The most recent issue of the Chicago Reader features an excellent guide to Illinois flea markets, compiled by expert scavenger Ron Slattery. Click below for a few picks from his not-to-be-missed list of markets and fairs across the state:
Bloomington Third Sunday Market
Located in Bloomington-Normal, this antique furniture and housewares market focuses on Americana, with 450 vendors. Third Sunday of every month from May to October, $5 admission.
Chicago Antique Market/Randolph Street Markets
One of our favorites, this flea market has been featured on Apartment Therapy many times. Lots of mid-century and vintage modern furniture. Last Saturday and Sunday of every month from May to October, $10 admission.
Grayslake Antique Market
Traditional antiques and collectibles in Chicago's far suburbs. Second Sundays year-round, $5 admission.
Kane County Flea Market
This one is also an AT favorite, filled with vintage furniture and collectibles. Located in St. Charles, it takes place on the first Saturday-Sunday of the month from July through December, $5 admission.
Sandwich Antique Market
In the far western suburb of Sandwich, Illinois, this market is filled with high-end 19th and 20th century antiques. One Sunday per month (check link for dates) from April through October, $5 admission.
Wheaton Antique Market
Wheaton's all-night flea market takes place once a year. This year, it's scheduled for August 23rd from 5 pm to 4 am. They also host antique fairs on the 3rd Sunday of most months (click the link for schedules), $5 admission.
Wolff's Flea Market
According to Ron Slattery, this is the best of the best. It's a true flea market (with everything from socks to furniture), rather than a curated antique fair. Located in Rosemont at the Allstate Arena, it takes place most Saturdays and Sundays from May through October, $1 admission.
See the full list of flea markets here and read the accompanying article here. You can also check out expert scavenger Ron Slattery's renowned collection of found photographs online at bighappyfunhouse.com.
Photos: Chicago Antique Market via AT:Chicago
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If would have been could if you included the addresses directly in this post, for convenient printing...
I've been meaning to check out Wolff's for a while. has anyone been?
I noticed they missed the flea market I grew up going to: Montana Charlie's! It's on Joliet Rd right off 55/355. I haven't been in almost 20 years or so, but when I was a little girl we adopted a kitten we named Charlie from there. I loved going there as a kid and still drive by it all the time when I'm visiting my parents.
http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com/2007/08/montana-charlies-little-america-flea.html
Flea markets are a great place to find affordable art!
http://www.thesalerack.blogspot.com/
I was disappointed with the Chicago Antique Market. I found the vendors to be rude and the merchandise overpriced.
Wolff's is great, and with a little work you can find some great deals mixed in with the yard sale and dollar store type stuff. I have a friend who used to be an antiques dealer who says a lot of the vendors at the Chicago Antique Market and other markets in the city buy their stuff at Wolff's cheap and then mark it up 1000% to resell in the city.
Thanks for the link, AT.
Eve, you can find (and print) the Reader's list with addresses from here: http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/masterofmarkets/guide/
The list is Ron Slattery's faves, not all markets in the area.
Thanks! And I meant "cool" not "could" :p
i'm reluctant to share the secret, but i can't believe the reader didn't include st. peter's barn sale! it's a one-weekend-only deal, but it is absolutely incredible.
http://www.stpeterbarnsale.com/
everything is priced to go in the truest sense of the phrase: case in point, my friend furnished her entire living room (impeccably, i might add)--two chairs, sofa, coffee table, two end tables, killer lamp--for $48. yes, i said $38.
HUGE selection across all categories--get there early for the best of the best, but there's PLENTY to snag later in the day as well.
yikes--i realize that was confusing. the correct living-room-furnishing total was $48. (and yes, this time i did in fact say "$48.")
Hey-if anyone sees this comment, please call Wolff's Flea Market at 847-524-9590 and we will tell you how to get free customer admission to our Rosemont or Palatine Market.