The Raleigh Flea Market at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds has been a Triangle institution since the early 1970s. Founded by the Stewart family with just six tables and a handful of vendors, it has grown into one of the largest and most visited flea markets in the American Southeast. Today, nearly 1,000 vendors span six buildings and several acres on the fairgrounds campus, and the market draws approximately 2.4 million visitors annually according to the Triangle Business Journal. With the largest selection of antiques, jewellery and furniture in all of North Carolina, it consistently ranks among the best flea markets in the US.
What to Expect
The Raleigh Flea Market covers over 200,000 square feet across two large indoor buildings of permanent vendors and a substantial outdoor section. The indoor buildings focus on rare antiques, collectibles and specialist goods — between 100 and 300 antique dealers are typically on site on any given weekend, depending on the season. Outside, regular vendors fill the space with old books, vinyl records, unique furniture pieces, old trunks and the kind of oddities you find when clearing out an attic.
The antique section is particularly strong. Shoppers regularly find 1960s serving dishes, vintage jewellery, Victorian dresses and retro furniture here. Beyond antiques, the market covers handicrafts, homemade goods, clothing, jewellery and a wonderfully eclectic range of bric-a-brac. In short, the Raleigh Flea Market is one of those rare markets where almost any type of shopper will find something worth taking home.
Tips for Visiting
Wear comfortable shoes. The Raleigh Flea Market covers over 200,000 square feet across multiple buildings and outdoor areas. A full visit can easily take three to four hours on foot. Moreover, the outdoor section adds considerably to the walking distance on peak weekends, so comfort matters.
Bring cash. Most vendors accept cash, and it is the easiest way to negotiate. The golden rule here: “Be nice and bring cash.” If you want to find a deal, try grouping multiple items together — vendors are generally more flexible on price when you’re buying more than one piece.
Bring reassembling tools if you’re hunting for larger furniture pieces. Items sometimes need to be disassembled to fit in a car, and having the right tools on hand makes the process straightforward.
Check the fairgrounds calendar before visiting. The State Fairgrounds website lists events and shows in the exhibition halls that may affect market space or access on specific weekends. The market closes during the NC State Fair in October, so plan around that if autumn is your preferred time to visit. Read our full list of flea market shopping tips for additional insider advice.
📋 Visitor Information
📍 Address: 1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA (show on interactive map)
📅 When: Every Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine | Year-round except October (NC State Fair)
🕐 Hours: 9:00am–5:00pm
➕ Tuesday market: Hillsborough Street parking lot | 9:00am–6:00pm (smaller, outdoor)
💰 Admission: Free | Parking: Free
🐕 Pets: Dogs welcome — check out their “Dog of the Week” on Facebook!
🌐 Website: theraleighmarket.com | View on Fleamapket
Book Your Stay in Raleigh
Raleigh is one of the South’s most underrated city destinations — and with the flea market running every weekend year-round, there’s always a good reason to make a trip of it. The Research Triangle area offers a strong hotel and short-stay rental scene, and the fairgrounds location on Blue Ridge Road puts you within easy reach of downtown Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. Browse the map below for accommodation options across the Raleigh area.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is it open?
The Raleigh Flea Market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, rain or shine, year-round — with the exception of October, when the NC State Fair takes over the fairgrounds. A smaller Tuesday outdoor market also operates on the Hillsborough Street parking lot from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Is admission free?
Yes — admission to the Raleigh Flea Market is completely free, and parking on site is also free. Dogs are welcome on a leash. The market’s Facebook page even features a “Dog of the Week” from regular canine visitors.
How many vendors are there?
The market hosts nearly 1,000 vendors across six buildings and several acres. Of those, between 100 and 300 are antique dealers on any given weekend, depending on the season. The indoor buildings house permanent vendors year-round, while the outdoor sections vary in density depending on weather and the time of year.