Heading to a six-day-long flea market with over 50,000 people in attendance on miles of land can be daunting for anyone.
Not to mention figuring out what to buy.
But what, exactly, do you need to know to attend the Brimfield Flea Market?
MassLive has been in attendance for years, picking up some best practices for tackling the market along the way.
Newcomers, and seasoned Brimfield Flea Market pros alike, can check out tips for attending the event below.
When is it?
The Brimfield Flea Market’s May 2024 show will run from Tuesday, May 14 to Sunday, May 19.
The hours vary depending on which show field you plan to visit. Overall, booths are open to shop from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday’s show will conclude around 3 p.m., according to the Brimfield Flea Market’s website.
If you can’t make it for the May flea market, the event will be back July 9-14 and Sept. 3-8.
Where in Brimfield is it?
The flea market stretches down Route 20 in Brimfield.
For those using their GPS to get to the Brimfield Flea Market, use the address 35 Palmer Road in Brimfield, the website suggests. Shoppers will then see plenty of parking areas off the main road with a fee that is usually $10. Some lots may charge more.
Should I bring cash?
Bring cash to the market, as most parking fees are cash only. Parking costs typically range from $10 to $20.
There are also several ATMs in town if you need more cash. And many dealers do accept checks with proper ID. Some also take credit cards.
When is each field open?
The market offers dozens of different fields with hundreds of vendors per field, all wanting to sell their vintage, antique and interesting items.
Not every field will be operating the entirety of the flea market. Below is a full schedule of what days each field opens and what their hours are, according to the website.
- May’s Antique Market: Opens at 9 a.m. from Thursday – Saturday.
- Dealers Choice Antiques Shows: Opens at 11 a.m. on Tuesday only.
- Heart O’ The Mart: Opens at 9 a.m. from Wednesday – Sunday.
- New England Motel: Opens at 6 a.m. on Wednesday – Sunday
- Brimfield Auction Acres: Friday – Saturday
- Midway Antiques Shows: Opens at 6 a.m. from Tuesday – Sunday
- Hertan’s Antique Shows: Opens 12 p.m. from Wednesday – Sunday
- Central Park Antique Shows: Opens at 6 a.m. Tuesday – Sunday
- Collins’ Apple Barn: Opens at Sunrise from Tuesday – Sunday
- Sturtevant’s Antique Shows: Opens at Sunrise from Tuesday – Sunday
- Shelton Antique Shows: Opens at Sunrise from Tuesday – Sunday
- Grand Trunk Antique Shows: Opens at daybreak from Tuesday – Sunday
- Green Acres Antique Show: Opens at 6 a.m. from Tuesday – Sunday
- Quaker Acres: Opens at Sunrise from Tuesday – Sunday
- Mahogany Ridge: Opens at Sunrise from Tuesday – Sunday
- Crystal Brook: Opens at Sunrise from Tuesday – Sunday
- Stephen’s Place Antiques Show: Opens at daybreak from Tuesday – Sunday
Do fields charge an admission fees?
Most of the shows are free but some field shows charge admission for the first day and stop after that. However, the website of the market said, “it’s not very costly to shop Brimfield.” It is best to carry cash on you in case.
Where can I eat?
Food trucks and stands are offered throughout the Brimfield Flea Market. You can find food or drink on almost every field.
Be sure to plan out your eating time because picnic tables and seats near the food stands fill up quickly. You may get stuck standing and eating.
Is alcohol served on property?
The Brimfield Winery & Cidery offers plenty of wine to try that are produced and made in the barn on the property.
In the past, they’ve also offered delicious wine slushies.
Can I bring my dog?
Some show fields do not allow pets and some do. However, the size and level of training of your dog would be a consideration, the website says.
Service dogs are the exception and are welcomed everywhere.
Are there rain dates?
No.
Every year, the Brimfield Flea Market is held rain or shine. However, it is a good idea to wear shoes that can get dirty as many of the fields have dirt.
What if I buy something too big to carry?
Shoppers can bring wagons to carry their finds.
Most fields also have porters available, but be prepared to pay a fee. You can even arrange to drive onto the field where you made your purchase late in the day, and they will load it into your vehicle.
Talk with the vendor to see if delivery is also an option.
Most importantly, what can I buy?
You really can find anything in Brimfield.
“If you wanted to buy a purple, polka-dotted people eater, you would find one here,” vendor Donna Glancey told MassLive in 2023.
Over the years, MassLive has found animal skulls for sale, antique glass bottles, furniture, artwork, taxidermy, crystals, jewelry, vintage clothes, garden accessories, plants, and even a spirit board.
But, you’ll be able to find much more than that.
