Providence Flea - 2025 MARKETS! — Attraction in Providence

I write this review from both a vendor’s perspective, as well as a shopper. I own a one-woman silversmithing business and have been doing artists markets for a few years now. I was drawn to selling my art this way because of my love for attending these types of events. I’d happily spend my weekend browsing through arts and crafts, antiques, and handmade beauties while eating from the window of a food truck. Though smaller because of COVID, you can still do all of those things at the Providence Flea! From a shoppers’ perspective there is plenty to see. It’s not a Brimfield all day affair, but nothing is right now! The Flea has a great variety of vendors… really something for everyone and in every price range. It’s set up and managed well and you can feel comfortable strolling knowing that the Flea folks are doing everything possible to minimize risk.

As a vendor, this market can’t be beat. The folks that run this market are top notch. I’ve never felt as heard, appreciated, and more of a sense of community at any other market. Things are not as they were pre-COVID, so an adjustment of expectations does need to be considered. Have I made more money pre-COVID at markets? I sure have. But from a business standpoint, and let’s face it, all us vendors have bottom lines, this market is consistent. And that is key. Also, often times markets are a one and done… so you don’t get to know anyone and work with people on a consistent basis. It’s been a real pleasure doing several of these markets and getting to know everyone. Maria and her staff are very organized, open to suggestions, and really care about the community work they are doing. This year has been so tough for everyone… small businesses have been hit HARD. What Maria and the people at the Flea are doing is so important right now! Bringing community together, creating some normalcy, and giving artists a space to sell their work and put food on their tables. Think about supporting the many businesses that come together to make up the Flea by shopping small this...

Maybe I just caught it on a bad day, but I was very disappointed with this flea market. When I go to such a place, my expectation is to find mostly yard sale/garage sale type items...I am looking for that "perfect" bargain-priced rare old board game or vinyl record for my collection. This flea market only had one vendor with records and not a single old board game to be found.

Instead, the place was saturated with artisans, specialty retailers, and clothing vendors. If that's what you're into, great (some of the artists even held some appeal to me, but I'm just not in the market for it). If you're looking for more of a Savers or yard sale vibe, the pickings here are pretty slim (I'd say it's about 15% used goods vs. 85% artisans/etc.).

I was also surprised how small it was...I scoped out everything I wanted to see in well under a half hour (though I suppose if I had found something I was looking for, it probably would have taken longer :) ). I remember the Taunton Flea Market as well as the flea market in East Providence that used to be in the building most recently occupied by Building 19. Those would be at least a half day adventure. Even the one currently in the Ann & Hope building is much bigger than this one.

The correct building entrance was also poorly marked and hard to see from the...

My art shop, October Cult, has recently become a part of the Providence Flea Market shows and we have been very happy and beyond satisfied from the start!

Maria Tocco has been exceptionally helpful, kind, and informative through the entire transition and process.

These have been our very first markets in which we have displayed our handmade artwork, so we are honored that we have been so very welcomed and treated ever so kindly.

Many wonderful shoppers and guests approach our booth and are very excited and into what we do. We are definitely meeting a wonderful audience.

We very much look forward to doing more Providence Fleas in the future and will always hold the Providence Flea Market near and dear...