A great LA shopping experience, from both the shopping and the experience point of view, is the Rose Bowl Flea Market.  This is not some lightweight flea market, no sirree!  This is a monster event, with over 2,500 vendors attracting 15-20,000 buyers.  Operating the second Sunday of every month, you’ll find vintage jewelry, clothing, handmade crafts, antiques, plants, collectibles, and just about everything under the sun.  The flea market has been in operation for over 40 years, so you know it’s offering some good stuff.

The market features one-time vendors, setting up shop as an estate sale.  Others are brick and mortar businesses, who head to the market hoping to get their wares in front of a different customer base.  For others, it’s a small business allowing them to sell their handicraft, art, or some other hobby item.  A lot of the vendors are regulars, and you’ll see them week after week, year after year.

Just as there are lots of different kinds of sellers, the buyers are equally diverse.

Some people come to the market to root out great buys and hidden gems.  Others to look for vintage designer clothing and jewelry that would be otherwise unaffordable.  Others are looking for specific goods.  Friends swear that it’s the best place to find a deal on a great outfit that no one else will have.  And lots of people come for the experience, to see who else is there shopping, and secretly hoping for a celebrity sighting.  There have been lots of them, and many celebs make frequent visits to the flea market.

If you go once, you’ll want to go back again (and probably again).  It’s too much to absorb on just one visit.

The Rose Bowl Flea Market is located 1001 Rose Bowl Drive in Pasadena, California.  The flea market opens at 9 am, and it is not unusual to see a crowd lined up to be the first to find the good stuff.  Admission is $8/person, and children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.  And, since LA is all about being “special,” there are options for an early admission ($15 gets you admitted between 7-8 am), and a special VIP admission ($20 gets you in between 5-7 am).  The market closes at 4:30 pm.

You’ll find lots of FREE parking, but if you want to feel like a special VIP, preferred parking (close to the entrance) is available for $10.

Photo credit:  Courtesy of R.G. Canning Attractions

Post from: Fly Away Cafe