Treasure hunting at one of Rhode Island’s flea markets is a fabulous way to spend some spare time in America’s smallest state. As one of the original 13 colonies, it’s witnessed centuries of history and was home to some of the wealthiest families in the nation, including the Vanderbilts and the Astors. Rhode Island has an industrious past with mills and factories throughout Providence and Pawtucket. Newport was the center of the Gilded Age, the prosperous period in the late 19th century, and the city’s mansions are relics of this storied time. With such a rich background, Rhode Island has emerged as one of the premier New England antiquing destinations. Browsing through the antique malls and the best flea markets in Rhode Island, it’s not unlikely to find furniture that looks straight out of The Great Gatsby and other treasures from the 1890s to the 1950s.
Discover our list of the best flea markets and antique shopping destinations in Rhode Island:
1. Providence Outdoor Flea Market – Providence, Rhode Island
An upscale popular flea market in the vein of the famous Brooklyn Flea, Providence Outdoor Flea Market isn’t your typical flea market. Held every Sunday along the river in downtown Providence, the event is strictly an artisan/maker and flea market, so new items, direct sales products, and knock off merchandise is forbidden.
You’ll only find the best of the best here, as all vendors are carefully chosen to avoid any garage sale leftovers. To date, the market has hosted over 500 sellers and quickly become one of the best flea markets in Rhode Island. Wares for sale include vintage housewares, antique decor, jewelry, clothing, vintage toys, vinyl, and repurposed one-of-a-kind artisan items.
Providence Outdoor Flea Market
Where: 345 S Water St, Providence, RI 02903
When: Monthly | Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm | Season begins May 12
Web: http://www.providenceflea.com
2. General Stanton Inn Flea Market – Charlestown, Rhode Island
One of the longest-running inns in the country, General Stanton Inn is a stately Victorian home in Charlestown, Rhode Island. The inn dates back to 1667 and hosts the oldest, continually-running flea market in the state.
Each weekend during the summer months, the inn welcomes hundreds of vendors to set up on the expansive lawn big enough to accommodate over 400 sellers. The inn is quite a spot to browse for antiques and vintage items, and you never know what merchants will bring next. If you want a piece of Rhode Island history or just some stylish antique dishes, you’ll likely find them — and plenty more — here.
General Stanton Inn Flea Market
Where: 4115 Old Post Rd, Charlestown, RI 02813
When: Seasonally | April — May | Sunday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm | Memorial Day — October | Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 8:00 am — 3:00 pm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/generalstantoninnfleamarket/
3. Old Mill Vintage Market and Flea – West Warwick, Rhode Island
West Warwick’s Old Mill Vintage Marketplace and Flea is a vintage-filled wonderland with some of the best antiques and collectibles you could find in New England. Shopping in this pick for best flea market in Rhode Island is to walk in the footsteps of history: the store is located in the Centreville Mill, a historic West Warwick landmark used in textile production in the 1800s.
Owners and antique-lovers Jennifer and Andy have converted their section of the building into a flourishing vintage flea market with a rotating selection of merchandise from seasoned knowledgeable vendors. Vintage taxidermy, retro video games, mid-century modern chic, vinyl, oddities, costume jewelry, and much more are on display. Old Mill also features estate finds, appraisals, and local artisans’ work, plus they’re pet-friendly so don’t be afraid to bring Fido along with you.
Old Mill Vintage Market and Flea
Where: 3 Bridal Ave, West Warwick, RI 02893
When: Weekends | Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/The-Old-Mill-Vintage-Marketplace-And-Flea-1460139397615992
4. Newport Flea Market and Antiques – Newport, Rhode Island
Once one of the best flea markets in Rhode Island, Newport Flea Market and Antiques was held right on the grounds of the Elks Lodge in Newport and ran through summer to early fall. The boutique-style market was started by a seasoned antiquer with years in the industry having sold at the renowned Brimfield and Elephant’s Trunk.
Shows often welcomed more than 40 dealers with antiques, artisan creations, and upcycled pieces. Vendors routinely bring a great mix of wares including vintage magazines, artwork, ceramics, jewelry, books, and plenty for the home. From retro kitsch to early Americana, they’ve got your decorating needs covered.
Since 2017, Newport Flea Market and Antiques has been replaced by the Flea Market, Antique and Crafts Fair which takes place a few times a year between August and October.
Where: 141 Pelham St, Newport, RI 02840
When: Seasonally | April – October | Saturday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newportfleamarket
5. Plainfield Pike Flea Market – Johnston, Rhode Island
Rhode Island is full of long-running seasonal flea markets, and Johnston’s Plainfield Pike Flea Market is one of the largest you’ll find in the state. Summer to fall, the flea market attracts thousands of visitors and welcomes hundreds of vendors.
The outdoor market is spread across 10 acres each Sunday and vendors arrive in the early morning, so if you want to get first pick, be there when the gates open. Visitors to this pick for one of the best flea markets in Rhode Island will likely see antiques, vintage signs, toys, knick-knacks, housewares, dishes, and kitschy pieces. Admission is free as is parking.
Plainfield Pike Flea Market
Where: 2111 Plainfield Pike, Johnston, RI 02919
When: Seasonally | April – October | Sunday: 6:00 am – 3:00 pm — check website for upcoming dates
Web: http://www.pikefleamarket.com
6. Rhode Island Antiques Mall -Pawtucket, Rhode Island
As you look for some of the best flea markets in Rhode Island, don’t forget to browse at the great antique malls located around the state. Founded in 2007, Rhode Island Antiques Mall has 20,000 square feet of antiques from over 200 sellers. Inside, you’ll find an assortment of vendors’ booths arranged with attractive displays that will have you wanting every piece up for sale.
The merchandise is full of gems like Victorian jewelry, vintage furnishings, papers dating back to the 1800s, antique books, fine art, and other goods. The antique mall sees thousands of antiques and vintage items pass through its doors, and even offers appraisals in-person and online. Rhode Island Antiques is known as a mecca of antiquing in New England and is a premier spot for collectors of all kinds.
Where: 345 Fountain St, Pawtucket, RI 02860
When: Daily | Monday – Wednesday, Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm | Thursday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm | Sunday: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Web: http://www.riantiquesmall.com
7. Armory Antique Marketplace – Newport, Rhode Island
Newport has several of the best flea markets in Rhode Island and Armory Antique Marketplace is certainly at the top of the list. This 6,000 square feet mall is located in the Newport Armory, a stone historic structure dating back 1894. The owners have taken care to represent the history present in the building, and have merchandise that reflects its background.
Armory Antique Marketplace’s inventory includes military collectibles and more than 2,000 nautical pieces. Glassware, African art, clocks, pottery, porcelain, silver, and any home decor you can imagine are available here. The antique mall will be looking for a new home in October 201, therefore, be sure you visit the current location now and savor all they have to offer before they move.
Armory Antique Marketplace
Where: 365 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840
When:Daily | Monday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Web: http://www.armoryantiquesnewport.com
8. The Newport Show – Newport, Rhode Island
If regular flea markets aren’t offering you enough high-end luxury items, or you just want to browse some top-dollar antiques for a good cause, The Newport Show is just the place to visit. Full of antiques, art, and exquisite objects, the upscale show is held every summer at the ice rink at the St. George School, a historic private boarding school in Middletown.
This is the creme de la creme of antiquing, with photography, fine art, clothing, jewelry, furnishings, sculpture, and other beautiful items. The Newport Show features beneficiaries for Newport’s past and future; this year, it’s the Newport Historical Society and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County. The 2-day event begins with a Gala Preview Party on Friday. Admission is $15 for General or $20 for the weekend.
The Newport Show
Where: 372 Purgatory Rd, Middletown, RI 02842
When: Annually | 2-day event, end of July | Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm | Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Web: http://www.thenewportshow.com
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 Rhode Island featured in this list, but we’ve added the country’s most acclaimed antique fairs to the mix.
