The Rose Bowl Flea Market is a monthly market held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. It is one of the most famous markets in the world, with over 2,500 vendors and 20,000 shoppers, and takes place on the second Sunday of every month. This flea market attracts many people from all over the Los Angeles area who are interested in vintage clothes, antiques, and local art that vendors sell.
The Rose Bowl Flea Market has been around for more than 50 years, since 1968, and its popularity has been growing ever since. The event takes place over the entire parking lot of the Rose Bowl stadium. With over 2 million items being sold, it is impossible to look through everything in one day. There are a variety of tents and vendors that sell different items of vintage apparel and other antiques. The prices depend on the vendors and their willingness to bargain. There are plenty of tents that are only $5 for everything, or other tents where the vintage clothing is “one-of-a-kind,” so the regular shopper would not be able to afford it. The Flea Market is perfect for anyone who wants unique art, apparel, and decor. There are piles and piles of interesting finds, that makes just looking, a tiresome, but fun experience.
The people at the market, customers and vendors alike, range in ages and lifestyles. The antiques and collectibles attract not only older generations, but young adults and teenagers; who are following trends of vintage appeal. Vendors are sometimes as old as the items that they are selling, or are young adults trying to sell their art and be successful in LA. Many celebrities come to the flea market, and there are more expensive things that are marketed to them. However, most of the customers are those who thrift their clothing and do not buy from mass-produced stores in the mall. Different kinds of people are found at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, but all of them are connected by their appreciation for unique taste in art and love of the vintage aesthetic. When asked why she returns every month, high school student Mara said, “because the Rose Bowl Flea is such a fun opportunity to buy or just look through all the cool clothes and accessories of the past that are also currently trends too. I love seeing all the different kinds of people that come here, they’re really eccentric and funky, in the best way possible, like the items sold at the flea.”
The Rose Bowl Flea is perfect for anyone who enjoys vintage pieces of art, clothes, decor, and other unique finds. It sometimes requires patience to dig through the hordes of cheap items on sale, but it is definitely rewarding finding an antique item that is unique and has history to it. The Rose Bowl Flea Market is an amazing experience whether you buy something or are there just to look.
Hannah Sung, Grade 10
Crescenta Valley High School
