It’s one of the largest flea markets that takes place right here in LA, and trust us when we say that the Rose Bowl Flea Market doesn’t disappoint. This is the #1 place to go for locals, toping almost every other flea market you’ve been to. But if you’ve never been, and plan to visit, there is a few things you should jot down to get the full experience. So we’ve listed everything you need to know about the Rose Bowl Flea Market, including a few tips and tricks here and there.
What is the Rose Bowl Flea Market?
Address: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103
Ok, first things first, let’s talk about what the Rose Bowl Flea Market actually is. It’s a monthly flea market on the second Sunday of every month that takes place at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. There’s only one exception. In December, it’s held on the first Sunday due to holiday events, so make sure to plan accordingly. This market is one of the largest and most famous flea markets in the world, attracting thousands of shoppers and vendors every month. You can find anything from vintage clothing, antiques, furniture, handmade crafts, and so much more. True, the flea market only happens once a month, but its worth the trek to shop here.
Hours & Admission
The market opens at 5:00 am for early bird shoppers and closes at 4:30 pm. Early bird admission starts at 5:00 am and costs $20 per person. This admission fee allows you to enter the market before the general public, giving you the first pick of all the amazing finds. General admission begins at 9:00 AM and is $12 per person. BONUS! Children under 12 are free with an adult. As far as picking the best time to go? Well it really depends on how much you love crowded spaces. Hey, we all have our limits. Our best tip: get on the early bird train, even though it comes with a higher admission fee, it allows you to beat the crowds and get first pick of all the amazing finds.
Pro-Tip: Avoid long lines and buy your ticket beforehand on Eventbrite. Who likes waiting around anyways?
Where to Park
On the bright side there is free parking available on-site at the Rose Bowl Stadium. However, this parking lot tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak hours. Off-site parking is available at several locations surrounding the Rose Bowl Stadium. These lots typically charge a fee of around $10-20 per vehicle. Shuttle buses are available to transport you to and from the market, so you won’t have to worry about walking long distances. Lastly, if you’re willing to spend a bit more, you could opt for VIP parking at the Rose Bowl Stadium. VIP parking is available for $40 per vehicle and includes reserved parking in a prime location close to the market entrance. VIP parking…yeah we get it…so LA, but again could be worth it.
Live Music Performances
Live music is a big part of the market’s atmosphere, with various local musicians and bands performing throughout the day. You can expect to hear a variety of genres, from jazz and blues to rock and roll and everything in between. In addition to the live music, there are also DJ booths set up throughout the market, playing a mix of classic and contemporary tunes. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a celebrity or two browsing the vendors while enjoying the live music. The Rose Bowl Flea Market has been known to attract Hollywood A-listers, so keep your eyes peeled for any famous faces. We’re always on the lookout.
Foodie Heaven
Foodies, you have truly entered a paradise. There is an impressive variety of food vendors throughout the market, offering everything from classic fair foods like hot dogs and funnel cakes to more gourmet options like Korean barbecue and vegan burgers. Some vendors even offer sampler plates, which can be a great way to try everything. If ya got a sweet tooth, you will be satisfied with treats like churros, ice cream, and kettle corn, and freshly baked cookies and cakes. No need to worry about hydration either. The Path Water van will be at the market July 9th to hand out their new summer bottles.
Pro-Tip: Some vendors and food vendors only accept cash. So, be sure to bring enough with you. A silver lining…there are ATMs located throughout the market if you need more.
What to Bring with You
As flea market enthusiasts, we know a thing or two about what you need to bring. The market covers a large area, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking, so leave the cute heels at home and bring comfy sneaks. Not all vendors at the market provide bags for purchases, so it’s a good idea to bring your own bags. If you plan on taking photos or using your phone to find vendors, bring a portable phone charger so your phone stays charged throughout the day. Stay healthy too by bringing hand sanitizer to keep hands germ free, but here is our biggest tip! Bring sunscreen and a hat, since the market is outdoors protection is key.
Want to be a Vendor?
Becoming a vendor at the Rose Bowl Flea Market is a great place to get your name out there, so submit an application to the market’s management team. They’ll review it and determine whether you’re a good fit. If you’re accepted, here’s what you need to know. You’ll need to pay a booth fee and sign a contract outlining the market’s rules and regulations. FYI: booth fees vary depending on the size of the booth and the type of vendor you are.
You can always find more information on their website, but if you want to discover more of LA’s best flea markets, check out our top six!
Feature Photo Courtesy of Instagram
