The Midwest could be considered the epicenter of thrifting thanks to its multiple flea markets, antique shops, and vintage bazaars. One of the best destinations for flea market fans in the Heartland is Illinois. From the industrial and urban spaces of Chicago to the rolling green hills of St. Charles, Illinois has premiere thrifting to explore.
The best part of visiting these shops and events is the diversity of the markets. Whether it’s high-end chic hotel furnishings or mid-century chic you want, this handpicked list of must-visits will help you make the perfect itinerary. Each pick named as a best flea market in Illinois has been carefully considered for its merchandise, the number of vendors, and unique offerings. There aren’t any swap meets or places with garage sale leftovers and counterfeit items here.
All of the shows and stores here are largely 70% or more of quality authentic vintage or antique collectibles. Several of the picks have been recognized by leading publications including Jetsetter, Romantic Times, and Time Out Chicago, so feel confident you’re visiting the best the state has to offer.
I-80 Flea Market – Tinley Park, Illinois
The I-80 Flea Market is an outside market held just south of I-80 in Tinley Park, Illinois. Open rain or shine on Sundays April to November, the market offers free parking and admission for $2.00. For over 30 years, vintage lovers and antique fans have flocked to the I-80, one of the best flea markets in Illinois.
Merchandise includes antiques, primitives, housewares, glass, pottery, memorabilia, collectibles, and more. The I-80 also features an indoor kitchen to grab a tasty snack or drink. Doors open at 7, get there early for the best deals.
Where: 19100 Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477
When: Monthly: April to November | Sunday: 7:00 am– 1:00 pm — check website for exact dates
Web: https://www.i80fleamarket.com
Scout Flea Market – Morris, Illinois
True North Antique Market in Morris, Illinois wants shoppers to find even more than the merchandise in its sprawling shop, so the owners founded the Scout Flea Market. The market is held rain or shine in the parking lot of the shop for the months April through October. The juried show has attendees lining up before the gate long before it opens.
Admission is free and once you’ve browsed to your heart’s content through the vintage, antiques and salvage, you can head into True North. True North is a quirky antique and vintage shop that makes shopping an adventure with more than 70 vendors, an indoor swing, big screen showing 80s movies, and much more. It’s like visiting two flea markets in one! Named as a Flea Market Style Magazine’s Reader Favorite, True North’s Scout Flea Market attracts great Midwest dealers and is often held near other county events to give attendees plenty to do in Morris. Antiquers, vintage fans, and retro lovers can scout out a great find. Dave’s Dawgs, located next door, is the perfect spot to grab a hot dog, ice cream and other treats.
Where: 10826 IL-71, Yorkville, IL 60560
When: Monthly: Spring to Fall | Saturday: 9:00 am– 2:00 pm — check website for exact dates
Web: https://www.scoutfleamarket.blogspot.com
Wolff’s Flea Market Rosemont – Rosemont, Illinois
Owned and operated by the Wolff brothers, Wolff’s Flea Market is one of the best flea markets in Illinois not in Chicago. The outdoor flea market was established in 1991 and has grown to offer more than 700 vendors at the AllState Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.
Wolff’s merchants have wares including glassware, retro toys, sports collectibles, antiques, furniture, American, vinyl, and vintage items. The organizers are vigilant for counterfeit items. The on-site food trucks with snacks and beverages make it an enjoyable day to browse and buy. Admission is just $2 while Early Bird Admission is $4.
Where: 6920 N. Mannheim, Rosemont, IL 60018
When: Monthly | Sunday: 6:00 am – 3:00 pm – check website for 2019 schedule
Web: http://www.wolffs.com
Read more: Full review of Wolff’s Flea Market Rosemont on fleamapket
3 French Hens French Country Market – Morris, Illinois
Morris, Illinois feels like Paris on certain days of the year, thanks to the 3 French Hens French Country Market. Held weekends May through October in a beautiful park along the I&M canal, 3 French Hens is an open-air market with more than 100 vendors of antiques, artisan pieces, fresh flowers, and baked goods. A Holiday Market with great gift options and vintage pieces is held in November.
The Hens, Traci Tessone and Monica Spence-Vogel, began the market to draw attention to Morris’ beautiful downtown over 10 years ago. Each vendor is carefully considered and the show requires sellers’ merchandise be 50% vintage or handmade. The smell of pastries, fresh kettle corn, candies, and more permeates the air, so come hungry.
Where: 123 W Illinois Ave, Morris, IL 60450
When: Monthly | Saturday: 8:00 am– 2:00 pm — check website for exact dates
Web: https://www.3frenchhensmarket.blogspot.com/
Kane County Flea Market – St. Charles, Illinois
Up to 30,000 people attend Kane County Flea Market in St. Charles, a picturesque town located on the banks of the Fox River. The market dates back to 1967 as the brainchild of resident Helen Robinson, who saw her vision grow to one of the best flea markets in the Midwest. Today Helen’s son and their families carry on the tradition of the Kane County Flea Market, with the show boasting more than 500 dealers each month.
The market is a perfect day trip from Chicago and offers a nice scenic drive less than an hour from the city. Just head to the Kane County Fairgrounds and start browsing up to 1000 booths. You’ll soon see why it’s not just one of the best flea markets in Illinois but in the world, according to Jetsetter. The vendor merchandise includes high-end antiques and vintage collectibles with vinyl, clothing, jewelry, postcards, sports memorabilia, books, and artwork.
Where: 525 Randall Rd, St. Charles, IL 60174
When: Monthly | Saturday: 12:00 am – 5:00 pm | Sunday: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Web: https://www.kanecountyfleamarket.com/
Read more: Full review of Kane County Flea Market on fleamapket
Vintage Garage Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
Vintage Garage Chicago is a monthly bazaar and a hot destination for anyone who loves vintage in Chicago. Regularly held once a month, Vintage Garage was a show held in, of course, a garage. When in session, the show has 75 and 100 vendors across three levels of the garage. The market is currently on hiatus for 2019.
Merchants offer strictly vintage and vintage-inspired items, many with items corresponding to the selected theme. You’ll discover items from the 1940s to the 1980s in addition to clothing, mid-century furniture, art, jewelry, glassware, paper collectibles, and more.
Where: 5649 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660
When: Monthly | Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm – on hiatus for 2019
Web: https://www.vintagegaragechicago.com
Read more: Full review of Vintage Garage Chicago on fleamapket
Randolph Street Market – Chicago, Illinois
Randolph Street Market is home to renowned 8-acre Chicago Antique Market and has received acclaim from celebrity designers like Nate Berkus. Nicknamed the “Barney’s of Vintage,” the flea market is European-style, with both indoor and outdoor vendors to browse May through September. October through April, the flea market is indoor-only. The event is held several times a month and has been a long-time pick as the best flea market in Illinois.
Each session features more than 100 vintage, antique, and retro sellers selling comics, vintage clothing, sterling silver, home decor, glassware, vinyl, and collectibles. The atmosphere of Chicago Antique Market is vibrant and fun with a different theme each show. In addition to the antique market, you’ll also find a funky indie designer’s market, live music, and multiple food vendors. There is a small admission fee of $12 at the gate, but the market has offered Groupon deals on admission in the past. A season pass is also available.
Where: 1341 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
When: Monthly | Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm – check website for exact dates
Web: https://www.randolphstreetmarket.com
Read more: Full review of Randolph Street Market on fleamapket
Grayslake North Chicago, Illinois Antique Flea Market – Grayslake, Illinois
Located in its namesake city at the Lake County Fairgrounds, Grayslake North Chicago Illinois Antique Flea Market is a monthly event hosted by Zurko Promotions, an antique and vintage promoter since 1969. While the show is offered through the year, it nearly doubles in size during the summer.
You can spend the day at Grayslake browsing some of the best collectibles, antiques, and vintage items including movie memorabilia, furniture, lighting, jewelry, decor, and coins. The market has long cemented its place as one of the best flea markets in Illinois and is a great weekend stop with just $7 admission. Parking is free and the admission is good for both days, so don’t be afraid to go back and discover something new. Early Buyers can get in an hour before the show opens to the public for $25.
Where: 1060 E Peterson Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030
When: Monthly | Saturday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Sunday: 9:00 – 3:00 pm – check website for exact dates
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrayslakeAntiqueMarket/
Read more: Full review of Grayslake North Chicago Illinois Antique Flea Market on fleamapket
Broadway Antique Market Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
Recognized as The Best Chicago Antique store by Time Out Chicago readers, Broadway Antique Market is one of the best antique destinations in the Midwest. This gem of Edgewater is 20,000 square feet of pure retro and antique pleasure. It’s sure to please even the pickiest vintage seeker.
The enchantment of this large antique store begins the moment you approach it. Broadway Antique Market looks like a throwback department store from the outside, complete with large styled windows that are changed regularly. Once inside, you’ll see mid-century furniture, glassware, lighting, clocks, and various pieces of ephemera. It’s entirely possible to decorate your house completely with the treasures you can find here and you never know what will catch your eye. Plan to spend a few hours. After you’re done shopping, stop by our other pick in the Edgewater area.
Where: 6130 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
When: Daily | Monday to Saturday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm | Sunday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Read more: Full review of Broadway Antique Market Chicago on fleamapket
Edgewater Antique Mall – Chicago, Illinois
For over 14 years, Edgewater Antique Mall has been one of the premier and best flea markets in Illinois. The shop is located in the lakefront Edgewater area which is well known for its antique shops. Edgewater is one of the standouts. With a regularly-updated inventory of merchandise ranging from antiques to mid-century modern classics, Edgewater is a prime stop for any Illinois visitor looking for a treasure.
The antique mall has gathered a great collection of more than 50 vendors under one roof, making it easy to find anything from hip vintage clothing to jewelry to industrial pieces. Each item for sale has been carefully chosen and you won’t find any knock-off merchandise here.
Where: 6314 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
When: Daily | Monday to Sunday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Web: http://edgewaterantiquemall.com
Read more: Full review of Edgewater Antique Mall on fleamapket
Salvage One – Chicago, Illinois
Salvage One in Chicago is a 60,000 square foot warehouse of antique and vintage treasures, and architectural salvage. From old theatre seats to historic buildings’ banisters, there’s an amazing assortment of goods to browse in this exceptional curated store. Expect to find vintage hotel signs, antique rolling chests, lighting, retro chairs, antique furnishings, clocks, glassware, and more. If you want cool and chic, you’ll find it here in this luxurious high-end shop.
Salvage One is well-known in the film and TV industry. The store helps furnish sets with stylish retro and vintage pieces. The space is also a beloved wedding and event venue, with the elegant architecture making an ideal venue for a shabby chic wedding or a retro-inspired birthday party. Salvage One is easily one of the best flea markets in Illinois so be prepared to fall in love with many of their goods. Thankfully, Chicagoland delivery and global shipping are available if you find something you can’t resist — you can even shop online at their website. Salvage One also has a custom design workshop on-site to help you get the piece of your dreams.
Where: 1840 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60622
When: Weekends | Friday: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm | Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Sunday: 12:00 am – 5:00 pm
Web: https://www.salvageone.com
Read more: Full review of Salvage One on fleamapket
P.O.S.H. Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
P.O.S.H. Chicago is located in the historic Tree Studio building in downtown Chicago, a landmark commissioned in 1894 by Judge Lambert Tree and his daughter, Anna Field Tree. The Tree Studios served as an artists’ residence and welcomed over 500 artists, adding it to the national registry of historic places in 1974.
The building is entrenched in history and P.O.S.H. has embraced that history with an eclectic collection of vintage hotel and estate silver, dinnerware, restaurant china, and unique pieces sourced from European auction houses. Each piece has a story to tell, and you can discover it at one of the best flea markets in Illinois.
Where: 613 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
When: Daily | Monday to Sunday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Web: https:/www.poshchicago.com
Read more: Full review of P.O.S.H. on fleamapket
View the best US Flea Markets on a map
You can now discover the best flea markets and antique fairs in the US, on a map! Not only have we included some of the best flea markets in Illinois featured in this list, but we’ve added the country’s most acclaimed antique fairs to the mix.
