If you’re looking for something fun to do over the summer, a day at the Rose Bowl flea market should be on your list. On the second Sunday of every month, vendors from all around Orange County come together to sell various trinkets and treasures. You could find anything from a vintage pair of shoes to a rare Pokémon card. The outdoor market, hosted by R.G. Canning, is one of the largest flea markets around with over 2,500 vendors. Most of these vendors don’t take credit cards, so remember to bring cash. 

The market is split up into different colors to organize vendors: pink, purple, red, blue, and yellow. There is also a white area, which is for parking. A lot of people bring their vintage cars to the flea market, so look around!

In the pink, blue, and red areas, you’ll find new merchandise. Usually, these areas are the most expensive of the whole flea market. New small businesses will usually be found here, selling everything from handmade clothes to wonderfully-scented candle sculptures. 

In the orange area, you’ll find antiques and collectibles. This section is sort of hidden; the first time I went I didn’t get to spend too much time in this area because I only found it at the last minute. It’s quite a big area, and you’ll find all the antique trinkets you’d ever need here. Sometimes you can even catch the vintage Doc Martens booth. You’ll see art, records, old record players, and maybe even your grandmother’s jewelry. 

In the white area is vintage and general merchandise. This is the first area you walk into when you go through the gates of the market. The first thing you see are free flea market maps and packs of matches. On the vintage side of things, you’ll find old keys, Tupperware, and other irresistible knickknacks. Once, I found a plethora of Simpsons merchandise. 

Lastly, in the yellow area, you’ll find more new and general merchandise. You might find your newest succulent, or Funko Pop figure. If you’re a fan of vintage clothes, racks and racks of T-shirts, denim, Hawaiian shirts, and leather can be found here. Usually, the vintage clothes are priced quite affordably.

The next Rose Bowl flea will be on Jun. 12, so mark your calendar! Admission is $12 for general admission from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There are also VIP tickets, which include early admission from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for $20. You can find tickets online on the Rose Bowl website. Happy shopping!

Photo courtesy of WIKIMEDIA COMMONS