Nestled on the vibrant campus of Los Angeles City College in East Hollywood, the LACC SWAP Meet stands as one of Los Angeles’s most beloved, accessible, and authentically community-driven weekend marketplaces. Every Saturday and Sunday, the college grounds transform into a bustling bazaar where hundreds of vendors gather to create an electric atmosphere of discovery, commerce, and genuine Los Angeles culture. From vintage fashion hunters to serious collectors, families seeking weekend adventures to entrepreneurs launching clothing lines, the LACC SWAP Meet welcomes all who appreciate affordable shopping, community spirit, and the thrill of finding unexpected treasures. Other excellent LA destinations include The Roadium Open Air Market and Topanga Vintage Market.
Essential Market Information
Location & Contact Details
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Name | LACC SWAP Meet |
| Venue | Los Angeles City College Campus |
| Address | 4133 Marathon St, Los Angeles, CA 90029 |
| Region | East Hollywood, Los Angeles |
| Scale | 200+ rotating vendors weekly |
| Admission | $2 regular entry; $5 Early Bird |
| Proceeds | Support LACC Foundation & student programs |
Weekly Schedule & Operating Hours
The LACC SWAP Meet maintains a convenient weekend-only schedule that has made it a Los Angeles institution:
| Day | Hours | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 9 AM – 3 PM | Open | Consistent weekly operation |
| Sunday | 9 AM – 3 PM | Open | Consistent weekly operation |
| Monday–Friday | Closed | — | Campus college operations |
| Early Bird Entry | Available daily | $5 admission | Access before 9 AM opening |
Unlike monthly markets that require advance planning, the LACC SWAP Meet operates every weekend, creating an accessible regular tradition for Los Angeles residents and visitors. This consistent schedule means you can visit based on spontaneous interest rather than pre-planned trips months in advance. The weekend timing accommodates working professionals, families, and students who can access the market without taking time off.
Early Bird Access For serious collectors, resellers, and dedicated vintage hunters, Early Bird entry at $5 provides access starting before the 9 AM general opening. This option gives priority browsing of newly displayed merchandise before general crowds arrive. Many experienced shoppers consider Early Bird entry worthwhile for accessing premium selections before general admission crowds claim the best items.
Getting to LACC SWAP Meet
Convenient Access & Multiple Transportation Options
The LACC SWAP Meet’s East Hollywood location offers exceptional accessibility through multiple transportation methods, making it reachable from across Los Angeles without requiring extensive planning or long travel times.
Parking & Costs On-site parking at the Marathon Street garage provides convenient, affordable vehicle access at just $5, which importantly includes one complimentary admission ticket. This parking arrangement effectively makes parking free when you account for the included admission an outstanding value in Los Angeles’s typically expensive parking environment. The garage’s direct proximity to the market entrance means short walks from parking to vendor areas, accommodating families with young children and those with mobility considerations.
Public Transportation The LACC SWAP Meet’s location provides exceptional public transit accessibility, a crucial advantage in Los Angeles’s car-dependent culture. The Metro Red Line Vermont/Santa Monica Station sits just a short walk from the college campus, making the market easily accessible for those using LA’s rapid transit system. Multiple bus routes serve the area, with connections throughout Los Angeles facilitating access from across the city. This public transportation accessibility is genuinely rare among major Los Angeles markets, making the LACC SWAP Meet particularly appealing for those without personal vehicles, those avoiding parking hassles, or those preferring public transit.
Rideshare Services Uber and Lyft drop-off zones accommodate rideshare vehicles, providing convenient options for those preferring not to drive or park. Rideshare costs in Los Angeles vary based on traffic and demand, but the elimination of parking logistics appeals to many urban shoppers. This option works particularly well for solo travelers or groups sharing ride costs.
Bike Access & Eco-Friendly Options The LACC SWAP Meet encourages sustainable transportation through available bike racks, appealing to environmentally conscious shoppers and those enjoying cycling in Los Angeles. For residents within a few miles of East Hollywood, cycling to the market offers a pleasant, zero-emission travel option. The neighborhood’s walkability and bike-friendly infrastructure support this transportation choice.
The Vibrant Vendor Ecosystem
200+ Rotating Vendors Creating Weekly Discovery
The LACC SWAP Meet’s defining characteristic is its diverse, rotating vendor base of approximately 200 merchants each weekend. This rotating vendor model where booth occupants change regularly ensures that each visit presents different merchandise selections, creating an atmosphere of continuous discovery. Regular attendees develop strategies for visiting frequently, knowing that new treasures emerge weekly alongside returning favorite vendors.
Vintage Clothing & Retro Fashion Multiple vendors specialize in vintage clothing spanning decades, with retro denim and authentic band tees representing particularly celebrated sections. 1970s bohemian wear, 1980s power pieces, 1990s grunge-era clothing, and contemporary vintage selections appeal to fashion enthusiasts across demographic groups.
Antiques & Collectibles Antique dealers rotate through the market bringing furniture, decorative accessories, vintage kitchenware, glassware, pottery, and collectible items spanning multiple eras. Mid-century modern furniture occasionally appears, attracting interior designers despite the LACC SWAP Meet’s more casual aesthetic than dedicated design-focused markets. Vintage home goods appeal to those furnishing apartments, adding character to existing spaces, or collecting specific categories.
Rare Vinyl Records & Music Memorabilia Music enthusiasts discover vinyl records across multiple genres, from rock and jazz to soul and independent releases. Record collectors hunt for specific albums or expanding curated collections.
LA Streetwear & Contemporary Designs Emerging designers and independent fashion entrepreneurs showcase locally created streetwear, custom t-shirts, limited-edition sneakers, and accessories. This category reflects Los Angeles’s vibrant streetwear and fashion design culture, offering opportunities to purchase directly from creators at prices reflecting production costs rather than retail markup.
Handmade Arts & Crafts Artisan vendors showcase original creations impossible to find elsewhere. Handcrafted jewelry, candles, prints, artwork, textile items, and decorative objects represent genuine creativity. These vendors provide opportunities to own original creations at prices significantly below commercial retail while directly supporting individual artists.
Home Goods & Household Essentials Practical vendors offer items for everyday living cookware, dishes, linens, storage solutions, cleaning supplies, and functional household items. These sections appeal to students furnishing dorms, young professionals establishing households, and budget-conscious shoppers seeking quality basics at economical prices.
Toys, Collectibles & Pop Culture Vintage toys, comic books, action figures, pop culture memorabilia, and collectible items appeal to those preserving nostalgic connections and those collecting specific categories or eras.
Understanding Vendor Participation & Booth Structure
| Vendor Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Weekly Vendors | ~200 rotating merchants |
| Booth Cost Structure | Reasonably priced (varies by size) |
| Vendor Types | Established dealers, emerging entrepreneurs, artisans, resellers |
| Application Process | Apply via official LACC SWAP Meet website |
| Load-in Rules | Check vendor registration section for specific deadlines |
| Community Focus | Proceeds support LACC Foundation & student programs |
The LACC SWAP Meet’s deliberate decision to keep vendor booth costs reasonable encourages participation from local entrepreneurs, emerging designers, craft makers, and independent sellers who might find costs prohibitive at other markets. This accessibility maintains the market’s authentic community character and ensures genuine diversity rather than dominated by established commercial dealers.
Interested vendors should visit the official LACC SWAP Meet website for detailed information about booth fees, load-in procedures, and application deadlines. The market actively seeks new vendors, making it accessible to those launching businesses or testing products.
Accommodation Options for Out-of-Town Visitors
Convenient Lodging in East Hollywood & Hollywood
Visitors traveling from beyond the Los Angeles area will find several hotel options within easy reach of the LACC SWAP Meet:
Hollywood Hotel This budget-friendly option sits just a 5-minute drive from the market, making it ideal for cost-conscious travelers prioritizing convenience. Its accessible location and economical pricing appeal particularly to younger travelers, budget-conscious shoppers, and those seeking straightforward, functional accommodation without premium pricing.
Kimpton Everly Hotel For those seeking a more upscale experience, this sophisticated property offers upscale accommodations with views of the iconic Hollywood Hills. Its modern design, full-service amenities, and prestigious location in Hollywood proper provide a premium contrast to the casual weekend market experience, creating a well-rounded Los Angeles visit.
Hampton Inn & Suites Los Angeles/Hollywood This comfortable, reliable property provides family-friendly accommodations with solid amenities appealing to those seeking trustworthy mid-range lodging. Its accessibility for families with children and straightforward service make it a dependable choice for group visits.
Hollywood Historic Hotel Uniquely positioned, this stylish, vintage-inspired property matches the LACC SWAP Meet’s aesthetic and cultural vibe. Its historic character and vintage-influenced design create thematic consistency for those wanting their entire Los Angeles visit to celebrate the city’s storied entertainment and cultural heritage.
All of these accommodations position visitors well to arrive early for weekend market hours, maximizing the Saturday or Sunday experience.
Standout Vendors & Local Favorites
Beloved Merchants & Specialty Booths
While the rotating vendor model means specific booth locations change weekly, certain vendor categories have developed devoted followings:
Retro Denim & Band Tees Specialists Vendors specializing in vintage denim and rare band merchandise have become local favorites. Their expertise about authenticity, fair pricing, and willingness to discuss pieces’ origins and cultural significance distinguish them from casual resellers. Fashion professionals and vintage enthusiasts make these booths destination shopping stops.
Antique & Collectible Dealers Established antique vendors bringing carefully curated selections have built loyal customer bases. Regular customers watch for these vendors’ rotation schedules, ensuring they don’t miss premium furniture, vinyl records, or vintage décor selections.
LA Streetwear Pop-ups Emerging designers and independent clothing creators showcase unique t-shirts, limited-edition sneakers, and accessories. These vendors have cultivated local followings through distinctive design aesthetics, quality construction, and competitive pricing. Supporting these emerging designers directly contributes to Los Angeles’s vibrant fashion scene.
Handmade Artisan Booths Jewelry makers, candle crafters, print artists, and other artisans have developed devoted customer bases through consistent quality, unique aesthetic vision, and accessible pricing. Regular attendees return specifically to visit favorite artisans, creating personal shopping traditions.
Making the Most of Your LACC SWAP Meet Experience
Essential Tips for Maximizing Your Visit
Whether visiting for the first time or a seasoned regular, these practical strategies enhance your shopping experience and increase the likelihood of finding desired items:
Arrive Early for Optimal Selection The best merchandise selections exist in the market’s opening hours. Arriving at 9 AM opening time (or earlier with Early Bird entry) gives you first access to newly displayed items before other shoppers claim them. .
Bring Adequate Cash for Maximum Flexibility While many vendors now accept digital payment methods including Venmo, CashApp, and Zelle, cash remains the most universally accepted and preferred payment method.
Carry Reusable Bags or a Small Cart The market’s affordability and abundance make multiple purchases highly likely. Without adequate carrying capacity, you’ll either limit purchases or exhaust yourself carrying heavy items.
Wear Extremely Comfortable Footwear The LACC SWAP Meet sprawls across the college campus with 200+ vendors distributed throughout. A thorough shopping visit easily involves several miles of walking across varied terrain. Comfortable, well-broken-in shoes with good arch support are essential.
Practice Respectful Negotiation Flea market tradition enthusiastically includes negotiation, particularly on higher-priced items or bulk purchases. Vendors expect reasonable haggling and often have pricing flexibility. Approach vendors respectfully, ask politely about pricing flexibility on items of interest, and be prepared for counter-offers. This interaction adds authenticity to the flea market experience and often rewards serious buyers with improved pricing.
Plan for Multiple Visits to Different Sections The market’s scale means you cannot adequately explore all vendors in a single visit. Identify priority sections based on your interests perhaps vintage clothing, records, or handmade crafts—and focus on those areas first when energy is highest.
Bring Sun Protection & Stay Hydrated The market operates in outdoor campus settings without extensive shade coverage. Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for UV protection. Los Angeles’s year-round sunshine means even mild-feeling mornings can lead to significant sun exposure during several-hour shopping visits.
Take Time for Genuine Exploration & Discovery Some of the market’s greatest treasures exist in less-trafficked vendor booths or are discovered through patient exploration. Avoid rushing through the market. Spend time in sections matching your genuine interests. Chat with vendors about their merchandise many possess fascinating knowledge about items’ origins, cultural significance, and authenticity.
Consider Visiting Multiple Weekends The rotating vendor model means each weekend offers genuinely different merchandise selections. If you fall in love with the market’s atmosphere and discover interesting categories, consider returning the following weekend or monthly to encounter new vendors and fresh selections.
Why the LACC SWAP Meet Stands Apart
Genuine Community Commitment & Social Impact
The LACC SWAP Meet distinguishes itself through its fundamental commitment to community beyond commercial transaction. Unlike markets purely driven by vendor profit, a significant portion of LACC SWAP Meet proceeds support the LACC Foundation and student programs. This model transforms shopping into community contribution every purchase helps support educational opportunities for Los Angeles students pursuing college degrees, creating meaningful social impact through everyday marketplace participation.
This community focus attracts socially conscious shoppers who appreciate contributing to educational access while shopping. It also draws students, families, and community members who feel personal investment in the market’s success through its educational mission.
Genuine Accessibility & Economic Inclusivity
The LACC SWAP Meet’s combination of affordable admission ($2), reasonable parking with admission inclusion ($5), public transit accessibility, and reasonable vendor booth costs creates true economic accessibility. Markets become genuinely accessible only when admission, parking, and transportation costs don’t exclude lower-income shoppers. The LACC SWAP Meet’s commitment to affordability ensures the market welcomes everyone regardless of financial circumstances.
This accessibility creates authentic demographic diversity young professionals, students, families, retirees, budget shoppers, and serious collectors all gather in genuine community. This economic inclusivity is increasingly rare and genuinely valuable in Los Angeles’s increasingly expensive commercial landscape.
Supporting Independent Entrepreneurs & Emerging Creators
The LACC SWAP Meet actively supports independent business owners, emerging entrepreneurs, and creative individuals building small businesses. Reasonable vendor booth costs make participation accessible to emerging designers launching clothing lines, artisans testing new products, and independent merchants building customer bases. Many successful Los Angeles businesses launched from LACC SWAP Meet vendor booths, creating pathways for economic mobility and creative entrepreneurship.
Supporting these independent vendors directly contributes to Los Angeles’s vibrant local economy while helping creative individuals build sustainable livelihoods. This vendor support function distinguishes the LACC SWAP Meet as more than shopping destination—it functions as economic infrastructure supporting community members.
Weekly Accessibility & Authentic Los Angeles Culture
The market’s weekend-only schedule creates genuine accessibility for Los Angeles residents without requiring extensive advance planning. Monthly markets demand calendar management and advance commitment. The LACC SWAP Meet’s weekly availability means you can visit based on spontaneous interest, incorporate it naturally into weekend routines, or visit multiple times monthly based on genuine interest rather than pre-planned schedules.
The market authentically reflects Los Angeles culture diverse, creative, commerce-driven, culturally dynamic, and perpetually forward-looking. Every demographic participates; every commercial category is represented; genuine community happens naturally without forced programming or artificial atmosphere creation.
Capturing Your LACC SWAP Meet Experience
Instagram-Worthy & Photogenic Moments
The LACC SWAP Meet overflows with visually captivating scenes perfect for photography and social media sharing:
Vintage Denim Walls & Rare Tees Stacked vintage denim and display walls of rare band merchandise create visually compelling, color-rich photographic compositions. The contrast between vintage pieces and natural light creates beautiful fashion photography.
Artisan Jewelry Setups Carefully arranged handmade jewelry displays showcase craftsmanship, design, and artistic vision. Close-up photography highlights detail and uniqueness of individual pieces.
Flat-Lay Shots of Vinyl & Thrift Finds Arranged photographs of records, vintage books, decorative items, and collected treasures create appealing flat-lay compositions. These styled photographs effectively convey the market’s treasure-hunting essence.
Street-Style-Inspired Outfits Candid photography of stylishly dressed shoppers sporting vintage finds, contemporary streetwear, and personally curated fashion creates authentic street-style documentation. The market naturally attracts fashion-forward individuals creating visually interesting scenes.
Bustling Crowd & Market Energy Wide shots capturing the market’s lively atmosphere, vendor engagement with customers, and palpable energy create context photography conveying the genuine community gathering aspect.
Golden Hour Light Late morning and early afternoon light creates beautiful photography conditions. The California sun enhances vintage merchandise aesthetics while creating warm, inviting imagery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule & Admission
Q: When is the LACC SWAP Meet open?
A: Every Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Q: How much is admission?
A: $2 for regular entry; $5 for Early Bird access (arrives before 9 AM opening).
Q: What is Early Bird admission worth?
A: Early Bird ($5) provides first access to merchandise before general crowds arrive, valuable for serious collectors and resellers hunting premium selections.
Parking & Transportation
Q: How much is parking?
A: $5 at the Marathon Street garage, which includes one free admission ticket.
Q: Is public transportation accessible?
A: Yes, the Metro Red Line Vermont/Santa Monica Station is within walking distance, plus multiple bus routes serve the area.
Q: Can I bike to the market?
A: Yes, bike racks are available on-site for secure bicycle parking.
Shopping & Merchandise
Q: What types of items are sold?
A: Vintage clothing, antiques, collectibles, records, LA streetwear, handmade crafts, home goods, toys, and much more.
Q: Does inventory change weekly?
A: Yes, with rotating vendors, each weekend features different merchandise selections and vendor booths.
Q: Do vendors accept credit cards?
A: Mostly cash, but many also accept Venmo, CashApp, Square, and Zelle.
Family & Pets
Q: Is the market family-friendly?
A: Yes, families and strollers are welcome. It’s an accessible, welcoming environment for all ages.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Yes, pets are permitted but must be leashed and well-behaved.
Vendor & Business
Q: How do I become a vendor?
A: Apply via the official LACC SWAP Meet website. Check the site for booth fees, load-in rules, and application deadlines.
Q: Are vendor booth costs affordable?
A: Yes, the market keeps booth costs reasonably priced to encourage local entrepreneurs and independent sellers.
Final Thoughts
The LACC SWAP Meet blends affordability, culture, and community into one of LA’s best weekend activities. Whether you’re thrifting for fashion, browsing antiques, or hunting for unique finds, the market guarantees surprises at every visit. With convenient parking, easy Metro access, and proceeds going toward student support, this swap meet is more than just shopping; it’s a tradition that celebrates the diverse heart of Los Angeles. Looking for the best flea market finds in the Golden State? Browse our ultimate guide to California flea markets to uncover local treasures, vintage deals, and markets worth a road trip.
