Orange County Events: Check Out These Incredible Orange County Open Air Markets

Open-air markets are popular for being a fresh alternative to traditional shopping. Instead of spending all your time indoors and buying from big-box suppliers, with open-air markets you can be outside enjoying the warm sun while browsing around for your groceries, clothing, antiques, and much more from local vendors. Since southern California is known for its beautiful weather, it’s fitting that Orange County has some of the best open-air markets to visit on weekends. So, the next time you’re looking for Orange County events to get you out of the house, consider stopping by one of these amazing markets to shop their incredible selections of high-quality goods! 

1) Vintage Flea Market of Old Town Tustin 

The Vintage Flea Market of Old Town Tustin is the number one spot for unique items. From ornate antiques to one-of-a-kind collectibles, the vendors at this open-air market offer a wide range of interesting and beautiful items that you just can’t find anywhere else. For that reason, the Vintage Flea Market of Old Town Tustin has become a fan favorite for many antique and vintage collectors who are on the hunt for the next addition to their collection. If you’re in the market for vintage dolls, antique typewriters, retro toys, and bikes, out-of-the-box decor, and other rare finds, or if you just want to browse a unique selection of items, then this market is definitely a must-see! You can visit this flea market on the fourth Sunday every month from 8 am to 2 pm in Tustin.  

2) Irvine Farmers Market

Who doesn’t love a classic farmers market? The Irvine Farmers Market is home to tons of vendors selling locally grown produce and herbs, fresh honey, homemade bread and pastries, flowers, dips and spreads, nuts, and tons of other tasty specialty items. What’s even better is that markets like this are perfect opportunities to give back to the Orange County agricultural community and support local farmers. If you’re interested in stopping by, you can visit this market in Irvine every Saturday from 8 am to noon.  But make sure you visit early! This market is known for being one of the biggest markets in the OC area, so it’s a popular spot for families to spend their Saturday afternoons. 

3) Open Market OC

Not a fan of being out in the hot sun but still like the appeal of open-air markets? You need to check out Open Market OC. This indoor shopping experience rounds up hundreds of Orange County’s best small businesses, makers, and curators all in one location, so you can shop locally and ethically. From clothing, plants, artisan food, accessories, homeware, art, skincare, candles, and much more, Open Market OC truly has something for everyone. What makes this space even more unique is that they offer online shopping, DIY workshops, live demos, and other sorts of fun Orange County events. Check out their website for more information or visit them at either of their Santa Ana or Laguna Hills locations.

4) Cypress Swap Meet

Swap meets are known for hosting some of the most interesting finds- and this one is no different! The Cypress Swap Meet is home to plenty of vendors who sell everything you could imagine, from imported candies, guitars, international snacks, plants, toys, clothing, pottery, bedding, and anything in between. With this much variety, you can never really be sure what you’ll run into at this swap meet, but a staple you’ll always find here is delicious meals, including burritos, tacos, pupusas, hot dogs, and other beloved Latin American snacks, like tasty botanas, refreshing agua frescas, and the classic mangonada. This Cypress open-air market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 6 am to 4 pm so you’ll be able to spend a good amount of your day pursuing through their vendor’s selections while munching on some amazing treats. 

5) Melrose Trading Post

The Melrose Trading Post is a shopping experience like no other. Here, local designers, collectors, curators, artists, and makers team up to sell one-of-a-kind clothing, antiques, home decor, accessories, and apothecary items. From selling sustainable yoga mats, handwoven bags, stunning handmade jewelry, vintage denim, all-natural body care, singing bowls and crystals, original pieces of art, and more, it’s clear that this open-air market is here to cater to anyone that’s in search of something beautiful and unique. You can visit Melrose Trading Post in Los Angeles every Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. 

This blog is brought to you by Toyota of Orange, among the top dealers near Tustin auto center.