The Brimfield Flea Market is home to thousands of unique finds for antique and thrift shoppers. But with only about a week to shop each season, shoppers may need to narrow down the days they attend.
The market returns to Brimfield for its first 2024 show on Tuesday, May 14 to Sunday, May 19.
But when should you go? The answer is tricky, depending on what your looking for what you can handle and what your schedule allows.
Other questions you should consider include do you want to shop in a crowd or go early when its quieter?
Do you work during the week? Do you want to shop earlier in the day when the weather is cooler? Are you looking for finds that are limited to certain days?
More than 50,000 people attend the market every year, meaning you are bound to run into some crowds. However, the Brimfield Flea Market recommends shoppers go Tuesday through Friday.
The market said Saturday is better than Sunday if you can’t come until the weekend as many dealers travel home on Sunday, so there is less merchandise to pick from.
See what each day offers shoppers, to better narrow down what day you want to visit.
Tuesday
Opening day is best to go if you know what you want. Tuesday will give shoppers the best chance to buy an item before they’re all picked through. Tuesday is also the only day the Dealers Choice Antiques Shows field is open.
However, not all fields are open Tuesday. May’s Antique Market, Heart O’ The Mart, New England Motel or Hertan’s Antique Show do not open until later in the week, so your Tuesday trip may limit the amount of fields you can visit.
Despite being on a weekday, Tuesday may be a bit busier than other weekdays because of the eager shoppers hoping to attend opening day.
Wednesday
Heart O’ The Mart, New England Motel and Hertan’s Antique Show fields all open Wednesday, giving shoppers access to a variety of fields.
The eager shoppers who show up on Tuesday take some of the numbers away from Wednesday attendees, so you may attend on a day that is quieter, if you want to avoid large crowds.
However, there might be less people present to help you out if you need it.
Thursday
Similar to Wednesday, you won’t see the big crowds on Thursday.
May’s Antique Market officially opens Thursday, meaning all fields are generally open by this time, giving shoppers a huge selection to shop.
Friday
If you still want to avoid the weekend crowds, but early in the week doesn’t work to go, aim for Friday.
It still remains quieter compared to the weekend but more lively than early in the week. The extra attendance for Friday may mean you find someone who can help you find what you’re looking for.
Also, other shopping experts will have enough time to get the lay of the land. So Friday should be easy to navigate what you want to find.
Saturday
If you have to go on a weekend, go on Saturday.
Saturday is likely to be the busiest day to go, but it is filled with plenty of vendors eagerly awaiting to sell, especially if you’re looking to buy a lot. Just be prepared to deal with crowds.
You can also visit the Brimfield Winery between shopping and turn your visit into an all-day affair.
Sunday
Sunday is the best day to go for deals, as this is the last day the market is in town and vendors are eager to sell their stuff.
However, the market wraps up around 3 p.m. or sometimes earlier, so your window of opportunity could be small. Plan to go early if you have to attend Sunday.
And if you can’t go in May, the Brimfield Flea Market is open July 9-14 and Sept. 3-8.
