Los Angeles flea markets offer one-of-a-kind finds

Seven local flea markets to check out with you friends throughout the next month.

By JASON PHAM & SAMMIE YEN
The Pasadena City College Flea Market is unique for its offering of over 50 vinyl record merchants. The proceeds from all sales go directly to student programming and activities. (Jason Pham / Daily Trojan)

As the fall months approach and temperatures slowly drop, it may be time to switch out the shorts and sandals for a bundled-up sweater or a good vintage flannel.

Rather than buying a whole new wardrobe or squeezing into last year’s sizes, flea markets are the perfect place to find new stylish pieces for a fraction of the price compared to retail malls — not to mention, all the small businesses and coffee brewers stationed at local markets as well.

So, whether you are seeking out some new fall statement pieces for your closet or just looking for a good time with some friends, here are seven flea markets in the upcoming month that will be sure to provide a bountiful weekend.

Frogtown Flea Crawl 

Consisting of over 50 different vendors and artists, the Frogtown Flea Crawl is spread out along the Los Angeles River. The event mimics a bar crawl, where all participants start out at a beginning location and walk along the river, stopping by up to nine different smaller flea markets on the way. Vendors range from vintage clothing shops and high-quality jewelry to local coffee brewers and small artists.

The event is set to take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and typically occurs monthly. The Frogtown Flea Crawl, hosted by the Frogtown Project, which organizes other L.A. markets, is the perfect event for those prepared for a day-long bender of walking and shopping.

Little Tokyo Flea Market

Located on the second floor of the Little Tokyo Galleria, the Little Tokyo Flea Market is just a few metro stops away from campus. Consisting of more than 20 vendors, the flea market is targeted toward those interested in Japanese pop culture, with an abundant selection of second-hand Sanrio, anime and Studio Ghibli products. The Little Tokyo Flea Market also features vintage clothing sellers and local artists on their event roster.

Based on October and “spooky season” approaching, the next event is Yokai-themed — a catchall term for ghosts, demons and monsters. The Little Tokyo Flea Market is set to take place on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and typically occurs monthly with different themes.

Los Angeles City College Swap Meet

Featuring over 200 vendors on a weekly basis, the LACC Swap Meet is the perfect one-stop shop for everything someone could desire from a standard flea market. Located in the LACC parking lot, businesses spill out onto the sidewalks, with a vast selection of different secondhand clothing, discounted household products and fresh foods from local farmers and chefs. Parking is free, although tricky with the compact streets and neighborhoods.

The LACC Swap Meet is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. The swap meet is primarily cash-based and requires a $2 admission or $5 early bird if you plan to arrive before 9 a.m. So come prepared with an empty stomach and cash on hand.

Soul Real Market

For those on a tighter budget but still want the flea experience, Soul Real Market will be a $25 and under market located in Fullerton. Featuring over 75 different small businesses on its roster, the market boasts different selections of vintage clothes, stationery, art, toys and more. The market has free entry and parking for a truly affordable experience, with music provided by local DJs JTG and BanzB.

Soul Real Market is set to take place Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is a pet-friendly space. Soul Real Market typically hosts different themed flea markets every few weeks, including “BRAT”-themed and Rilakkuma-themed markets, both of which have already concluded.

Rose Bowl Flea Market

Boasting over 2,500 vendors and miles worth of shopping, the Rose Bowl Flea Market welcomes large crowds and all types of vintage on a monthly basis. Hosted at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, the flea market wraps around the venue and spews out onto the parking lot for a full day’s worth of fun with friends or family. The market primarily features secondhand clothing and vintage furniture, with different local artists and designers dispersed throughout featuring their own original work.

The Rose Bowl Flea Market is set to take place Oct. 13 from 5 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and typically occurs every second Sunday of the month. Standard admission is $13 and early bird admission is $21 for those who arrive before 9 a.m.

Pasadena City College Flea Market

Also located in Pasadena is the city college’s flea market, managed by community members, college students and administrators and a vendor representative. The event takes place in three parking lots and structures across campus, where over 400 sellers display a variety of products, from elegant vintage pieces to on-sale goods. The real star of this Pasadena flea market is the record collection; more than 50 record merchants lay out a range of CDs, DVDs and other musical memorabilia.

The Pasadena City College Flea Market is usually held on the first Sunday of every month from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Entry is free, street parking is available and there is a $2 on-campus parking lot fee. Proceeds from this flea market go directly to student programming and activities.

Los Feliz Flea Market

Located on the rooftop of Vintage Land with views of Downtown Los Angeles, the Los Feliz Flea Market is home to everything antique. Over 100 sellers gather weekly to showcase homemade artwork, timeless collectibles and retro furniture. On the ground floor, visitors can enjoy tasty treats from food truck stalls or coffee bar. Hunt for the perfect hidden treasure to spruce up your home, whether it’s a movie-scented candle or vintage home decor.

The Los Feliz Flea Market takes place every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers free garage parking and free admission. The markets are pet-friendly, and a few small businesses offer pet-themed art, accessories and toys.

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