The Amazing Rose Bowl Flea Market

comments (0) July 2nd, 2008

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Susan Beal, contributor

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The Rose Bowl flea market happens on the second Sunday of every month in Pasadena.

I adore these buttons I found at the flea market.

The Rose Bowl flea market happens on the second Sunday of every month in Pasadena.

Photo: Susan Beal

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I love shopping secondhand for vintage and unusual beads and crafty stuff at thrift stores, yard sales, and most of all at flea markets. The best one I've ever visited is the Rose Bowl flea market in Pasadena—I love wandering around looking at everything. I've found plenty of costume jewelry to take apart and design with, as well as loose beads and all kinds of ribbons, lace, and chain.

My favorite find there, though, is jars filled with vintage buttons. During my last visit, I looked at all of them and finally picked the one in front here—$18 for four pounds of buttons in every color! I also ended up with a small $5 jar for good measure, too, because I saw some really cute aqua flowers peeking out.

My main tips are: come early in the day (around 9 am when the admission drops is my preferred strategy), bring plenty of cash, wear sunscreen, and bring a big water bottle!

If you go:

Rose Bowl Flea Market

1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena

The second Sunday of every month, from 5 am til 4:30 pm (admission is $20 from 5–7 am, $15 from 7–8 am, $10 from 8–9 am, and $7 after 9 am)

2,500 vendors sell each month

Parking is free and there are ATMs on site

posted in: vintage, shopping, crafty, flea market

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