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Alameda Point Antiques Faire
Categories: Shopping Antiques Shopping Fashion Used, Vintage & Consignment Antiques, Used, Vintage & Consignment [Edit]
2900 Navy WayAlameda, CA 94501
(510) 522-7500
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
$99 for $149 Certificate
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174 reviews for Alameda Point Antiques Faire
Review Highlights
"The first Sunday of every month."
(in 12 reviews)
"I love love love this Antique flea market."
(in 44 reviews)
"They even serve funnel cake and Kettle corn."
(in 10 reviews)
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174 reviews in English
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Review from regan d.
San Jose, CA
2/7/2012
I always look forward to the first Sunday. San Francisco can be seen from a distance, it is a beautiful site. It is the perfect way to spend the day.
This fair is huge and overwhelming, it's hard to know where to start. I search for vintage clothing, a lot of it is pricey but you can usually get a bargain if you group together a few items. Also venders vary in price some are way cheaper and with similar types of items. -
Review from Jenn C.
1/26/2012
There is SO much amazing cool stuff at this fair - and so much variety in pricing. Some folks price stuff way expensive but you can find deals there - get there early and have a sense of what you're looking for and what prices are reasonable (based on craigslist, ebay, antique shops or thrift stores) and you can always start a conversation with "is there any room for negotiation?" Some vendors absolutely refuse to negotiate and won't make a counter-offer but most are pretty reasonable and buying more than a couple things usually makes it easier to negotiate.
If you're testing a new camera - this is the place to do it - don't be afraid to talk to vendors, sometimes they are happy to move things around to give you a tableau that you think would look interesting in a photo - and bring along cards to hand out in case they are interested in copies of your photos (why not, right?).
Tons of fun - highly recommended! -
Review from Nik N.
Emeryville, CA
1/25/2012 2 Check-ins Here
if you are a fan of antiques and oddities... and even a bigger fan of the search and the find of that *one* piece ... then you will love this faire.
there is truly no better way to spend a sunday in the east bay on a beautiful day than a meander through the faire.
plus the food and drink offerin's will keep your mouth and belly happy..
go - satiate all your senses. -
Review from Mish L.
1/2/2012
Knicknack, patty wack, give your dog a bone! Or some stuff. Because they sure do have a lot of it here.
Whether you're here as pure observer, on a treasure hunt for a needle in a haystack find, or need some cool gidgets for the quirky packrat in you.... this is your fair. Aisles and aisles of the weirdest, kitchiest stuff. But you never know, you may walk away with a gem of a find. And don't be afraid to haggle down the prices -- the vendors are for the most part flexible and friendly.
You'll find all sorts of characters here, which is almost as entertaining as the stuff you find at the vendor stalls. Come at 9am and it's only $5 (as opposed to more $ the earlier you come).
The best part is, if you get tired of waiting for your honey as he stalks each aisle with religious fervor and you're getting bunions on your feet.... they have a variety of food vendors to save the day. Hurray! Churros, Kettle Corn, Jamba Juice, coffee, snacks, Corn on the Cob... My fave has to be Lockwood Sausages -- for $6 you can get a monster spicy hot link with sauerkraut that'll knock your socks off. Mmmmm! I'll be by the food carts, sweetie.
Even if you're not a swap meet junkie, it's worth a trek out to see what you can find. Try it, you may find something or at least entertain yourself with watching people walk out with that ugly Christmas sweater you were eye balling. -
Review from Abby S.
12/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Would never have known about the Alameda Flea Market if it weren't for a good friend of mine who's quite fashionable and enjoys shopping for interesting finds. Apparently this happens the first Sunday of every month just across the Bay - who knew?
If you're a garage sale junkie or antique lover, hold on to you hats 'cause this is by far the biggest yard sale that I've ever seen before. Imagine two football fields filled with "stuff" - furniture, clothes, jewelry, toys, camera equipment, vintage cars, artwork, etc. - all laid out in front of you to explore. That pretty much sums up the Alameda Faire. Depending on what time you arrive will depend on how much you'll pay for admission. We arrived around 10:30-11 and paid $5 each. Not too bad. If you come after 2 pm, it's free.
I went purely as an observer. Having moved a lot over the years, I tend not to collect "stuff" for the sake of having it around. It's fun to sort through all of the useless (but very cool) things you could buy here. Plus, if you get hungry, there's food vendors serving up hot dogs, kettle corn, gyros and lots of greasy goodness that you can only buy at a street fair or carnival.
After about 2 hours of browsing, we still hadn't made it all the way through. BUT since this is a once/month operation and a lot of the vendors are "regulars", we figured it was time to take off. One can only look at antiques for so long...
Note: parking here is kinda crazy. Make sure you take a mental note of where you leave your vehicle. We didn't and wandered around the parking lot for about 15 min, hitting the panic button on her keys. Duh!Listed in: Vintage Voyage, Road Trip!
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Review from Markus N.
Dammit Horus. I was just going to write up the Faire then you went and beat me to it. I was cracking my knuckles, doing my Ed Norton (nobody here will know who Ed Norton is, le sigh) thing, limbering up.
Then you went and jumped all over my game.
Nimble Horus.
She's right, btw, everything she said. Capacious, like blister-inducing. Immeasurable varieties of stuff. People watching.
I found it fascinating. I also found a molecule of self-control and left only with my prize-winning shirt. My Q for you is this - did she guess the prize? Did she?
Things L left out:
1. When the Faire isn't here Mythbusters is. With cars all wrecking stuff.
2. You can make messages out of the big pile of colored metal letters without having to buy even a one though you feel kind of like you should.
3. Hanger 1 is a short walk away. For an afterparty.
4. Go to the afterparty, traffic to the tube can be stupid.
I loved this place. It was a very cool hot day. If you're blessed, you'll have somebody half as fun as L to keep your company. If you're doubly blessed, perhaps she'll have room on her dance card for you. -
Review from Lorrayne L.
Oakland, CA
The sun blistered overhead in a cloudless sky as Horus and The Commodore journeyed from one end of the colossal fair that occupied the entire western stretch of the former Alameda Naval Base to the other. Everywhere were there odds, ends and delights to trip every sense that could be triggered. Food trucks and privies lined both sides of the expanse, with sporadic sprinklings of hot dog and ice cream carts in the middle to quench your thirst or hunger in a preemptive move in case you passed out before you could reach the other side.
The two were on a mission - a Horus mission for furniture. This search eventually proved to be fruitless by the middle of the fair, when the two ran out of steam and from sheer oversaturation of everything there was to seen thus far.
The search parametres changed. Suddenly it became a hunt for an outfit or two for the upcoming YEE Pink Party, and the two scoured clothes racks that miraculously appeared before their eyes that they hadn't seen prior. This seach bore fruit with a bright pink bowling shirt for The Commodore, which he wore proudly at the party and which won him a prize at the end. What was the prize? Mayhaps it was a date with the other winner at the party. Who knows. Let's speculate.
Nay, ne'er you mind. Let's not.
It was after months - and I grant you MONTHS - of promises to each other that we'd go to this fair that takes place nigh once a month that we finally got the gumption to go. And I've a feeling there may be a return trip in the future, for there was so much stuff to take in at this fair - from creepy dolls and large stuffed sheep for the wayward mage, to wonderful vintage chests and buffet servers, to new and old clothes.
May I caution, however, that you bring a parasol or wide brimmed hat with you should you venture the course. This place is HUGE! -
Review from Casey S.
This fair is...ok? It all depends on what you're looking for, I guess.
If you are on the hunt, be prepared to sift through some of the most random garbage to find the good stuff. Last I checked, counterfeit jeans and McDonald's toys weren't antiques.
Still, there are some amazing things to check out here, even if you're not Daddy Warbucks and have $500 to blow on a China doll. I got in for free an hour before closing, so it's not like it cost me anything other than my time. -
Review from Cindy A.
San Francisco, CA
12/5/2011
Maybe I came a little late (around 12ish), but I came expecting more. You really need the patience to dig through piles of vintage "stuff" to find exactly what you are looking for. I was trying to look for some quality vintage jewelery but after looking through tables and tables of necklaces, broaches, earnings, bangles etc I felt overwhelmed and gave up. Too much shine for my eyes! I really wish I came with a bigger car because there was some awesome furniture I wanted to snag. I did walk away with a bag of kettle corn and a vintage picture frame for $20.
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Review from Diana M.
10/25/2011 1 photo
This review is for the VINTAGE FAIR only.
My first time attending Alameda's vintage fair only held this past weekend. Entrance fee was $10 which allowed you to peruse into 3-4 ballrooms full of stuff!
I was on a mission to finding FUR. I wanted a fur shrug! YES, call me Korean cuz KOREANS just love their animal prints and FUR! Low and behold, I FOUND TWO! Not only did I find my shrug, but another fur coat that happened to FIT ME PERFECTLY! It was meant to be mine! Condition was excellent, material was thick, fur was fluffy and bold - the cost of the coat....$45. Yes, people....$45! Infact, my BFFs (also Korean, props to the 2nd power!), found fur as well! Each found a coat that fit their personality and style. It's amazing that we actually found items that fit us to the tee w/out any alterations needed.
I usually am not a fan of vintage shopping but for our first time, we scored big! -
Review from Mia M.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2011
This place is AMAZING. I furnished nearly my entire apartment with furniture and decorations that I bought at this flea market (went twice over two months). So many fantastic finds here from victorian style couches, vintage bakers tables, and cute outside picnic benches, to retro glasses frames and clothing, to unique artwork and persian rugs.
Advice: show up at 9am ($5 cover) - you can dodge the higher cover price but won't miss all the great stuff that will go by 12pm. Bring a truck, van, or other kind of large car. Rent a shopping cart ($5). Wear a sun hat and water. Bring lots of cash - most places don't take credit.
There are also plenty of food carts with yummy food. -
Review from William B.
San Francisco, CA
9/12/2011
Wow... what can I say about this place. A box full of old doll limbs, art deco chandeliers, and rusted tin ceilings. Lots and lots of stuff you never knew you needed.
A few summer and fall tips:
Arrive EARLY. You'll be amazed how much an antique fair can snarl traffic.
Bring sunscreen and a sun hat. Even on a cloudy day.
Bring cash. Cash is king here. Harder to haggle with plastic.
Eat early. There are some good food trucks but the lines can grow long.
Bring a big enough car to bring home all the booty you didn't plan on buying.
Happy Hunting -
Review from Mutant O.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 8/7/2011 1 photo
A new personal best!
Parked in row Z, walked to the main gate and then succeeded in wandering each aisle (occasionally getting turned around and redoing part of an aisle), and making it to row CC. That's past vendor row Z and then AA, BB, CC.
Just knowing that anything I bought would have to be carried to parking row Z kept me within my budget. So I regretfully didn't inquire about the stone hippo with a lemon cookie offering.
In spite of this, had a wonderful time, checking out wares and talking to vendors, and marvelling at the terrific, or not so, fashion sense of the other shoppers.Listed in: The Human Ocean
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/11/2010
Fascinating venue for intriguing, sometimes mysterious, items and even more interesting,… Read more »
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Review from Christine K.
San Francisco, CA
7/13/2011
Holy cow, Batman! Now this is a flea market!
I love Alameda! It is by far our equivalent to the two meccas of U.S. flea markets- Pasadena Rose Bowl and Hawaii's Aloha Stadium. INSANE! This flea market seems to go on forever!
I can list the wonderful finds, but really what does it matter? Know that if you come early, you will always be rewarded whether you're looking for hip Mad Men era furniture or some knick knacks for your home... you will not be disappointed!
Go go go! -
Review from Cleveland B.
Santa Clarita, CA
7/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fantastic antique fair. My girlfriend took me here for the first time, and I was pleasantly surprised. Usually fairs and flea markets are cheesy and full of junk, but there are actually some pretty cool things here. Looks like there are a lot of lane trinkets and not so "old" stuff. They say they are very strict that things must be over 20 years old but I noticed many things that were obviously hand made recently or 90's items.
Today was a beautiful day and it's a great way to spend your Sunday for a few bucks. But on a summer day bring lots of water or snacks as it can get pretty tiring walking down through the isles. Parking is also very chaotic and unorganized. Everyone tended to do their own thing and there were some very close calls with vehicle collisions. They really need to do something about that with so many people. I wish there were more vendors with old electronics and gadgets and geeky stuff, but that's just me :) Of course, vendors may change month to month. So I suppose I need to come more often! -
Review from Dominique F.
San Francisco, CA
9/4/2011
Wowwee...just got home from a fabulous morning at the Alameda Antique Fair and while I'm putting my feet up (cause by god, I never realized I could walk that far in just 3 1/2 hours) I realized I've never written a review for this awesome place! What? I know, how is that possible!? So now, after 4 or 5 years of every other month visitations, it's about time to write my feelings up!
First of all, let me just start off by saying: I'm just your average Joe, I'm not an antique dealer, a store owner, a collector, or even an antique fanatic...I'm just a people watcher, an HGTV wanna-be, a fan of looking at older items, and someone who loves a good deal!
When I first started coming here there were far fewer patrons, quite a few less vendors, and almost no food or drinks at all (sniff, sniff), but the ambiance has always been the same! When you enter through those gates, you get a sense of excitement, perhaps it's the noise of enthusiastic buyers, the negotiating skills of the vendors, or maybe it's the smell of old books, leather, and wood...but you get caught up in those feelings and just start to meander the aisles waiting and looking for the perfect item!
The Goods:
Although there is supposed to be a 20 year minimum age requirement on the merchandise, as some have already discussed, there have been a lot of liberties taken in the last year or so. I get a little discouraged when I see a couple vendors sell almost all new merchandise just painted to look antique-y or sewn poorly with holes, but luckily there are hundreds of other vendors who sell the exact merchandise we are expecting to buy! When you visit you will see anything from artwork (paintings, drawings, prints) to apparel (also another aspect that has changed in the last year or so, probably due to the addition of the trendier/hipster crowd) to housewares (glass wear, accessories, pottery...) to outdoor items (patio furniture, sculptures, planters, random gigantic metal chickens) to, what I consider to be their forte, furniture (we are talking about: rustic kitchen tables, armoires, chairs galore, 50's/60's contemporary, 80's crazy colors/styles, Victorian pieces...) to anything in between! The prices tend to have a continent in between them! ;-) If you want to pay a lot, there are plenty of options, and if you want a good deal, there are a few who are willing to negotiate and sell! I was able to score an occasional table for $42, a lovely tapestry accent chair for $55, and a marble fireplace tool set for $10 this morning...so not a bad set!
The Vendors:
Most of the vendors here love their jobs, they love their merchandise, and they love to talk about everything and anything with you! There are, of course, a few who are decently miserable and, honestly, I avoid their negative attitudes...but don't worry about them! About 60%, you can tell, spent the time and energy to display their items nicely and to price the items accordingly (one of my pet-peeves), these are the people I generally gravitate towards! Most will happily hold paid merchandise for you while you wander the rest of the stalls, which is always nice...especially if you didn't think you were going to pick up that heavy wooden piece!
The Space:
Although the fair has moved a couple times since I started coming, this last location is the best I've seen! The space is massive, so it allows hundreds of vendors and thousands of people to be in the same space at the same time, pretty comfortably! If you didn't plan ahead and bring that cart/wagon with you, they are now renting shopping carts (yep, we're talking Safeway, Target, Trader Joe's style) for $5 all day or, for the larger pieces, you can borrow (short-term) a flat bedded cart for free! There are so many bathrooms available here as well...although, I'm a major germ freak and after a horrific porter potty incident as a child I have never used one since, so I obviously don't have first hand accounts of their cleanliness! There are a ton of food and beverage stalls all along the path as well now! Might I suggest stopping by the Crepe stall and ordering my Favorite sidewalk crepe (sugar, lemon, and butter) from the amazingly sweet French man who creates fabulous delectables! I also just saw Jamba Juice has a stall there now too...um, yum, especially on those extremely hot days! There is NO shade, so plan ahead and bring a hat with you and some sunscreen, cause when it's hot...it's really, really, really hot!!! My Mom is disabled, so I am incredibly happy that they have added more disabled spots in the parking lot, especially since she can't ride the free shuttle!
Ok, that's enough verbal diarrhea for me...the Cliff Note's version: Great Location, Fun & Unique Merchandise, a Variety of Characters Working & Shopping, and Well Worth the Price You Pay for Entrance Fees!!! -
Review from Amanda M.
El Cerrito, CA
9/10/2011
We came over as an after thought after going to the Laney Flea Market, which was pretty damn disappointing but that's another story for another day and OH MAN. The Alameda Antique Faire is definitely a destination, not a side trip. For one, it's freaking huge! Don't try to look cute- put your birkenstocks on and get in the game. Second, get there early. We got there right around closing time and people were packing up but there were still tons there to see but I had a feeling we had missed a lot by not getting there a few hours sooner. It's a $15 entrance fee but it's worth it if you walk away with some awesome souvenirs. There is food and water available if you need to rest so just plan for an all day sort of situation. Bring a backpack for small trinkets and you can rent a large cart for big items. Parking is a nightmare but you already know that if you've read any of the other posts here.
I did dock a star off for the snobbery though. Some of the vendors are straight up rude! My boyfriend is an antique car enthusiast and he asked one guy how much an old model was and the guy looked down his nose at him like he couldn't afford it. Unfortunately, that was the vibe we got at quite a few booths that day. Of course the items are somewhat expensive but for classics, you'd expect that. I can't handle that kind of condescension no matter how much I like the item though. It kind of put a damper on the experience but overall, it was good and I would definitely come back if my mood was right. -
Review from Jennifer B.
Oakland, CA
2/6/2011
I was short circuiting ALL OVER THE PLACE - that is, throughout the hours of zig zagging through a mile deep arrangement of antique booths.
Some things I noticed were plentiful:
-fur jackets
-refurbished country kitchen furniture
-mid century modern tables
-cowboy boots
-crystal broaches and necklaces
-french and vintage linens
-picture frames and mirrors
-Victorian high-backed arm chairs
-bottles and glassware
I wish I had an estate to fill with rare finds from this faire. I'll have to settle for some collectible games-turned-wall art and a linen or two.
No need to worry about food - many of the favorites from the local farmer's market, plus some French/African food to die for are a-plenty. Bring cash if you don't like ATM fees.
Plus, may I just say that all the hipsters and artists who haven't let themselves go (read: still grooming and disproportionately attractive) seem to spend a lot of time here. It's fine people watching. -
Review from Beatrice T.
Los Angeles, CA
2/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place used to be a true antique faire but now it's full of trendy trinkets, independently made crafts, and shabby chic furniture. Not saying it's a bad thing, especially if you're a young gal like me... but probably not your cup of tea if you're a true historic collector.
Over the years the crowds have gotten much larger and a lot younger. It's a great place to kill a morning/afternoon as the stalls go on row after row after row. If you're tired, take a break at the many food trucks or bypass completely to the pier where you'll enjoy a wonderful skyline view of SF.
Be prepared for a long ass wait into the parking lot. Every first Sunday of the month! -
Review from sara w.
San Francisco, CA
11/27/2010
I wish it was 1987 again so this place wasn't so damn crowded. That said, here's my rundown of when to come...
Early (before 9am)
*Better choices for furniture and big pieces.
*Less people.
*Parking is easy and close to the faire.
*The closer you get to 9am, the worse the traffic getting in will be.
*You're tired and cranky and mildly hungover and holding a grudge with your girlfriend/boyfriend/friend for making you do this.
*You discover that there is a plentitude of food carts with coffee.
Later (after 9am)
*People start flowing into the faire in masses. Things become more competitive.
*You are surrounded by crowds.
*There is still TONS of stuff available, including hordes of cool vintage jewelry.
*You keep selecting things that are already sold.
Late (after 12)
*You are peppy and happy when all the early birds are wearing down.
*You had to walk 1.5 miles to get from your car to the faire entrance.
*You end up buying things you don't love but that are cheap because they've been passed up for the last 6 hours.
*There are cart traffic jams all around you. -
Review from Anne Q. T.
Tustin, CA
9/21/2011
A must for treasure hunters that's all I have to say.
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Review from Kate H.
Los Altos, CA
4/18/2011
Went for the first time a few months ago and loved it. It's a flea market so the whole point is that you have to search for your treasure.
Arrived at 11am and stayed until closing and still hadn't seen the whole place so I would suggest arriving earlier.
Great selection of vintage costume jewelry and loved the atmosphere and location off the water.
The only drawback? Parking and getting out of the place at the end of the day. -
Review from Mark A.
9/12/2010 8 Check-ins Here
An incomplete list of things I have gotten at the Alameda fea market:
* A nice mid-century walnut hutch
* 80's WWF posable action figures (Hulk Hogan and Hillbilly Jim, to be precise)
* Ice bucket that looks like an old fashioned scuba diving helmet
* Some giant sausage sandwiches
* Globe that the Air Force supposedly would have used to track possible incoming Russian missile attacks
* The worst sunburn of my life
* The second worst sunburn of my life
* Snow cones
* Hours and hours of great entertainment and stories from colorful vendors and bargain hunters
Wear good shoes, start in the back, and get there early to find the best stuff (although I've also had success showing up an hour before close). -
Review from Mary S.
Fiddletown, CA
7/5/2011
Tips for shopping Alameda:
*Start at the back and work your way forward. Vendors change regularly out there, and prices are much better (vendors from the front are shopping in the back!)
*Come at 6am-much commerce goes on between 6-9am, and if you wait to come in at 9, you've missed a LOT! Parking will be easier, and you won't have the lines to wait in. It's worth the extra few dollars. This is shopping with the professionals-shop owners, designers, etc, know to get there early!
*Bring layers of clothing. The coldest I have ever been was in August in Alameda...Comfy shoes, sunglasses, hat, parasol, all help keep you comfortable and moving. Bring some water, and plenty of cash, though there are ATM machines on location, sometimes they run out of cash.
*Bring a cart, or rent a giant shopping cart at the front gate ($5 for the day).
If you buy a large item, there are large push carts available to get your item to the loading area ( get one at the front or back gate/free).
*Be prepared for fun-so many different types of things to look at, and be inspired by...it's HUGE! Have fun. -
Review from Alex C.
Livermore, CA
11/9/2010
This past Sunday, the 7th of November, was to be our first Faire. The forecast screamed "rain!" but we were undettered. We moved here from Chicago, people - rain is nothing. Also, the website proclaimed "rain or shine" so were especially keen on the fact that there may be less competition to contend with. And less competition there was....
It was practically an empty lot. First off, admission was free. We soon found out why. There were maybe 20 to 30 vendors. Many of whom didn't bother unpacking, or were packing up as we entered (at 7:30 am). A lady was walking around telling the vendors they could leave. NO!!! Granted our trek was not that grand, but we did get up early on a grey, cozy day to drive out from Livermore...imagine if one were coming from a more distant locale?!? I'd be pissed. We tried to make the best of it in our rain jackets, running from vendor to vendor across the near-empty lot. They were obviously displeased about the weather. It was a little disconcerning to see a lot the wood pieces, soaked to the core - ditto on the electrical pieces.
Finally, you'd think that since there were so few people, the vendors who were there on such a wretched day would be motivated to make a sale. Alas, the weather was just as sour as the bargaining.
The prices were crazy, the stuff was soaked, the vendors (generally speaking) didn't wanna be there. We left empty-handed. On the one hand, I understand.....on the other, so not the best first impression.
We'll give it another go BUT the website NEEDS to make this clear: "shine, and not-really-rain". -
Review from Mary Ann S.
San Jose, CA
2/25/2011 3 photos
Dear Alameda Antique Faire,
I love you. Thank you for perpetuating this unending need to collect all that is vintage kitsch... and chic at that. I come here on the first Sundays of (almost) every month bright and early to enjoy all that you have to offer. The wonderful view of the Bay Bridge and SF when the morning clouds dissipate only make me feel that much more hip and darling as I zigzag for hours through the vendors. Btw, thanks for the great row of food vendors when I need a break from all the walking. You're wonderful.
See you soon,
Mary Ann
My finds have been nothing short of awesome. Here's a short list:
- a variety of buttons, fabrics, and ribbons. I've made jewelry, hair pieces, and a few things to decorate my apartment.
- small vintage chalkboard
- A $5 dress paired with $10 shoes. (This vendor is hard to miss - you'll find all the girls browsing through her 5 items for $20 racks. She also flips some of the vintage wear)
- A candy dish that I store my make up in.
- Tanning Glasses
- A pair of elephant and mice figurines.
- A couple of old postcards. I was really fascinated by this one - postcard making is one of those old lost art forms that we take for granted today. They're really beautiful... even the person's writing was quite ornate.
I've found that it is best to come early to avoid the huge traffic lines and to get a decent parking space. There is also a shuttle to the faire which is quite convenient if you are late and had to park at the skate park. It's also best to come with an idea as to what you're looking for... I won't lie, I've tried and I've thrown my list out the window every. single. time. I might be in the mood for some furniture the next time I go.
In summation, this is a great place to spend your Sunday mornings - there is, however, an entrance charge (it gets lower as the day whines down.) It's nice to walk around, enjoy the fresh air, and browse through the strange-long forgotten-kitschy-ornate- insert adjective here- objects that people may have once prized.
Don't forget to take a visit to the Auction house too! -
Review from Tina P.
Livermore, CA
1/3/2011
It was raining, barely any vendors, but they didn't cancel it and reschedule. We even called and checked the website to find out before making the trip. Lame.
They still charged an admission fee too. Only 25 or so vendors were there and spread out. It was so spread out people didn't feel bad about their umbrellas taking up space.
I still scored a cast iron dutch oven though. But it was pretty lame.
I think this should be a spring-fall activity only. Forget the winter - too unpredictable! -
Review from L P.
East Bay, CA
10/10/2010
Yesssssssssssssssssss. It's the first Sunday of the month!
I hate generally HATE Sundays. Who wants to see their weekend end? Pfft. What a downer. I get all paralyzed and moody. I can't get anything done except a colossal amount of dreading for the week ahead of me.....That is, if it's not Alameda Antique Fair Sunday. That's a whole 'nother animal.
SO much stuff. SO much sun (usually). SO much greasy food.
It makes for a great day... -
Review from L R.
Santa Rosa, CA
8/9/2011
Unreal! So much stuff you can hardly see straight! Restoration Hardware on steroids.
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Review from Jen L.
7/5/2010 2 photos
Outcome: A round bread board, some fruit wooden baskets, and two sore feet.
But let's start at the very beginning...
Once upon a time, a City gal really wanted an adventure. Nothing too far yet she wanted to get the heck out of town. She wanted museum-like gawking but wanted to be outside. She wanted to see the unusual and spark her creativity but didn't sign up early enough for an art class. The solution? The flea market but not any old one...the Alameda one. She had been there before but by car.
How to get there via public transit? She delved into figuring that out (her friends and family were not free that day) and came up with the handy ferry! Adventure, out of town, things from the regular to the peculiar, outdoors = the trip would spark creativity.
Notes to self:
*Arrive early if you really want good things to take home.
*Use the facilities early. Self-explanatory.
*Comfortable shoes, hat, sunblock, sun glasses, and something to lug things home in.
*Carry cash, checks and credit card.
*Lotsa water.
*Camera. So many crazy things to see: wooden bowling ball pins, dress forms galore, giant ice cream cones.
*Going alone is cool but having a friend or two is fun too.
My 2nd experience was FAN-tastic. From the quick ferry jaunt (20 minutes), it's a relaxing ride and you get to see things you don't normally: the underside of the Bay Bridge, up close and personal with several of the storm trooper like devices to pick up/unload freight, and boats. The walk was kinda long and dusty, but once inside, it's fun to browse and chat people up and gawk how the human imagination came up with all of that stuff. Shuttle it if you can once inside the parking lot.
Happy 4th of July! -
Review from Char C. B.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2011
Prior to the winter and the rain, I had one chance (and my first chance) to check this faire out. Your first step onto the grounds, you can't help but feel overwhelmed! Sooo many vendors and things to see. I came at 2-3pm catching the end of the day. Some vendors were already closing up, so I missed my chance to find a hidden treasure.
I'm hoping during my next visit, I'll have the time to walk down each aisle. I walked away the first time with nothing (not enough time to shop), but hopefully the next visit will prove to be worthwhile. Maybe I can pick up my first pair of vintage shades, maybe a tweed blazer, vintage boots, or (crossing my fingers) a cute vintage satchel. Wish me luck! -
Review from Karen R.
Castro Valley, CA
6/9/2010
Talk about being in AWE and AWESOME!!! My man has introduced me to Never Never Land....I felt like a kid in a candystore!
The first sunday of every month in Alameda turns the naval airbase into a mecca of one-of-a-kind things....one woman's/man's junk another woman's/man's treasures...antiques, toys, clothing, furniture, jewelry...you name it, they HAVE IT! I even got to try on a $35k diamond engagement ring...don't give me any ideas....but, it was gorgeous!!!! My guy, Nicky, found me a beautiful vintage swing coat with a mink collar (see him modeling it!) and I LOVE IT! Thanks baby!
I was so overwhelmed by this flea market faire thingy that I could have stayed all day! The key I guess is to arrive early to get to the good stuff first.....the parking is free and to enter we paid $5 because we came after 9 am...(I think!)...
I look forward to next month already and I will prepare myself a little better with lighter clothing and sunscreen.... -
Review from Mathilde A.
Oakland, CA
8/8/2011 2 photos
I went to the Antiques Faire for the first time yesterday and just thought "Why did I wait so long to go???" This event is amazing. Lots to see (we saw less than a third of it in two hours), treasures everywhere. You can find everything there: vintage clothing, old plates and bowls, furniture. I didn't see a huge amount of big furniture items (we were on the lookout for a table) but there are some. I can't wait to go back, without my toddler, so I can spend more time browsing. There are ATMs at the front. We arrived after 9am and paid $5 each, which was fair. There are food carts and tents with great food for lunch. A really inspiring event, with the Oakland Port cranes as backdrop. Awesome.
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Review from Carina N.
San Francisco, CA
3/8/2010
Starts from 6am, the entrance fee will go from $15 to $5 around 9am. The inventory changes over time, from large pieces of furniture to smaller hardware knick knacks towards the latter of the day. If you're not a professional vintage shopper, then 9-10am window will be a perfect start. However as the summer approaches, it's probably another reason to go early.
Bring: Sunglasses, comfy shoes (Not heels ladies.. unless you feel like torturing yourself throughout the next couple hours), backpack or a granny cart, layered clothing, water, CASH with small singles, and hand sanitizer or disposable wet napkins.
Parking lot is huge, so remember where you park by the aisle number, NOT the location of the ship in the scene because they do move. If you're lucky, you will be able to hop on a shuttle bus.
Lots of odd fun things in display: Dismembered dolls with creepy smiles, typefaces in block, hardware knobs, beautiful vintage and ugly furniture, rusted buckets, second hand clothing... The list goes on. Everything can be bargained. It would be silly if you don't. But be nice though.
Kettle corn/caramel popcorn is one of the most popular booth. Great lunch BBQ booths along the side, tacos, Indian naan wrap, Gumbo, coffee, etc. This is why you want to bring the hand sanitizer/wet napkins... your hands will be filthy touching all those old dirty items. And the mobile bathroom is not a pleasant scene..
All in all, a great way to spend the Sunday digging the old stuff, bargaining with the seller with a mouthful of kettle corns. -
Review from Miss r.
Gilroy, CA
4/2/2010
As A Seller:
Way over priced for a spot $110??? are you kidding me? I sold $50 and didn't even break even on the spot. Waste of time. People are very broke at this flea market. Lots of people taking pictures of our crafts . I was very upset about that...you know were that leads. SOoooo....I paid $110 for my art to be photographed to be replicated in China and sold as junk at TJMaxx. Great.
I would expect better for $110...I mean they didn't even have rules against photography to protect the artists and sellers. I even got lost while entering in the dark with no road markings....drove all over the black roads and dirt not able to get to the front....the guides were not set up properly. HOWEVER there was a great guy on a skate board that was very helpful in directing me once I got to the front gates. -
Review from Emily C.
Redwood City, CA
8/8/2011
ok, 3 out of 5 stars for me.
i am a collector and seller,
as a collector.....there is a toooon to choose from, prices on average are antique store prices with a few bargains. seller sknow what they have so as a re seller, dont expect to find anything to stock your store.
your better off at a garage sale/estate sale
got there at 10 and took me till 3 to see everything and have lunch. and that was walking fast.
parking is a nightmare, took the shuttle and they had us standing, kept saying come on in, plety of room, we were packed in there like sardines !!
and leave early!!!! traffic nightmare !!!
have fun, make a day of it, but bring lots of cash.
a little pricey -
Review from Sammy S.
Alameda, CA
4/7/2008
I had a dream in which I was wearing flowy linen pants, a wide-brimmed straw sunhat and SFP 30 sunblock smeared across my face. In the dream I was rolling a miniature shopping cart behind me as I inspected a pencil sketching of two elated clowns. The clowns then proceeded to try to get me to smell their flower which ultimately attempted to eat my face.
Then I woke up and it was like a light switch was turned on inside my semi-lucid brain. This dream was telling me to get my lazy ass over to the Alameda Point Antiques and Collectables Fair/Alameda Flea Market and find me some treasures. My dream also told me that I was right about clowns and whoever invented them should have been skinned alive so the rest of us could have been spared the nightmarish visions of these terrifying loons.
There were clowns at the Alameda Flea Market...more than I care to talk about, but fortunately there was a plethora of other wares and finds that kept me away from the red-nosed water squirters.
This place is an interior decorators dream. If I had a million dollars I wouldn't spend it on this crap because I have absolutely no knack for decorating or figuring out what will enhance the aesthetic appeal of my living space. But for the right person with the right amount of patience and a dolly this flea market is like a treasure trove.
Ancient refurbished phonographs, shabby chic gold plated picture frames, garden fences, wagon wheel tables (I adore When Harry Met Sally), quilts of all colors, shapes and designs, bird cages, Nazi paraphernalia mugs (*hork*), vintage Coca Cola signs and hundreds and hundreds of beautiful antique furniture pieces.
As I wandered through the crowd of hipsters seeking the perfect bowling bag to carry their cigarettes and coke viles, and back country antique dealers smoking pipes in their fringed jackets and turquoise rings, I realized I could die happy in this place. A place where no one judges your taste. A place where a Santa figurine and a popcorn machine from 1912 can make someones day. A place where you want to eat the food because it smells so good, but avoid doing so because the bathrooms smell so bad.
A vanity desk, a chalk board and a piece of artwork left me yearning for more junk that will make my house guests scratch their heads in confusion. I have a feeling I'll be dragging all sorts of clueless friends to this field of broken dreams, and as they pick up a doll head missing an eye and look at it quizzically and little bit afraid, I will take a deep breath, smile and say "I told you so." -
Review from Linda M.
1/4/2010 ROTD 10/24/2010
Usually I'm thinking I'd like to downsize my small SUV...until I happen to be going to the Alameda flea market, and then I momentarily wish I had a big truck and a coupla burly young men to escort me.
I like the recycled finds you can pick up at the Alameda flea market (aka fancy pants name above). It's a great place to go if you're doing some decorating. Furniture (I noticed several nice kitchen islands this time), dishes, clothes, jewelry, collectibles and much more. It's akin to the big flea market at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena...only better because it's right next to the Bay. Meeting a girlfriend or my sister there is a great way to spend a first Sunday morning of the month.
I usually go in right after 9, when the admission price goes down to $5. You can get there earlier...but seriously, it's huge. They are not gonna run out of stuff. Most of the vendors will negotiate on price...and if the price isn't right, I just move on. I frequently don't even come home with something. The fun of seeing interesting things, catching up with a friend and a couple of those yummy tacos ($2.50 each) are plenty of entertainment even without spending cash on something tangible.
If you go, bring:
- sunscreen and/or a hat (even if it's foggy, you're on the water)
- something to carry your finds (big bag, backpack, child's wagon or even a "granny" cart)
- a bottle of water
Free parking and shuttles with friendly drivers.Listed in: Project House
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Review from Kim D.
12/6/2009 2 photos
David B. coerced me into getting up early on a Sunday morning to get my browse & bitch on at this massive antiques and collectibles faire. At 8:00am I was already getting chirpy texts from him. "Ready to hit the faire? I can't wait!"
For a straight guy with a gorgeous g/f who shoots guns regularly, David B. is very, very enthusiastic about driving out from SF to podunk Alameda for this monthly event. I've lived up here almost 2.5 years and had managed to avoid it, until today.
Today was cold, so I had bedhead and was rummaging around in the storage unit for my ski clothes, and shimmied into some serious layers. "I'm on the bridge!!!" David B. texted. I replied: "I will BE there when I GET there!"
30 minutes, free parking and $5 general admission later, we met up in the very back of the lot (he "has a system") and we basically walked the aisles together. If you ever think somebody might have rigged your ride with a car bomb, call David B. to check it out... he has an almost comical ability to hone in on clocks and hear the mechanisms ticking away.
I was hellbent on finding some vintage brooches and other jewelery to work my Marchesa Luisa Casati look for tomorrow's Yelp Holiday Event. I did get distracted by the vintage luggage items I saw.
I found a nice piece (no price tag) and asked the vendor what he'd take for it. "That's from the 30's... and it's $80". I looked at the tag, the craftsmanship and the materials, which clearly put it in the 1960's. I affected my most vacuous and ignorant expression: "Sir, what is this made from?" He was annoyed with my question; I was vexed by his rampant periodontal condition and missing lower anterior teeth.
"I bought it 'cuz I thought it was crocodile, and it's from the 30's. 80 bucks."
"Okay. Well, see this tag? This stitching? It's clearly leather that is embossed to *look like* croc... but it's not. And the tag obviously dates from the 60's... I'll give you $50 for it."
He glared at me, then glanced at the tag. I smiled winningly and added, "If it were crocodile, I'd pay you $100 for it, but it's not." The vendor pointed at the tag and said, "Look - it's from the 30's - it says so on the tag - those yellow letters mean it's from the 30's."
I think he said that for the benefit of some other potential customers, perusing his wares. "I'm just telling you what they told me." WTF? No yellow letters, no way it was from the 30's. I almost felt sorry for him, but he was getting really nasty.
"I like this piece; I'll give you $60 for it right now," I offered.
"Put it back. I don't bargain," growled Mr. Smiley.
"Put it back yourself; I don't get fooled by faux crocodile." And Kim D. turned on her high horse, and forever left that booth!
Meanwhile: David B. scored some great Westclox ($1!!!!) and was flitting from booth to booth, getting his tick-tock groove on. He also kept stage-whispering tips to me. "Never pay what they ask... you've gotta bargain with them!"
I picked up a Schiaparelli mink stole in mint condition for $30. The vendors (from Sacramento) were friendly, and happy to get my business.
I also scored some vintage opera glasses, inlaid with mother of pearl in excellent condition, but in dire need of a professional cleaning. The price tag said $65... we made a deal for $40, but only after he balked and pointed out his license plates from New York, and I reiterated that I'd need to take them into an optical shop for proper cleaning. "It's not like I can Windex them... "
I also bought a WWII Nazi Medallion (Great-Uncle Franz was an officer in the SS... and forged papers to help my infant mother-in-law, her Catholic mother and her Jewish husband escape to Shanghai in 1938).
David B. was picking up more clocks. "They wanted $12, but I got it for $6!"
The sun played peekaboo with the clouds... our stomachs rumbled, and we hit the sausage stand; he got a hot link; I ordered a brat. I have been eating lots of tube-shaped meats lately... Note to self: only eat Top Dogs; once every 2 weeks, at most.
Most of the vendors were cheery, accommodating, responsive, and answered reasonable questions. Me and my hard-earned money tend to gravitate towards those booths... and negotiate a bit... but never haggle too much.
Then there were the Mr. Smiley type, who tried to spin me a sob story about every single item I glanced at. "Oh... I got this beautiful size 6 coat on QVC - paid $600 for it, but I'm not a size six anymore; I'll take $125 for it" one woman oozed about a hideous jacket of dubious provenance.
Ai-yaaaa! (As David B. is fond of lamenting) You had me at QVC!
Had lots of fun; met another fun Yelper... got some nifty vintage goodies. And a bag of kettle corn... oh, but that's for the Boys - not for me! -
Review from Rosie W.
San Francisco, CA
6/26/2008
Seriously, is this the actual name of it?? Well, LAH-dee-DAH.
This is the best flea market in the Bay Area for retro furnishings and novelties. I wish I liked the free one by my house, but I'm all good on cassette tapes, cracked ashtrays and tube socks, thanks. Also, this flea market is cool, so I can trick the Mr. into thinking we are just being cool and not actually "antiquing." (Thanks to all of you who show up in full Rosie the Riveter regalia and Daddy-O duds for your unwitting participation in my ruse.)
* I go late, because I'm not a rabid collector of anything, and I prefer the "do you really want to pack that up and haul it back home?" bartering angle. I'm mostly in it for a sunny stroll, maybe a flower pot and a ratty old copy of Go to the Head of the Class.
* It's held on the first Sunday of each month.
* It's 5 smacks to get in (I guess that's why they feel the need to call it a Collectibles Faire), and the parking lot is maney. Take your Xanax before you get here.
* Bring a jacket. It can get windy. And wear sunscreen because there is very little shade.
* Have a taco. You won't regret it.
* Bring lots of cash. The ATM runs out of money.
* Finally, my advice to you is to not try to do the whole thing. Just pick a section and cruise it. There is so much stuff here that you could easily get overwhelmed. And let's not forget: this is the Lord's day. He told me He wants you to have a nice time and relax.
