every Sunday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is free. Come with cash, and be ready to haggle — you’ll have the most luck at the end of the day (though less to choose from). It’s been also been said to avoid this flea market on the first Sunday of the month because the best antique sellers will be at the Alameda flea.
100 Alemany Boulevard (San Francisco) | Alemany Flea Market
4. Inner Sunset Flea
We love Bernal Heights, but sometimes it can be a trek. If you live on the other side of the city, we recommend checking out Inner Sunset Flea, a beloved staple of this foggy neighborhood. The theme of this market is local: grassroots-organized and featuring more than 30 Bay Area vendors. It takes place on the second Sunday of every month, starting April 20 — something to look forward to. This market is also known to have local comedians, live music, and food trucks.
Irving Street between Ninth and 10th Avenue (San Francisco) | ISFlea.com
5. Berkeley Flea Market
If you like bright colors, Birkenstocks, and the occasional drum circle, you might find your second home at the Berkeley Flea Market. Located in the parking lot of the Ashby BART Station, this flea market happens on Saturdays and Sundays, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. From unique jewelry to secondhand fur vests (for all you Burners), you’ll find something very Berkeley at this East Bay market. It’s best to eat before you go — the focus is on the goods — and don’t forget to bring cash.
1937 Ashby Avenue (Berkeley) | BerkeleyFleaMarket.com
