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People of The Rose Bowl Flea Market
What is it like to sell and shop at one of the biggest and most legendary flea markets in the US?
There is nothing like the Rose Bowl flea market in Pasadena, California. The legendary flea market happens on the second Sunday of each month, rain or shine. People from all over the world flock to the Rose Bowl to shop for their stores or private collections. Early birds arrive with headlights when it is still dark outside.
Rose Bowl attracts over 2,500 vendors and 20,000 buyers each month – but not all vendors are strictly vintage sellers. For vintage hunters, the best areas are orange and white areas. You can totally skip the blue area, as it is dedicated to new merchandise.
We stopped vendors and shoppers to ask for their thoughts and tips about the world-renowned flea market.
Chris & Gwen / Vintage Visions
“We like to sell at the Rose Bowl flea market over other flea markets because the Rose Bowl is once a month, and it’s a great experience to sell – you have people from all over the world meeting here to look for vintage. Today we did a total of $1860.
People should know the Rose Bowl is very big. You should take your time to find that great item you’re looking for and thoroughly browse the market. You may go through many booths where you don’t find anything, then out of nowhere, you find that item that makes it all worthwhile.
The best shopping tip is to arrive early if you can. Either purchase an early bird ticket for 5am to 8.45am, or get here right when the general admission opens up at 9am. The earlier the better. Patience is key.”
Sean Julian / Angel Boy Vintage
“I got a couple of great pieces today: a 1960s fireman clasp black canvas jacket, an incredible repaired pair of Big Mac chino pants, and a ton of great t-shirts for my cheaper selection. This weekend I spent around $300 here, so nothing crazy. I shop a lot of piles, so I kind of get lucky.
I shop at Rose Bowl because I get to see all my Instagram friends in one place while also finding great, unique vintage pieces. I don’t even make so much money out of the stuff I get here, but I like it and like to put it in my store.
My best tip for the Rose Bowl would be to dig the piles and shop with less established vendors. They always have the best deals and some of the most unique pieces I’ve found here.“
Kit
“I like to come to Rose Bowl because there are a lot of sellers. It is a big market so you can spend all day shopping here.
Sometimes you can find something very cheap and valuable, but you definitely need to wake up and arrive early. I always arrive at 5am.
Some sellers I always shop at here are Purple Panther Vintage, Golden State Vintage, and Le Garbaage.”
RJ & Chloe
RJ: “My advice for the Rose Bowl: Be friendly with the sellers – they’ve been there since the early morning. Go to every booth. Sometimes you’ll find the most unexpected things in the most random spots. You need to drink lots of water while at the Rose Bowl. Be prepared to walk A LOT!
A good friend of mine is a vendor and sells with Gators Vintage – they are the best vendors at the flea.”
Chloe: “My best Rose Bowl shopping tips are: Have good walking shoes. Bring your own water, sunglasses, and something comfortable to wear. I typically walk around the entire flea, so being comfy is essential. I say if you are looking for good stuff, look at everything! I sometimes find my best items for a great price on a rack that I typically wouldn’t look at in the first place. Also, talk to the vendors – they may have an online shop with more items, or know other vendors with great stuff as well.
Prices definitely vary; you can find a $150 shirt or a $10 shirt. It all depends on the style, year, and where it’s coming from! I feel like there is always something for everyone at Rose Bowl as long as you're patient and have time to look around.”
Bri
“At the market today, I bought a ton of enamel pin-backs. I love accessorizing them on jackets and other pieces of clothing.
My best tip for the Rose Bowl is just walking around and seeing what catches your eye – that is a sweet way to enjoy the Bowl. Always dig through piles or ask people if they might have this or that that you’re looking for!
I love the culture and the community here. Getting to meet different people who have similar interests to you in one place is unique and makes The Bowl for me.”
Dom
“Today I first got these black Azzedine Alaïa heels for $80, a yellow Prada bag for $180; I am really happy with it. I also got a velvet shawl for $20, the leather bolero I am wearing for $60, a brutalist ring for $100 and a classic pocket knife for $20. My shopping secret for the Rose Bowl: come caffeinated, come hydrated, keep your eyes peeled, and if it feels right, get it.”
Hazel
“My best tip for the Rose Bowl: Come with an open mind – do not look for something specific. What you are looking for, will find you.”
Rose Bowl Flea Market
1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103
Second Sunday of every month 5am–4pm
@rosebowl_fleamarket
Find with Gem
green chore coat- vintage Mickey Mouse sweatshirt
- brown vintage cowboy boots
- vintage band tee
- black cap
- black faded jeans
- white cropped cotton blouse
- plaid midi skirt
- Mick Jagger vintage t-shirt
- vintage denim overalls
- green 80s sweatshirt
- leather bolero jacket
- yellow Prada bag
- Azzedine Alaïa heels
- wide brimmed summer hat