Community Corner
GREAT ESCAPE: Hunting for Bargains at the San Jose Flea Market
Whether you're shopping, eating, or people-watching, the San Jose Flea Market is a great way to spend the day.
In these tough economic times, everyone’s looking for a sweet deal. And where better to look than at the San Jose Flea Market? Here, shoppers have been seeking unique items on the cheap for more than a half century. In operation five days a week, “The Flea” is one of the biggest swap meets in the Bay Area, with plenty of vendors, food, fresh produce and fun for families to be found.
What to do here: As with any flea market, there is a little bit of everything: from antique to oddball to extremely inexpensive. Need a vacuum cleaner, a bird cage, a hammer or a set of dishes? How about World War II memorabilia, collectible comic books, a vintage sewing machine or old farm implements?
Not only are there used wares for sale, but some vendors specialize in new items like jewelry, clothing and beauty products, just to name a few. And an enormous farmer’s market is also part of the flea market scene.
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Why we like it: Whether you’re bargain hunting or just browsing, the San Jose Flea Market is a great way to spend the day. Part of the fun is seeing what kind of off-the-wall things that vendors are selling, and the people-watching at the flea market is a kick.
And if you’re on a tight budget, there’s nowhere better to find used clothing, toys, household items and furniture, going for a fraction of the cost of new stuff. If you’re looking to sell and make a little pocket change, watch the event calendar on the flea market website for upcoming free seller days.
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If you’re looking for the day with the most variety, then Sunday is the time to go, with some 1,500 vendors on the grounds. Prefer it less crowded? Then go on a weekday, when there will be fewer stalls to peruse, but more room to maneuver.
And even more to like: A newly installed FunZone area for families offers rides, including a Ferris wheel, an antique merry-go-round, and bounce houses. You’ll also see performers singing mariachi and acapella oldies at the markets on a regular basis.
The flea market also hosts numerous special events each year, including Circus Vargas this week, Aug. 11-15, and the Children’s Summer Funfest at the end of the month. The kids’ events Aug. 27-28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., will feature a variety of science-oriented events ranging from making your own glow-in-the-dark slime to a reptile petting zoo, in addition to live family-style entertainment.
About the San Jose Flea Market: The San Jose Flea Market got its start in 1960, the brainchild of George Bumb, who got the idea to resell usable items after working at a landfill. He started the flea market on what was then a narrow country lane surrounded by orchards, and right away drew attention for his unique enterprise.
Today’s San Jose Flea Market now spans more than 120 acres and hosts hundreds of vendors, and boasts a wide range of eateries offering everything from barbecued ribs to ice cream. More than 4 million people visit the San Jose Flea Market each year — a far cry from the first one, which drew about 100 curious visitors.
Directions and phone: The flea market is open daily, Wednesday through Sunday from dawn to dusk; hours may vary on holidays. Admission is free with paid parking, $5 per car Saturdays and Sundays, and $2 Wednesdays and Fridays. (People who walk in without a vehicle may be charged a small fee to enter.)
The San Jose Flea Market is located at 1590 Berryessa Road, San Jose. Information: (408) 453-1110 or www.sjfm.com.
