Brimfield Flea Markets

Great antique market. I very like it.
I will come back !

Great outdoor market. My dad has had a space at May’s Field since 1982 and my mom and I have recently been setting up our own space at May’s for the last 3 years. Tons and tons to see. Vintage clothing, antique furniture, jewelry findings and beads, handmade and artisanal goods. The road is lined with different fields and they each open and close on different days so I suggest getting a pamphlet from one of the fields or check the website to see when certain fields start selling.
There are lots of different food options along the road. BBQ, grilled cheese, pizza, sandwiches and desserts. Prices can be pretty steep for nourishment out here so if you’re looking to save money maybe pack a lunch in a cooler.
Dealers are independent so they price how they want and some booths are up there but you can usually haggle a bit and get some money off. It costs A LOT to set up at these shows. A single space at May’s costs $ 300 to set up so when you comment on a dealers pricing try to keep in mind that they are already out quite a bit of money.
Bring comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be walking around a whole lot), some water, an umbrella and something to help haul away all the goodies you’re sure to find!

So much to see! And eat! If your looking for hard to find things this is the place to be

Words fail me here.
It was on my bucket list. Hit it up with my mom, rental truck in tow. It. Was. Awe. Some.
Miles of antiques.
I got bargains too. Lots of bargains.
Fun times.

Definatley need two days for this event! Bring a wagon or wheel type cart and sunblock. Wear comfortable shoes! Not alot of bargains for a flea market, but lots to choose from. Food is really expensive (small fruit cup $ 5.50) I do recommend the Lime Rickey’s at Dad’s Kettle Corn tent. If you love flea markets, you have to go at least once.

You have to go at least once especially if you are from the area! Went for the first time this past May and had a good time. Some five helpful tips.
One, the regulars have a system but if you are a casual browser go on a weekday when crowds and traffic seem less rather than the weekend.
Two, if possible go when the weather is nice which makes the visit more enjoyable.
Three, don’t spend too much time looking over every item in the first tents or about about half way through the you may have a tiring mind numbing experience. lol.
Four, you might be a casual browser looking for a surprising item to catch your eye but shopping with a specific item or items here has its advantage too. Staying focus on specific items allows you to go through the fields more easily without tiring.
Five, even though you may not be a collector for a interesting learning experience look for items your elders (parents, aunts uncles, etc.) collect (or collected). I discovered the German made Hummels selling for a fraction of their new price while Waterford Crystal seem to hold its value. I found Pilgrim glass selling less than at a gift store I had visited.
Six, if possible know your prices and items. Unfortunately some items are new, One place had dishes which were newer counterparts (still wrapped in factory) paper of older collectibles. I’m not implying the seller was misleading the buyer but just ask questions. Don’t assume everything is vintage.
In closing, after reading some Unilocal reviews and online articles my visit concurs older antiques are being slowly replaced with newer pop collectibles and repurposed items in each passing year. Apparently the economy and the younger demographic (are not collecting items) are driving thesis change Make a point to visit this place soon.

Brimfield Antique show… I am always there at the shows and If you missed me there then. . I am always here at
Anthony Raffaele

I’ve got an addiction — an addiction to dull, chipped, faded and otherwise just plain-​old, worn-​out hunks of junk.
September 7^th, marked the last day of the last week of the 2014 season for the Mecca of salvage dealers/​hoarders/​appreciators known the world over simply as Brimfield Flea — and thus my last opportunity to get dirty with the carnies. As an avid collector of antiquated designs and technologies myself, you best believe I made the trek.
Namely, this was (and continually is) done in order to update and expand my extensive VTG cowboy shirt collection. Which last September included the score of the decade: a rad 60’s-era red gingham with a super-​slim, ornate yoke on the back (for only $ 10). «Brent», the western-​wear peddling dude from Austin, did not set-​up shop this past May, nor this last time (the heat keeps me from ever attending in July, but I would assume he wasn’t there in Summer either).
In addition to fly couture, I also always hope to score a very specific type of condiment container: a vinty glass jar emblazoned (I now hate that word) with a distinctly undulating banner, whose very markings proclaim it’s contents as being my mustard of choice.
After hours of scouring the acres upon acres of grounds, that constitute the Brimfield Antiques Show and Flea Market, I always uncover a few gems: 75^th Anniversary Planter’s peanuts repositories, just about every soft drink bottle known to humankind and the almost-​but-​not-​quite Gulden’s decanter. Although many vessels can be quite impressive, not a single vendor has ever had what I am really after — the one with seven lively spices in every jar.
Instead of here documenting the jaw-​dropping breadth of the show’s magnitude, the grotesquely life-​sized Elvis and Bruce Lee statues or the slew of clouds-​at-​their-​feet gidrul’, unable to perform the most basic of bipedal functions without bumping into one another — due to their «bargains-​on-​the-​brain» mentality — I will close this review with a simple plea: if you have never been to Brimfield Flea, you better go next Spring. And pretty please, be sure to let me know if you happen upon a French’s mustard jar.

What a fantastic place for lovers of antiques! The variety of antiques offered at the Brimfield Fair is absolutely impressive.
Here are a few things that keep the Brimfield Fair from being perfect:
Parking fees ranges from $ 5-​$ 10 which is just too much, considering how much revenue is generated by the sheer volume of visitors on a weekend! A few fields are actually charging admission which is ridiculous since you have a thousand merchants that offer merchandise for no admission whatsoever.

Ah, Brimfield. Full of so many oddities, dusty treasures, and antique steals. I first came up here in May and snagged a few lovely vintage jewelry pieces and a pretty funky beer stein. This time around (July), I found some great gardening pieces (flowerpots, etc) but rather than search for anything specific, Brimfield is amazing for browsing (literally for hours) home décor, historical trinkets and a sundry of items with lots of character. The market is hosted three times a year — in the spring, summer and early fall (for a week at at time). Can’t wait to come back in September!

It is a pretty disappointed for the size of the event. Mostly are junks though it has a nice mix of handicrafts tents and professional repurposed furniture makers. But the expectation is to have antiques or something worthy, not just junks which are priced higher than what you can get at estate sales.

Just «meh». Glorified yard sale with tons of junk. Prices are so high that after haggling we still paid more than eBay. Lots of old price stickers make me wonder how many years some of these items have been packed and unpacked with the seller holding out for an unrealistic price. I did get a couple good buys, but I think I’ll skip it in the future. A rip-​off.

Anything and everything! I couldn’t see it all in one day! Lots of food trucks to try different things. I didn’t plan b on buying anything but it was a nice stroll back in time. There were some commercialized and over prized items but I only stopped at the interesting and authentic antiques.

Lived up to its reputation. We spent almost the whole day walking around and only saw about 60% of it. This place is HUGE.
Will probably visit once every few years. It’s like walking through an american history museum. It’s fun even if you don’t buy anything.

After years of wanting to go, I went! I had no idea how BIG this place is! Yes, the main road is just a mile long, but tents and tables are set up on both sides going back a couple hundred feet. Too much to see in just one day.
Prices on everything from plastic trinkets to modern furniture are hiked way up so when you haggle you end up paying a reasonable amount. Vendors are ok if you buy something and leave it there, then pick it up later as you leave the fair.
Take a hatchback, truck or SUV. You never know when you’ll find that amazing piece at just the right price. I found a steamer trunk for $ 40. Just what I had been looking for, for hundreds less than anywhere else.
There are a few ATMs near the food court, but withdrawal fees are $ 4. Parking is easy to find and cheap ($ 5 very close to the fair).
Take a wheeled cart if you have one, or at least a backpack. And make sure you’re wearing the right footwear. It can get muddy!
When I went, I had the energy to see about 25% of the tents, so I’ll be back, Brimfield!

I have been going to Brimfield flea market since I was in the womb! My parents were in the antique business for 20+ years and every year, 3 times a year when the show goes on I was there. I used to hustle back when I was about 4 years old with my own table selling junky little odds and ends for $ 1 each. My dad had one of the best tents by far if you were looking for high end antique furniture. You can find just about anything old at this flea market. It goes on for miles so be prepared to walk. I loved the little dough boy stand set up by the Brimfield Library they were huge and delicious. There are plenty of stands for food so you won’t go hungry thats for sure! If your looking to spend the day doing something different and seeing unique items I recommend going here for sure.

A unique and exceptional antiques market. Held three times a year (a week each in May, July, and September), Brimfield is a cornucopia of all that is collectible, historical, and just plain weird.
Brimfield has its own culture, and you’ll have a better time if you understand it. Dealers here do most of their business selling to other dealers, which happens early in the mornings and early in the week. They contend with the rest of us (derisively referred to as «Lookie Lou’s») on weekends. That’s why most dealers aren’t particularly excited to see you on a Saturday afternoon, and why they close up early, sometimes by one or two o’clock.
The merchandise is eclectic. Some of it looks like junk, but believe me, collectors will pay top dollar for the oddest things, and dealers know what their stuff is worth. Once dominated by country-​oak furniture and rusting farm implements, Brimfield now brims (sorry!) with vintage jewelry (from Victorian mourning pins to bakelite bangles) and midcentury modern light fixtures and furniture. There’s vintage fashion, but not tons. You’ll find the best selection in furniture, tableware, and decorative objects.
Be careful: Not everything that looks antique actually is. If you’re not an expert, ask. This is an increasing problem, and the old timers complain ceaselessly about charming faux knickknacks, all made yesterday and imported by the boatload from China.
Tips I live by:
* Bring cash, although some dealers take cards. (There are ATMs, but who wants to pay those fees?) Bring a minivan if you intend to buy furniture, although shipping agents (and porters) set up shop near the middle.
* If you see something intriguing, DO NOT PUT IT DOWN to think about whether you should purchase it. I guarantee someone else will pick it up and pay for it on the spot.
* Every price is negotiable. The correct form is to ask, «What’s the best you can do on this?» or «Can you do any better?» or «Would you do $xx?» Make a counter-​offer, and don’t take rejection personally.
* Some dealers are true historians. You can learn a lot by asking questions about items that intrigue you. Don’t fake enthusiasm in hopes of getting a better price, but if you love something, don’t keep it to yourself.
* Do not come early (before 8) or late (after 2). You won’t see half the stuff. The one exception is that you can often score amazing deals on furniture when the dealers pack up for the day – and realize they’d rather take a loss on that giant armoire than bring the damn thing home again.
* Wear supportive sneakers – no flip-​flops or heels. Almost nothing is paved, and the amount of walking is exhausting. Bring a backpack and water.
* Do not park in the middle lots. You’ll just sit in traffic on the way home. Park in a lot at either end, closest to the direction you intend to leave by.
* Ignore the boring fried food options, and seek out the few culinary gems: the Pilgrim sandwich (the stand is in the middle, and the crazy line moves fast) and the British dessert booth (behind the Motel, not in the food court in front of it). I’m told the lobster place and the BBQ place are good, too, but can’t vouch for them personally.
So why only 4 stars? After all these years, the sanitary facilities are appalling. There are NO bathrooms, only porta-​potties. I know of exactly one water fountain. Only in the past year or two are there even sinks and Purell dispensers. I know there’s a sewer system out here, but no one wants to invest in public facilities. It doesn’t speak well for the town of Brimfield and the powers that be.

It seems like you are on a perfect search for treasure when you come to the Brimfield Flea Market. There are, what seems like, endless fields of vendors that showcase with items on blankets, on tables, racks, under tents, and in barns.
Pace yourself and start early. You don’t always have to get the first thing you see. Often you will find a better deal for something. So unless you CAN’T live without it keep going and you will find something cooler/​cheaper.
I really suggest going early in the morning, but that does mean that you will have to pay extra for some fields for admittance.
I really suggest that you bring …
Cold bottles of water with you as it can be hot, esp in July, and getting drinks can add up $$.
Bring hand sanitizer because the porta potties can be gross and after touching all different things from ball jars, rugs, clothes, etc you will want your hands clean.
Bring cash and your check book.
Best deal in my 4 years going is our 14 piece copper pot set for $ 100!!! Awesome :-)

I went here yesterday for the annual Brimfield antique show/​flea market. The parking wasn’t as difficult as I thought and the people running the booths were friendly. There were some really nice items there, but there was also a lot of junk. It as easy to see who had the nicer items because they took care to display their treasures in an eye pleasing design. Others just laid things on tables like a yard sale.
If you have something in mind that you are looking for, you should go to Brimfield look. You’re more than likely to find something. This place is really an interior designers dream if you have an eye for what is actually good and what isn’t.

The «flea market» has become more of an antique show and craft fair. Ever since the invention of ebay and the airing of The Antique Roadshow everybody thinks their little piece of junk Pfaltzgraff cup or Cabbage Patch doll is worth a thousand dollars. And then every other booth has some homemade birdhouses, hideous welded sculpture or some other pastel crafty product that someone decided to take up as a hobby when they got early retirement from Mass Mutual.
Once in a while you’ll get something cheap, but not without the seller telling you that it’s worth a lot more and how they saw it on ebay for $ 200 a few years ago.
The port-​a-​potties there have little hand washing stations outside, which is cool, because you can have clean hands when you go dig through trash.
But on the positive side, flea markets seem to attract crazies and attractive young women in their mid 20’s. I like both these things, especially when they are combined.