Antiques offer every Pittsburgher a way of getting in touch with local history in everyday life. While many are concerned over the price of antiques, a price comparison between the average big box store and antique stores can be quite surprising. Often, it’s more affordable to buy a table from the 19th century that will last for several more centuries than to buy a similarly sized Formica and cardboard laminate allen-key assembled piece that likely won’t survive your next move. Most things that can be bought at antique markets are things that can last you your whole life, whether it’s a cast iron frying pan, a crock, a collection of mason jars, or a butcher block table. Afterward, you can give yourself a pat on the back for supporting local business.
The following is a list of some of the best Flea and Antique Markets in the Pittsburgh area. While not all-inclusive, this list is tried and true and represents quality. I personally go to these markets mainly to look for musical instruments and LPS and have found many treasures: guitars, pedals, tube amps, and classic albums.
Rogers Community Auction Flea Market
Fridays Year Round
7:30 AM
Located in Rogers, OH
Just over the border but not really near any main roads, Rogers Ohio is a bit of a hike to get to. That said, it is well worth taking the trip a couple times a year. Rogers is by far the largest market on this list as well as the weirdest. On a fair weather day, you will find hundreds of vendors selling just about anything: antiques, records, musical instruments, jams, jellies, baked goods, produce, and good old junk. The market feels as stuck in time as the many Amish that frequent it; it’s a place where you can still ask a vendor a price on something and have them not quote an eBay price. Because of that, Rogers is a great place to score something awesome (and perhaps quite valuable) for little money. For the weird part: they also host exotic animal auctions. It is not uncommon to see someone carrying around a baby fox. While you’re there, be sure to eat an Elephant Ear. Don’t worry though, it’s just fried dough.
Westmoreland Heritage Antiques and Collectibles Market
Second Sundays May Through September
7:30 AM- 2 PM
Located at Historic Hanna’s Town in Greensburg, PA
Refreshingly serene, this market resides on a grassy hillside across from the log cabins at Hanna’s Town. Dealers here mainly purvey a selection of antiques and vintage collectibles that range from primitive country furniture appropriate for the surroundings, to the high victorian, to mid-century modernity. With no pavement and no flea market junk, this market is a joy to shop and despite being mainly antiques it is still quite affordable to shop at. Just make sure to bring some rain boots so your feet don’t get soaked by the dew on the grass.
Trader Jack’s
Saturdays and Sundays Year Round
Located in Bridgeville, PA
Trader Jack’s is, in a lot of ways, a smaller version of Rogers. Not to say it’s small. Jack’s takes up a large warehouse and a good sized parking lot, whereas Rogers could take up a couple football fields. There are antiques, fresh produce, collectibles, plants, frozen lemonades, and junk but in less abundance. While you won’t see Amish or baby tigers here, Jack’s makes up for it with the Yinzer population, where one may hear “Here We Go Steelers” chanted by a solitary voice just before sunrise. Be weary though, this also means that if there’s a 1 PM kickoff sellers might be eager to leave a little early.
The Allegheny Kiski Valley Historical Valley Flea-tique
Third Sundays May Through October
Located in Tarentum PA at the Tour-Ed Mine
Like the market at Hanna’s Town, the Fleatique is pleasantly located on a grassy lot rather than pavement. In addition, there are also some nice trees to keep sellers and patrons a little cooler during the hottest summer months. Though the name is Flea-tique, the emphasis is definitely on the “tique” side. One could find tons of wonderful things to furnish an old farmhouse or log cabin here. The “flea” half implies the presence of vintage collectibles such as toys, LPs, and tube radios.
The Neighborhood Flea
Second Sundays May Through October
11:00 AM-4 PM
Located on Penn Ave in the Strip District
The newest and smallest flea market on the list, it’s also the only one within city limits. Its convenient location on Penn Avenue means it’s easy to visit before or after your weekend brunch or shopping. Great antiques and used goods can be found here as well as a more urban twist on a flea market. You’re far more likely to find vintage clothing or artists selling their wares as well as a decent bite to eat; some of Pittsburgh’s finest food trucks set up here.
Washington Antiques Fair
Last Sundays March through October
Early Buyers 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM $25
General Admission 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM $3
Located in Washington PA at Consol Energy Park
In terms of antiques, this is the highest caliber monthly show in the area. Out-of-state dealers show up with flashlights before the crack of dawn to shop before the crowds hit, hoping to get a treasure to take back to their customers. There’s plenty of treasure here for everyone; each booth packed to the brim with antiques. Make sure to get there early before the big crowds hit.