Since April 2008, the founders of Brownstoner.com (a Brooklyn community blog) have run the Brooklyn Flea, a gigantic weekend flea market featuring more than 150 vendors selling “antiques, vintage clothing, handmade items. by hand, jewelry, food, bicycles, records and more. » The first market began in Fort Greene and has since expanded to include a second market location, which is held outdoors seasonally, in Williamsburg.
Magnificent views
Not only does the open-air Williamsburg Sunday Brooklyn Flea feature many vendors selling food and produce, but the site itself, located on the banks of the East River, has stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. The Flea sits between Northside Pier and Park and East River Park, offering visitors plenty of room to unwind.
Vendors
About 75% of Brooklyn Flea vendors are vintage vendors – clothing, shoes, and bags, primarily for women. Handmade jewelry, handmade clothing, and handicrafts are also well represented. At the back of the market (closer to the East River) you’ll find a bevy of furniture vendors with fantastic vintage pieces, from desks to cabinets and eccentric clocks and lamps. The larger vendors (who sell clothing and shoes) are the mainstays of the flea market, but there are a lot of changes as new vendors come and go.
Mod cons
Most vendors only accept cash, and there is an ATM near the north entrance for your convenience. Some, however, accept credit cards on the condition that they must then charge you tax on the item. One downside of the open-air market is that there are no bathrooms or changing rooms. However, there are a multitude of food vendors, so skip brunch and be hungry!
Become a seller
If you are more interested in selling than buying, you can apply to become a seller in the Brooklyn Flea, either in Fort Greene or in Williamsburg. Just visit www.brooklynflea.com and click on the “Sell” tab. You will be prompted to fill out a form or you can email the Flea with questions.
Addresses
If you are coming from Manhattan, take the L train to Bedford Avenue. Exit at North 7th Street, continue south on Bedford Avenue to North 6th Street. Turn right on North 6th Street. Pass Berry, then Wythe, then Kent Avenue. The Brooklyn Flea is located on the banks of the East River, hidden behind two large condominiums.
If you are coming from Brooklyn or Queens, take the G train to Nassau. Exit at Bedford Avenue, continue south on Bedford (you will walk through McCarren Park) to North 6th Street. Turn right on North 6th Street and continue east towards the water. Pass Berry, then Wythe, then Kent Avenue. The Brooklyn Flea is located on the banks of the East River, hidden behind two large condominiums.
