For antique enthusiasts, summer marks the beginning of an exhilarating season packed with opportunities to uncover hidden gems. Picture the quaint fields of New England, where charming local fairs revive history and create a vibrant backdrop for exploration. Then, imagine the expansive markets of the South, bustling with vendors showcasing an array of vintage wares.
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Embark on an unforgettable journey through America’s rich past when traveling by checking out this list of shows and events. Each stop promises a captivating blend of history and culture, complemented by nearby museums and landmarks that will enhance your experience.
Your summer road trip isn’t just a drive; it’s an invitation to dive into an adventure filled with hidden gems and delightful discoveries. So, gather your loved ones or fellow antiquers, buckle up, and get ready to uncover the captivating allure of history, one fascinating mile at a time!
Northeast
Brimfield Antique Flea Markets – Brimfield, MA
https://www.brimfieldantiqueweek.com/
Upcoming 2025 Shows: July 8-13 and September 2-7
One of the largest and best-known sets of antique shows in the country. Nineteen show fields along Route 20 with thousands of dealers.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries – Thomaston, ME
https://www.thomastonauction.com
Tuesdays: Free appraisal days!
June 27-29: Summer Splendor Feature Auction
August 29-31: Summer Grandeur Feature Auction
The Newport Show – Newport, RI
https://www.thenewportshow.com
July 26 & 27: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Enjoy the Newport “Vibe” at the country’s first luxury benefit show featuring antiques, art, and exquisite objects.
Morphy Auctions – Denver, PA
One of the largest under-roof auction houses in the country, spanning over 45,000 sq. ft.
June 2025: Auctions include Toys and General Collectibles; Fine & Decorative Arts.
July: Old West Auction in Santa Fe, NM, and Automobilia & Petroliana.
August: Soda Pop, Advertising, & General Store.
Stormville Airport Antique Show & Flea Market – Stormville, NY
July 5 and August 30-31
https://www.stormvilleairportfleamarkets.com
Celebrate summer with a stop at this high-energy flea market on a Hudson Valley airfield – 400+ vendors. Celebrating 55 Years! Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine
Northeast Destinations:
• Historic New England – Throughout New England
https://www.historicnewengland.org
Historic New England is one of the most comprehensive independent preservation organizations in the United States. We welcome the public to thirty-eight exceptional museums and landscapes, operate a major collections and archives center, and protect 126 privately owned historic properties in the region through a preservation easement program.
• Corning Museum of Glass – Corning, NY
Dedicated to the art, history, and science of glass. It was founded in 1951 by Corning Glass Works and currently houses a collection of over 50,000 glass objects, including some that are more than 3,500 years old.
• Springfield Museums – Springfield, MA
The Quadrangle in downtown Springfield offers 5 museums in 1 place for visitors of all ages, including: the Amazing world of Dr. Seuss Museum; the GWVS Art Museum; Springfield Science Museum; the D’Amour Museum of fine art, and the Wood Museum of Springfield History.
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Midwest
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Kane County Flea Market – St. Charles, IL
https://www.kanecountyfleamarket.com
“Best in the Midwest” for a reason – this multi-building, open-air fairground makes the full-year season accessible and easy to shop!
Open the first Saturday (Noon to 5 p.m.) and Sunday (7 a.m. to 4 p.m.) of each month from March through December.
Michigan Antique Festivals – Midland, MI
May 31-June 1 and September 27-28
https://www.miantiquefestival.com
The state’s largest antique market and the host of Mid-Michigan’s biggest classic car show & swap meet.
Elkhorn Antique Flea Market – Elkhorn, WI
June 29, August 10, and September 28
Over 500 Vendors selling everything from farm tools, enamelware, rustic primitives, and more in this tree-lined outdoor market.
Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market – Springfield, OH
June 21-22 and August 16-17
Vintage fashion, signs, garden décor, and more across this large-scale fairground event. Extravaganza takes place September 19-21.
Midwest Destinations:
• Heart of Ohio Antique Center – Springfield, OH
https://www.heartofohioantiques.com
One of the largest indoor antique malls in the U.S., featuring over 650 dealers across 116,000 sq. ft.
• The Henry Ford Museum – Dearborn, MI
A vibrant exploration of genius in all its forms, the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation allows you to experience the strides of America’s greatest minds while fully immersing yourself in their stories. This summer celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act and an exhibit called Bicycles: Powering Possibilities.
• Driehaus Museum – Chicago, IL
The Museum is located just steps from the Magnificent Mile.
Its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions are housed at two historic landmark buildings, the 1883 Nickerson Mansion and the 1926 Murphy Auditorium. The Museum’s collection reflects and is inspired by the collecting interests, vision, and focus of its founder, the late Richard H. Driehaus.
Southeast
Scott Antique Markets – Atlanta, GA
https://www.scottantiquemarket.com
One of the biggest shows in the region. Thousands of booths, air-conditioned halls, and a designer’s dream.
Open the 2nd weekend of every month.
Nashville Flea Market – Nashville, TN
http://www.thefairgrounds.com/fleamarket
The Nashville Flea Market at The Fairgrounds Nashville is considered one of the top ten flea markets in the country. With over 300 vendors from 30 states offering their wares to the public every month, The Tennessee Magazine and Busy Bee Trader continue to vote the Nashville Flea Market as the #1 Flea Market in Tennessee.
Open the last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of each month.
Southeast Destinations:
• The Country Music Hall of Fame – Nashville, TN
https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org
Explore “the House Country Music Built” in the heart of downtown Nashville. This amazing Hall of Fame and Museum collects, preserves, and interprets the evolving history and traditions of country music.
• The Charleston Museum – Charleston, SC
https://www.charlestonmuseum.org
Founded in 1773 and commonly regarded as “America’s First Museum,” the Museum focuses on the South Carolina Lowcountry, modern collecting emphases include natural history, historical material culture, and both documentary and photographic resources.
• Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery, Atlanta, GA
This full-service auction house is credited with finding rare examples of decorative arts items and exquisite antiques.
South/West
First Monday Trade Days – Canton, TX
https://www.firstmondaycanton.com
Texas-sized treasures on over 100 acres. Get lost in one of the nation’s largest open-air markets.
Open May 29-June 1; July 3-6; July 31-August 3, August 28-31, and the first weekend year-round.
Alameda Point Antiques Faire – Alameda, CA
https://alamedapointantiquesfaire.com
San Francisco Bay backdrop. Great for retro design, vintage fashion, and California cool.
Open the first Sunday of every month: June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7, etc.
Old West Events Show – Santa Fe, NM
June 21-22
Consisting of a weekend dealer show and sale, along with exciting live evening auctions, the events showcase the best authentic cowboy, Indian, and Western art, antiques, and artifacts available for public sale.
Great Southwestern Antique Show – Albuquerque, NM
August 2-3
Hot days and cool nights in the land of the Sun. Twenty-five years of providing quality art and antiques from around the world and charitable funding to local non-profits.
South/West Destinations
• Palace of the Governors – Santa Fe, NM
https://www.nmhistorymuseum.org
Situated on the north side of the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the Palace of the Governors is a beloved icon, complex symbol, and anchor for the New Mexico History Museum. Dating back to 1610, the Palace is the oldest public building in continuous use constructed by European settlers in the continental United States. Summer Hours: 7-days-a-week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays open until 7 p.m.
• Neon Museum Las Vegas – Las Vegas, NV
The Neon Museum illuminates the cultural essence of Las Vegas by sharing iconic signage, diverse collections, and stories that define its vibrant past, present, and future. They offer guided tours, Neon Night Flight tour, and more. Open Year Round right on the Las Vegas Boulevard.
• National Museum of WWII Aviation – Colorado Springs, CO
The National Museum of WWII Aviation is to provide unique educational experiences that promote a deeper understanding of the historical importance of American aviation in World War II and its role in shaping the world we live in today. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Packing Tips for the Perfect Market Tour
• Essentials: Notebook, tape measure, cash, snacks, water, sunscreen, and reusable bags.
• Pro Tip: Use AntiqueTrail.com and the Journal of Antiques & Collectibles Show Directory to plan around markets, museums, and roadside shops.
Make this a summer to remember!
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