Chicago is a bustling city famed for its dazzling skyline and prominent art and culture scene. With a rich history and plenty of stories to tell, the capital of Illinois has produced some spectacular vintage curiosities and antiques to shop for.
The selection of vintage flea markets and antique dealers in the ‘Windy City’ will surely blow you away (see what we did there!?) Discover the best places to shop for antiques and vintage items in Chicago with our handy list. Aside from picking the best flea markets, we also couldn’t resist throwing in some antique shops that are definitely worth visiting.
As usual, we have handpicked the best flea markets and antique stores that supply only the best in high-quality antiques and vintage products. Happy shopping!
#1 Places to shop in Chicago: Kane County Flea Market
Kane County Flea Market opens its doors once a month (except for January and February). This bustling flea market features 1000 vendors and receives up to 30,000 visitors. We’re hardly surprised that it is one of America’s favorite flea markets! It has been featured in online publications, such as Jet Setters Magazine and Conde Nast.
The Kane County Flea Market was established nearly 50 years ago and has grown significantly. Discover a lot of special antiques at this market, such as 1950s dinettes, Scandinavian apothecary tables, dressers and credenzas handmade during the 1960s.
With its vast open spaces and historical preservation, the Kane County Fairgrounds is the ideal setting for this vintage spectacle. The fairgrounds are where bargain hunters, treasure seekers or those looking for a weekend escape come together.
Where: Randall Road 525, IL US
When: First Sunday of the month and the preceding Saturday, from March to December: Saturday: 12:00 – 17:00, Sunday: 07:00 – 16:00
More information: Read here our full review of Kane County Flea Market
#2 Places to shop in Chicago: Vintage Garage Chicago
Vintage Garage Chicago is a dream destination for anyone who is passionate about all-things-vintage. This flea market opens on the third Sunday of every month and is home to anywhere between 75 and 100 vendors.
It’s pleasantly surprising how beautiful and Pinterest-like a parking garage looks when it’s filled with vintage knick-knacks and kitsch retro oddities. Spend all day browsing the variety of second-hand clothes from the 1950’s and 1960’s and mid-century furniture such as wooden dressing tables and intricately designed wardrobes.
Be prepared to shop ’til you drop, because this garage has it all! Especially a lot of gorgeous garments, jewellery and home furnishings, specifically from the 1940’s to the 1980’s.
Where: 5051 N. Broadway Chicago, IL 60640
When: Third Sunday of every month, April through October: 10:00 – 17:00
More information: Read here our full review of Vintage Garage Chicago
#3 Places to shop in Chicago: Wolff’s Flea Market (Rosemont)
This family-owned weekly flea market has been operating for more than 25 years and boasts over 700 vendors and 12,000 eager shoppers.
What customers most love about this place is that there is a brilliant variety of stock Expect to find sports memorabilia, shabby chic furniture, porcelain, retro toys and classic instruments. The organizers make sure there are no counterfeit or knock-off goods. So you can be safe in the knowledge that you are buying genuine products.
The entry is so cheap ($2), that even in the unlikely case that you don’t find anything you like, it’s still a fantastic day out. There are also plenty of food trucks offering snacks and refreshing beverages to keep your energy up while you shop.
Where: 6920 Mannheim Rd, Allstate Arena Parking Lot, Rosemont, IL 60018
When: Sunday: 06:00 – 15:00
More information: Read here our full review of Wolff’s Flea Market Rosemont
#4 Places to shop in Chicago: Chicago Antique Market Randolph Street
Chicago Antique Market is part of Randolph Street Market – an impressive urban shopping destination that opens every Saturday and Sunday. Immerse yourself in a world of eclectic vintage curiosities and delights as you browse over 300 vendors.
The Randolph Street market has been referred to as the “Soho of the Midwest”. We couldn’t agree more – it’s a stylish and bohemian hotspot. It’s European-style indoor and outdoor antique market features the best quality retro finds. Another similarity with Soho is that It’s slightly expensive – the admission fee is $10 on the door, however, if you buy them in advance it will set you back just $8.
Indulge in a weekend spent shopping for all sorts of quirky antiques and collectibles, such as comic books, semi-precious stones set in sterling silver, second-hand clothing and funky décor and home furnishings.
Where: 1340 W. Washington – Chicago, IL
When: Saturday & Sunday 10:00 – 17:00
More information: Read here our full review of Chicago Antique Market Randolph Street
#5 Places to shop in Chicago: Broadway Antique Market, Chicago
What began as a dozen antique dealers has since flourished into the midwest’s go-to vintage shopping destination. Broadway Antique Market is jam-packed with art deco and mid-century furnishings, trinkets, and jewels from the 1960’s – 1980’s.
Stretched out over 20,000 square feet, you can explore quality goods from 75 high-quality professional dealers. A lot of antique markets are messy and, let’s be honest – full of quite a bit of junk! This antique paradise is a different story; everything is pristine, polished and oh so glamorous.
The products on offer are of the highest quality, and items aren’t carelessly piled one on top of each other. They are displayed properly so that customers can properly inspect everything that is on offer. No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to the Broadway Antique Market.
Where: 6130 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
When: Monday – Saturday 11:00 – 19:00, Sunday 11:00 – 18:00
More information: Read here our full review of Broadway Antique Market, Chicago
#6 Places to shop in Chicago: Grayslake Illinois Antique & Vintage Market
Rummage through a spectacular variety of antiques at Grayslake Illinois Antique & Vintage Market. Vendors showcase items such as estate jewelry, collectibles, movie memorabilia, lighting, country furniture, advertising and old coins.
Grayslake Illinois Antique & Vintage Market opens on the second Sunday of the month and the preceding Saturday. During the summer this market almost doubles in size, that is when sellers all come out of hibernation to showcase their antiques and retro goodies.
Each item at Grayslake Illinois Antique & Vintage Market has a story to tell, whether it’s a retro 1950’s apron that was used to protect a suburban housewife from splashes in the kitchen or a silver hand mirror engraved with intricate roses and leaves – these objects have lived long and interesting lives.
Where: 1060 E Peterson Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030
When: Second Sunday of the month: 09:00 – 16:00 and the preceding Saturday: 09:00 – 15:00
More information: Read here our full review of Grayslake Illinois Antique & Vintage Market
#7 Places to shop in Chicago: Edgewater Antique Mall
Edgewater Antique Mall has been showcasing the very best furniture and decorative arts in the Chicago area for just under 15 years. They take pride in supplying a fresh selection of antiques, vintage items, kitsch curiosities and mid-century and industrial style furniture.
This antique shop has the eclectic atmosphere of a flea market – everywhere you turn there are new tables and areas presenting products from different eras and in a variety of styles.
Don’t expect to find much clothing here, but you will definitely find vintage furnishings, curtains, and decorations, especially décor that was popular during Americas sumptuous mid-century period. If you want to furnish your home head to toe in glorious vintage furniture and ornaments, this is the place to visit.
Where: 6314 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
When: Daily: 11:00 – 18:00
More information: Read here our full review of Edgewater Antique Mall
#8 Places to shop in Chicago: Salvage One Antique Store & Venue
Picture a museum mixed with a furniture store, throw in some rustic charm, and voila, you have it – Salvage One Antique Store & Venue! Situated in a 60,000 square feet warehouse, Salvage One is a unique space full of treasures from the past. This antique store and venue has something to please everyone.
The owners have made it their mission to preserve history through design and architecture, and to keep vintage pieces relevant today. Expect to find retro furniture, kitchenware, garden ware and plenty of enticing kitsch knick-knacks and odd ends.
Salvage One Antique Store & Venue even host weddings! And what a perfect location for a dream wedding. Guests can enjoy a splendid evening celebrating an occasion with friends, whilst observing all of the beautiful vintage artifacts and bits and bobs.
Where: 1840 W Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL 60622
When: Friday and Saturday 09:00 – 17:00, Sunday 12:00 – 17:00 (or by appointment)
More information: Read here our full review of Salvage One
#9 Places to shop in Chicago: P.O.S.H. Chicago
Established in 1997, this antique store offers customers the chance to find beautifully restored vintage objects. P.O.S.H, located in the historic Tree Studio building in downtown Chicago is one of the best vintage destinations in the city.
This place is smaller than other antique stores in Chicago, however, it is bursting at the seams with old-fashioned delights. Many of the items in P.O.S.H are genuine products that have never been used. For example, china sets that were produced in the 1940’s and then never sold, therefore sat in a warehouse for decades without an owner.
Discover everything from vintage hotel and estate silver to fine bone china and an ever-changing mixture of American and European flea market finds. The selection of items sold here are often limited in quantity, so if you see something you like, we suggest you don’t wait around too long before deciding to purchase!
Where: P.O.S.H. 613 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60654
When: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 – 19:00, Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00
More information: Read here our full review of P.O.S.H Chicago
Bonus: US flea markets on a map!
You can now visualize the best flea markets and antique fairs in the US, on a map! Not only have we included all the above flea markets, but we’ve added to the mix some of the country’s most acclaimed antique fairs. Just click on the image below to access our map feature for free.
A trip at the flea market is a journey in its own, a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and enthusiasts who share the same passion for rummaging and haggling. We hope this review inspired you to discover more antique shops and flea markets in Chicago, and that you’ll share the love around you. As always, if you think that a flea market is unrighteously missing from this list, just drop us a line in the comments section below.
