Pasadena City College Flea Market
Monthly market with 500+ vendors offering vintage clothes, antiques, records, and street food. Free entry!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Pasadena City College Flea Market
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Monthly market with 500+ vendors offering vintage clothes, antiques, records, and street food. Free entry!
"This flea market is great! One of the better ones in SoCal."
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Selection
Get there at opening to snag the best vintage clothes and unique finds before they sell out!
💰 Bring Cash - It's King!
Many vendors prefer cash, so come prepared for easier transactions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vintage Clothing Racks
Outdoor and indoor booths
Score unique Levi's, Y2K fashion, and retro styles. A treasure trove for fashion enthusiasts seeking one-of-a-kind pieces.
Vinyl Record Stalls
Inside the parking structure
Dig through crates of records, from classic rock to obscure gems. A must-visit for any serious vinyl collector.
Antique & Collectible Finds
Various vendor booths
Discover unique antiques, jewelry, toys, and ephemera. You never know what hidden gems you might unearth.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for the Best Finds
Cash is King & Wear Comfy Shoes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Selection
Get there at opening to snag the best vintage clothes and unique finds before they sell out!
💰 Bring Cash - It's King!
Many vendors prefer cash, so come prepared for easier transactions.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple parking lots.
🚗 Parking is $2
Park in the campus structure for a small fee. Remember your license plate number!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Selection
Get there at opening to snag the best vintage clothes and unique finds before they sell out!
💰 Bring Cash - It's King!
Many vendors prefer cash, so come prepared for easier transactions.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple parking lots.
🚗 Parking is $2
Park in the campus structure for a small fee. Remember your license plate number!
☀️ Outdoor booths can be hot
Consider attending on a cooler day or focus on the indoor vendors.
🛍️ Free Entry!
Enjoy browsing without an admission fee, leaving more money for treasures.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Pasadena City College Flea Market for its free admission and vast selection of vintage clothing, records, and antiques. Many appreciate the covered sections for hot days and the affordable parking. However, some find the market spread out and certain items repetitive, with food options being limited.
"Free entry. They're open the first Sunday of every month (except in January) from 8am-3pm (some places close up shop earlier).
Parking is $2 in the parking structure in parking lot 5. Make sure you pay at the machine or you'll get a ticket. You can probably find parking on the street if you search for it and walk. They block off streets for this event.
It was really hot when I went. They only sold drinks and food at 1 vendor, and it was outdoors. Most of the stuff they sold here were repetitive. Some items were pricey, and some items were decent in price. I walked the whole place. They should just have everything held in the structure as it was too hot outside. The structure had 2 levels of vendors.
I didn't find anything useful and left empty-handed."
K
"No admission fee but there is a parking fee if you park inside the campus --2.00 have your car license number for parking machine. Lots of walking here -wear GOOD shoes! To far parking maybe one mile from garage to swap meet not good for older people some sellers have been there for over 20 years 😳bless their hearts 💕"
Nadia Medina
"This is one massive flea market! For jewelry, vintage clothing and vinyl, I don't think you can do much better. It is vast, spread out over multiple parking lots and free. Many vendors start to shut down between 1 and 2 pm, so it's best to show up early. The record section is inside the parking structure. If you want to be thorough, there is another floor of vendors on the floor below. Unlike the Rose Bowl Flea Market, half of the market is covered, so it is possible to attend on a hot, sunny day and not melt."
Adam B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The market is located at Pasadena City College. Many visitors find it convenient to drive and park in the campus parking structure. Public transportation options are also available, though check routes and schedules in advance.
Yes, there is parking available in the campus parking structure for $2. Make sure to have your license plate number ready for the payment machine. Street parking may also be an option if you're willing to walk a bit further. +1
The market is quite spread out across multiple parking lots. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a lot of walking. Some visitors suggest getting a lay of the land first before diving into specific areas.
While the market is spread out, many areas are accessible. The indoor sections within the parking structure can offer a break from the elements. It's advisable to check with specific vendors if you have particular accessibility needs.
Yes, public transport is an option. Pasadena City College is served by various bus lines. It's recommended to check the local transit authority's website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules to plan your journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Pasadena City College Flea Market is completely free! This is a major draw for many shoppers looking to save on entry fees.
The market typically runs from 8 am to 3 pm on the first Sunday of every month, though some vendors may start packing up earlier. It's best to arrive early for the widest selection.
There is no admission fee to enter the market, making it a very budget-friendly outing.
The market takes place on the first Sunday of each month, with the exception of January. 
While not a regular occurrence, there have been themed events like the 'Spooky Swap Meet' around Halloween, so keep an eye out for special announcements.
🎫 🛍️ Onsite Experience
You can find a vast array of items including vintage clothing, antiques, jewelry, vinyl records, toys, collectibles, and street food. It's a diverse market with something for everyone. +1
Going early is generally recommended to get the best selection of items, especially for popular categories like vintage clothing and records. However, some vendors may offer deals as they pack up later in the day.
Haggling is often part of the flea market experience, especially towards the end of the day. Having cash ready can also help secure better prices.
Yes, there are food vendors offering street fare. However, the selection might be limited, especially on hot days, so some visitors recommend bringing your own drinks or snacks.
To thoroughly explore the market, especially if you're interested in multiple categories like clothing, records, and antiques, plan for at least 2-3 hours.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. Many visitors enjoy capturing the unique finds and vibrant atmosphere. Always be respectful of vendors and their merchandise.
The colorful vintage clothing displays, the rows of vinyl records, and unique antique items make for great photo opportunities. The overall bustling market scene also provides a dynamic backdrop.
While not explicitly stated, it's always a good practice to ask vendors before taking close-up photos of their specific merchandise, especially if you plan to use them commercially.
A versatile lens that can handle both wider shots of the market and closer details of items would be ideal. Good lighting conditions are important, especially for capturing the textures of vintage items.
Yes, filming short videos for social media is common. Creators often share their finds and the market's atmosphere on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the experience more enjoyable for younger visitors, consider arriving earlier to avoid the peak crowds and heat. Bringing snacks and drinks is a good idea, as food vendor options can be limited. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes, as there's a lot of ground to cover. The variety of items means there's always something new to discover, keeping curious minds engaged.
💰 Budget Travelers
With over 500 vendors, the chances of finding great deals are high. Look for vintage clothing, affordable accessories, and unique home decor. Arriving later in the day might present opportunities for further negotiation as vendors prepare to leave. Remember to bring cash, as it often facilitates better bargaining.
💍 Couples & Vintage Lovers
+2Consider it a date where you can discover items that tell a story. The variety ensures you'll both find something to spark your interest, from retro clothing to unique collectibles. The market's atmosphere is lively and provides a great backdrop for a casual, enjoyable outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Vintage Finds
+3Beyond apparel, the market is also a prime spot for collectible toys, jewelry, and ephemera. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just browsing for quirky finds, the sheer variety ensures there's something to catch your eye. Redditors often discuss the thrill of discovery and the satisfaction of finding that perfect, unexpected item.
It's worth noting that while the market is vast, some visitors mention that certain items can be repetitive. The key to a successful vintage hunt here is often patience, an early arrival, and a keen eye for detail.
Vinyl Records: A Collector's Paradise
Many visitors rave about the extensive collection and the possibility of finding rare pressings. The atmosphere of flipping through records, searching for that elusive album, is a significant part of the experience. It's often compared favorably to other SoCal flea markets for its record offerings.
To maximize your vinyl hunting experience, arrive early, as the most sought-after records can go quickly. Be prepared to spend time sifting through the crates, and don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially if you're buying multiple records.
+1Navigating the Market: Tips from the Community
Comfortable footwear is non-negotiable, as the market spans multiple parking lots, requiring a considerable amount of walking. Some reviewers mention that the outdoor sections can get quite hot, so planning your visit during cooler parts of the day or focusing on the covered areas within the parking structure is advisable.
While cash is king and highly recommended for smooth transactions, some vendors may accept digital payments. Having a mix of both can be beneficial. Many vendors have been participating for years, offering a consistent selection of goods.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit