Dubbed “The Largest Antique Show in Northern California”, the Alameda Point Antiques Faire (often incorrectly spelled “Alameda Antiques Fair”) is known as the go-to place for all antiques and vintage lovers in the San Francisco Bay Area and California. Thanks to its strict selection of vendors, Alameda Point Antiques Faire is more than just a flea market, although many simply call it Alameda Flea Market.
The reason behind the success of the Alameda Flea Market: Only vendors selling stock older than two decades are allowed to bring their merchandise to the fairgrounds. Located in the San Francisco Bay on Alameda island, just off the coast from Oakland, Alameda Point Antique Fair is held on the Alameda Naval Air Station on the first Sunday of the month.
⚠ COVID-19: Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, show schedules might be subject to change. Please consult promoter’s social media and website before heading out. COVID-19 live updates
Similar to TreasureFest, the Alameda flea market offers scenic views of the San Francisco Bay, with the San Francisco skyline as a backdrop, but with more authentic vintage and antique merchandise on offer. The Alameda Flea Market is by far one of the best flea markets in California and it also deserves its title as one of the best flea markets in the United States to find vintage and antiques.
Bay Area antiques at the Alameda flea market
The Alameda Point Antiques Fair is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind pieces to give an individual touch to your home. Unique antiques and vintage furniture – including stunning mid-century furniture – are the norm at this market, along with vintage rugs, second-hand shoes, vintage fashion, jewelry, wall sconces, vinyl records and a long list of antique odds and ends.
Located at the former Alameda Naval Air Station, the Alameda Point Antiques & Collectibles Fair unfolds on the former airplane runways. Possibly the most popular Antiques Fair in California, each monthly event attracts over 10,000 visitors and 800 antique dealers from Northern California and beyond. Twice a year, the Alameda Flea Market also hosts a vintage fashion fair, featuring fashion from every decade. This is a must-see event for Bay Area residents who love vintage fashion and it is usually held in May and September.
Alameda Point Antiques Faire vs Alameda Swap Meet
One more thing: be careful not to confuse the Alameda Point Antiques Faire with the Alameda Swap Meet. Indeed, contrary to what their name may imply, these two markets could not be more different from each other. While the former is truly dedicated to the sale of vintage and antique items, the Alameda Swap Meet is more like a market where you can find fresh produce or surplus consumer goods. At the Alameda Swap Meet you can find apparel, piñatas, toys, pets, jewelry, massages, snacks, groceries, relics, window tinting, accessories, party decoration, ornaments, and the list goes on. So we are very far from the spirit of antique shops and objects proposed by the Alameda Point Antiques Faire.
Another important point, and not negligible, is that the Alameda Point Antiques Faire and the Alameda Swap Meet are not at all located in the same place. Not even in the same city! While the first one is located on the San Francisco Bay, the second one is based in Los Angeles, 380 miles away. So before you get in your car, make sure you’ve entered the right destination into your GPS.
7 tips to make the most of a shopping trip to the Alameda Point Antiques Faire:
- Go there early to ditch the traffic jams and find treasures before thousands of other visitors arrive at the Alameda naval base. If it is your first time, be prepared to spend at least 5 to 6 hours exploring the stalls, stunned by the sheer choice of merchandise.
- The Alameda Flea Market is huge, so wear comfy shoes and take a break at one (or several) of the many food trucks on site.
- The Alameda Flea Market is cash only, so come prepared. The ATMs on-site charge an extra fee.
- If you go there at 3 pm, admission is free, but vendors may be already packing up. The choice will be diminished, but you might be able to score bargains because many vendors prefer to give discounts rather than take their merchandise back home.
- If you come by car, you should be aware that traffic can be pretty congested. The organizers of Alameda Point Antiques & Collectibles Fair recommend several alternate routes. There is free parking available with a shuttle service from the parking to the entrance, but you might want to consider taking public transport to the former naval base.
- Check the weather forecast before you head to Alameda Island. On a rainy day many vendors do not attend or pack up early, so the choice of merchandise will be limited.
- Take advantage of the shopping cart rental or the courtesy flat carts if you plan to stock up on plenty of vintage and antique treasures.
Alameda Point Antiques Faire (Alameda Flea Market), Oakland
Directions: Alameda Naval Air Station, 2900 Navy Way, Alameda, CA 94501
Schedule: First Sunday of the Month | 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Admission: $5 to $15
Read: Review of the Alameda Flea Market on our interactive map of the world’s best flea markets
Overview: The best flea markets in the San Francisco Bay Area >>
