Nestled in the heart of Long Beach at the historic Veterans Memorial Stadium, the Long Beach Flea Market stands as one of Southern California’s most celebrated and anticipated shopping events. This massive monthly gathering has evolved into a cultural phenomenon that draws thousands of treasure hunters, vintage enthusiasts, serious collectors, fashion-forward shoppers, and casual bargain seekers from across the region and beyond. What began as a community marketplace has blossomed into an internationally recognized antique and collectible destination, earning its reputation as one of the finest flea markets in the entire nation. Many SoCal collectors also visit Rose Bowl Flea’s monthly event or drop by the Melrose Sunday market for trendier finds.
The Long Beach Flea Market represents more than a shopping opportunity it’s a celebration of history, creativity, and the thrill of discovery. With over 800 vendors converging monthly to showcase carefully curated collections from across the country, the market creates an atmosphere buzzing with energy, possibility, and endless surprises. Interior designers hunt for mid-century modern treasures, fashion stylists scout vintage clothing selections, collectors pursue rare finds, and everyday shoppers explore the amazing variety seeking hidden gems at unbeatable prices.
Essential Market Information
Location & Contact Details
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Name | Long Beach Flea Market |
| Venue | Veterans Memorial Stadium |
| Address | 4901 E Conant St, Long Beach, CA 90808 |
| Phone | (323) 655-5703 |
| Region | Long Beach, Southern California |
| Admission | Free Entry (with optional paid early-bird admission) |
| Scale | 800+ vendors, 10+ acres of merchandise |
Schedule & Operating Hours
The Long Beach Flea Market maintains a monthly schedule that allows visitors to plan accordingly:
| Event Type | Frequency | Date & Time |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Market Hours | Every third Sunday of the month | 5:30 AM – 2 PM |
| Early Bird Admission | Available (check for specific pricing) | 5:00 AM – 5:30 AM |
| General Admission | Begins | 5:30 AM |
| Market Closing | Standard | 2:00 PM |
Important Note: The Long Beach Flea Market operates exclusively on the third Sunday of each month. This focused schedule has created an eagerly anticipated monthly tradition where collectors mark their calendars and return consistently. Mark your calendar in advance, as the event’s popularity means large crowds can gather even before official opening times.
Getting to Long Beach Flea Market
Multiple Transportation Options
The Long Beach Flea Market’s strategic location and excellent accessibility make reaching the venue straightforward, whether you’re traveling locally or coming from across Southern California.
Driving & Parking The Veterans Memorial Stadium location offers exceptional freeway accessibility, positioned conveniently near both the 405 and 605 freeways. Ample on-site parking is available, making vehicle access stress-free. Arrive early to secure parking closest to the main entrances, as prime spots fill quickly once the market opens.
Public Transportation Long Beach Transit bus routes 101 and 102 stop in close proximity to Veterans Memorial Stadium, providing convenient public transit access for those without personal vehicles. These established bus routes connect to other Long Beach transportation hubs, making multi-connection journeys possible from throughout Los Angeles County.
Rideshare Services Uber and Lyft have established dedicated pickup and drop-off zones at the stadium, allowing seamless rideshare access.
Walking & Local Access For Long Beach residents living within walking or biking distance of the stadium, the market offers convenient local accessibility.
The Legendary Vendors & Merchandise
800+ Vendors of Extraordinary Diversity
The Long Beach Flea Market’s defining characteristic is its remarkable scale and the extraordinary diversity of merchandise represented by its 800+ vendors. This vendor ecosystem creates a marketplace where nearly any collectible, vintage item, antique, or unique treasure can be discovered.
Antique Furniture & Home Décor Multiple vendors specialize in furniture spanning decades, from Victorian-era pieces to contemporary vintage styles. Collectors seeking statement furniture, designers hunting for inspirational pieces, and homeowners furnishing new spaces all find exceptional options.
Vintage Clothing & Fashion Accessories Fashion-forward shoppers and vintage clothing enthusiasts flock to the clothing vendors showcasing carefully curated selections from multiple decades. Retro dresses, designer pieces from past decades, authentic vintage band tees, leather jackets, cowboy boots, and statement accessories reflect both high fashion and everyday vintage wear.
Rare Books, Records & Collectibles Music enthusiasts and literary collectors discover vinyl records spanning every genre rock, jazz, classical, country, soul, and obscure independent releases. Original album artwork, first editions, and collector-grade records attract serious enthusiasts seeking specific titles or expanding curated collections.
Handmade Crafts & Art Pieces Regional artists and independent crafters showcase original creations impossible to find elsewhere. Hand-painted ceramics, jewelry crafted by artisans, sculptural pieces, textile art, photography, and unique decorative items represent genuine creativity.
Mid-Century Modern & Iconic Design Design enthusiasts and interior designers converge on vendors specializing in mid-century modern furniture, lighting, and accessories. Eames-style chairs, Danish teak cabinets, retro lamps, atomic-age decorative objects, and period-specific design pieces appeal to those seeking authentic vintage design or inspired reproductions.
Understanding Vendor Spaces & Pricing
| Vendor Space Type | Approximate Cost | Size & Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Booth | ~$95 | Regular floor space, standard visibility |
| Corner Booth | $120+ | Premium location, increased customer traffic |
| Double Space | $180+ | Larger footprint for extensive inventory |
| Premium Locations | Variable | High-traffic areas, prime positioning |
Vendor costs are structured to accommodate businesses of all sizes, from large established antique dealers to individual crafters and small vendors. Premium corner locations command higher rates due to increased customer foot traffic and visibility, making them attractive for vendors with popular merchandise or those prioritizing maximum exposure.
Accommodation Options for Out-of-Town Visitors
Convenient Lodging Near the Market
For visitors traveling from outside the Long Beach area, several hotel options provide comfortable accommodations within convenient proximity to Veterans Memorial Stadium:
Courtyard by Marriott Long Beach Airport This modern, well-appointed hotel offers comfortable rooms and contemporary amenities just minutes from the market venue. The professional service and reliable quality make it an excellent choice for visitors seeking straightforward, comfortable accommodation. Its proximity to Long Beach Airport makes it convenient for those flying into the region, while its proximity to the market keeps travel time minimal.
Holiday Inn Long Beach Airport Popular with families and regional travelers, this hotel provides affordable, convenient lodging with family-friendly amenities. Its mid-range pricing and reliable service appeal to budget-conscious visitors seeking decent accommodations without premium pricing.
The Westin Long Beach For those seeking a more upscale experience, this premium hotel located closer to downtown Long Beach offers sophisticated accommodations, excellent restaurants, and comprehensive amenities. Its location provides access to downtown Long Beach attractions, shopping, and dining in addition to convenient market access.
Additional Options Long Beach’s status as a major Southern California destination means numerous additional hotels exist at various price points throughout the city. Extended Stay America locations offer budget-friendly alternatives, while downtown Long Beach features various boutique hotels and additional mid-range options.
All of these accommodations position visitors well to arrive at the market during its early-morning opening hours on the third Sunday of the month.
Standout Vendors & Specialty Booths
Beloved Regulars & Monthly Traditions
The Long Beach Flea Market’s greatest vendors have become legendary among regular shoppers. These established dealers have cultivated loyal followings by consistently offering quality merchandise, fair pricing, and genuine expertise. Monthly visitors often structure their visits around visiting favorite vendors, creating personal shopping traditions.
Mid-Century Modern Specialists Certain vendors have become known for their exceptional mid-century modern inventory. These dealers understand design history, source quality pieces, and educate customers about authenticity and value. Their booths become destination shopping spots for designers and collectors.
Vintage Fashion Curators Several vendors have earned reputations for impeccable vintage clothing selections. Their carefully edited collections reflect eye for quality, understanding of fashion history, and ability to identify pieces that transcend trendy to become timeless. Fashion stylists and style-conscious shoppers prioritize visiting these specific booths.
Industrial & Architectural Salvage Vendors specializing in reclaimed architectural elements, vintage machinery, and industrial materials attract creative individuals and professionals seeking distinctive materials. These dealers often source items from demolished buildings and factory closures, creating unique inventory.
Retro Record Dealers Several vendors have become famous for extensive vinyl collections and expertise about specific genres or eras. Music enthusiasts return monthly searching for specific albums or discovering new additions to their collections.
Art & Handcraft Artisans Established artists and crafters have created devoted customer bases through consistent quality and unique aesthetic. These vendors often sell out of popular pieces, creating buzz among regular attendees.
Maximizing Your Long Beach Flea Market Experience
Essential Tips for Every Visitor
Whether visiting for the first time or the fiftieth, these practical strategies enhance your shopping experience and maximize the value of your visit:
Arrive Early for Optimal Selection & Parking Early-bird admission (typically starting around 5 AM, though confirm exact timing when planning) offers advantages that justify the effort. At opening time, vendor booths are fully stocked with merchandise at peak selection. The crowds are manageable, allowing unhurried browsing and genuine decision-making.
Bring Substantial Cash & Small Bills While an increasing number of vendors accept credit cards through mobile payment systems, cash remains the preferred and most universally accepted payment method. Having cash enables negotiation vendors often offer slightly better prices for cash sales.
Wear Supportive, Broken-In Shoes The Long Beach Flea Market sprawls across roughly 10 acres with 800+ vendor booths distributed throughout. A thorough shopping visit easily involves several miles of walking across varied terrain. Well-worn, comfortable shoes with good arch support are essential. New shoes may cause blistering and discomfort during extended shopping. Supportive athletic shoes or broken-in casual shoes prove far superior to fashion footwear for the actual market experience.
Plan Multiple Visits to Favorite Sections The market’s enormous scale means you cannot adequately explore all vendors in a single visit. Identify priority sections based on your interests perhaps mid-century modern furniture, vintage clothing, or records and focus on those areas first when energy is highest. Plan follow-up visits to other sections if time permits.
Bring Bags, Carts, or Plan for Purchases The market’s abundance makes multiple purchases likely. Without adequate carrying capacity, you’ll either limit purchases or exhaust yourself carrying heavy items. Reusable shopping bags, a backpack, or a small folding cart solves this problem elegantly. Many vendors recommend bringing carts, as they enable transporting larger furniture or bulky items to vehicles.
Bring Sun Protection & Check Weather Conditions The market operates year-round in Southern California’s varied climate. Early Sunday morning shopping means exposure to emerging sun as the day progresses. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats protect against UV exposure.
Negotiate Respectfully – It’s Part of the Culture Flea market tradition includes negotiation, particularly on higher-priced items or bulk purchases. Vendors expect reasonable haggling and often have flexibility on pricing. Approach respectfully, ask politely about pricing flexibility, and be prepared for counter-offers. This interaction adds authenticity to the flea market experience.
Take Time to Discover Hidden Gems Some of the market’s greatest treasures are tucked away in less-trafficked vendor booths or discovered through patient exploration. Avoid rushing through the market. Spend time in sections matching your interests. Chat with vendors about their merchandise many possess fascinating knowledge about items’ origins, authenticity, and value.
Why Long Beach Flea Market Transcends Typical Shopping
A Cultural Institution & Community Experience
The Long Beach Flea Market evolved beyond commercial transaction into a genuine cultural gathering where multiple communities converge. Interior designers collaborating with stylists scout pieces for high-end projects. Fashion professionals hunt for unique pieces for clients and personal collections. Collectors pursue items completing lifelong quests.
The market reflects Southern California’s character diverse, creative, historically conscious, and perpetually forward-looking. Visitors encounter people from across the socioeconomic spectrum united by appreciation for quality, history, and discovery.
Supporting Vendors & Independent Merchants
Money spent at the Long Beach Flea Market directly supports independent dealers, small business owners, regional vendors, and individual merchants. Unlike corporate retail, flea market purchases benefit people invested in their merchandise and communities. Vendors often specialize in specific areas mid-century modern, vintage fashion, architectural salvage allowing them to develop genuine expertise and curated collections. Supporting these businesses preserves cultural knowledge, maintains vintage goods in circulation, and sustains livelihoods built on passion and expertise.
Sustainability Through Thoughtful Reuse
The Long Beach Flea Market advances environmental sustainability by extending the commercial life of existing goods. Rather than new production creating resource consumption and waste, vintage goods enjoy second, third, or fourth lives. Furniture remains in use decades after creation. Clothing gets reworn by new owners appreciating quality and style. Books find readers who value their content. Electronics continue functioning for new users. This thoughtful reuse contrasts sharply with disposable consumer culture, making flea market shopping a form of environmental stewardship.
Accessibility of Quality & Authenticity
The Long Beach Flea Market democratizes access to quality, authentic goods that might otherwise be affordable only to those with substantial financial resources. A young couple furnishing their first home can purchase quality mid-century furniture at fraction of contemporary furniture prices. Fashion enthusiasts can build wardrobes with designer vintage pieces at reasonable costs. Collectors can develop comprehensive collections within realistic budgets. This accessibility means excellent goods reach people who genuinely appreciate and use them.
Capturing Your Long Beach Experience
Instagram-Worthy Market Moments
The Long Beach Flea Market overflows with visually captivating scenes perfect for photography and social sharing:
Colorful Vintage Furniture Displays Stacked chairs, arranged shelving units, and arranged furniture create visually compelling compositions. The contrast between weathered vintage pieces and fresh morning light creates beautiful photography.
Fashion-Forward Clothing Racks Vintage dresses, retro jackets, and carefully arranged fashion pieces create color-rich photographic opportunities. Close-up photography of unique garments showcases detail and craftsmanship.
Mid-Century Modern Design Pieces Clean-lined furniture, iconic lighting, and sculptural décor pieces shine in market photography. Styling shots of design pieces together create aspirational imagery.
Stadium Entrance & Palm Tree Backdrop The Veterans Memorial Stadium setting with California palm trees provides distinctive Southern California character. Wide shots capturing the market’s scale and atmosphere create context photography.
Shoppers with Cart-Loads of Treasures Candid shots of excited visitors with carts full of finds capture the market’s genuine spirit and energy. Authentic moments of discovery and excitement convey the shopping experience authentically.
Detailed Close-Ups Vintage jewelry, retro accessories, decorative objects, and distinctive items photograph beautifully in detail. These close-up shots highlight merchandise quality and craftsmanship.
Golden Hour Light The early morning hours provide soft, warm light creating beautiful photography conditions. Sunrise light over vendor booths creates photogenic atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule & Admission
Q: What days is the Long Beach Flea Market open?
A: It operates on the third Sunday of every month from 5:30 AM to 2 PM.
Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: General admission is free. Optional paid early-bird admission may be available check when planning.
Q: What is early-bird admission and is it worth the cost?
A: Early admission (typically around 5 AM) provides first access to merchandise and parking. Serious collectors find it worthwhile.
Merchandise & Shopping
Q: What types of items are sold at the market?
A: Antiques, vintage furniture, clothing, records, collectibles, jewelry, mid-century modern pieces, handcrafted goods, and much more.
Q: Does inventory change between markets?
A: Yes, vendors rotate inventory monthly, offering different selections each event.
Q: Can I find specific items or request vendors?
A: Call (323) 655-5703 to inquire about specific merchandise or vendors.
Practical Information
Q: Are pets allowed at the market?
A: No, except for certified service animals.
Q: Do vendors accept credit cards?
A: Some do, but cash is strongly recommended as the preferred payment method.
Q: Are there food vendors at the market?
A: Yes, food stalls serve snacks, drinks, beverages, and meals throughout the day.
Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, ample on-site parking is available. Arrive early for optimal spots.
Vendor Information
Q: How much does a vendor booth cost?
A: Standard booths start around $95, with premium locations costing more.
Q: How can I become a vendor?
A: Contact the market at (323) 655-5703 for vendor application and setup information.
Exploring Southern California’s Flea Market Culture
The Long Beach Flea Market ranks among Southern California’s premier antique and vintage destinations, but the region offers additional excellent options for flea market enthusiasts:
Rose Bowl Flea Market Located in Pasadena and held monthly, this iconic market features over 2,500 vendors, making it one of California’s largest flea markets. Its scope and vendor diversity provide a different experience from Long Beach’s focused monthly gathering.
PCC Pasadena Flea Market Hosted by Pasadena City College, this monthly event features 400+ vendors specializing in antiques, collectibles, and vinyl records. Its strong vinyl record section appeals particularly to music collectors.
Melrose Flea Market – LA Sundays This weekly market in central Los Angeles offers regular shopping opportunities for those unable to wait for monthly events, featuring trendier finds and contemporary vintage.
Exploring multiple markets reveals regional differences in merchandise, vendor specialization, and community character across Southern California’s vibrant flea market culture.
Final Thoughts: Why Long Beach Flea Market Matters
The Long Beach Flea Market stands as more than a shopping destination it’s a Southern California institution, a cultural gathering place, and a celebration of history, creativity, and discovery. With 800+ vendors gathered monthly at the historic Veterans Memorial Stadium, the market creates an atmosphere of possibility where treasures await discovery and authentic community spirit flourishes. Plan your next outing across California Flea Markets.
The market’s enduring popularity among designers, collectors, families, and casual shoppers reflects its commitment to maintaining accessibility, diversity, and authenticity in an increasingly homogenized retail landscape. In an era of e-commerce convenience and corporate chain dominance, the Long Beach Flea Market preserves the genuine human-centered marketplace experience where negotiation happens, stories emerge, expertise matters, and discovery remains possible.
Plan your visit for the third Sunday of the month. Arrive early with comfortable shoes and cash. Open your mind to possibility and your eyes to treasure. Whether you leave with a specific item you’ve been seeking or unexpected discoveries you didn’t know existed, you’ll understand why the Long Beach Flea Market has earned its legendary status in Southern California’s vintage culture.
The market awaits you at 4901 E Conant St, Long Beach. See you on the third Sunday!
