Calling all you hipsters out there!
On a typical weekend in our shopping-obsessed Singapore, you’re bound to stumble onto a flea market somewhere.
That being said, the local flea market game is changing. In today’s flea markets, forget about finding your usual items like old clothes, jewellery, or shoes. Instead, you can expect unique, artisan crafts like handmade soaps, hipster postcards, and maybe even an old working typewriter.
Want to find out more about this growing new breed of markets? Take a look at our list of 5 unconventional flea markets to check out this weekend!
Public Garden
When you step into Public Garden’s trade shows, you can expect to be greeted by a wave of cosmopolitan sights and sounds.
The 6 year old market brings in vendors and brands from all over Asia, which includes Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. They’ve even brought in sellers from as far as China and Hong Kong.
SourceHere, you can find a treasure trove of unique artisan products. From hipster glasses, handmade soaps, and even old school badge pins; this market is sure to bring out your inner creative soul.
When: Check website for latest announcements
Website
Instagram: @publicgarden
Maker’s Parade
Over at the Maker’s Parade, you’re not just getting a top quality product. You’re supporting an aspiring local entrepreneur.
The guidelines over at Maker’s Parade are very clear – they encourage the sale of locally produced original creations. This means that you what you get here probably can’t be obtained anywhere else in Singapore.
Organised by established local flea vendor Fleawhere, you can find local fashion brands, handmade crafts, beauty products, and even vintage furniture.
Where: School of the Arts
When: 9 -11 June, 1PM – 9PM
Website
China Square Central Flea Market
With its slew of toy shops in the mall, China Square Central is a quiet but popular hangout for toy enthusiasts. However, every Sunday, the mall comes alive.
Essentially, the hobby shops spill out and occupy spaces within the mall. Here, you can fulfil your geek desires with their wide array of toys, comics, old records, and even second hand watches.
When you’re done finding that old Dragonball Z toy you’ve been missing in your life, feel free to roam around the cultural paradises that are Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar!
Where: China Square Central
When: Every Sunday from 11am to 6pm.
Singapore Really Really Free Market
You know the saying, “there’s no free lunch in this world”?
Well, they were wrong…sort of. The Singapore Really Really Free Market (SGRRFM) sells everything for free. Really.
Based on the idea of building communities around sharing resources and skills, the movement hopes to improve the collective lives of Singaporeans by removing the dollar sign out of the equation.
Here, you can share any of your stuff – like old CDs, clothes, toys, books, and trinkets. Alternatively, you can also provide free services. According to their Facebook page, you can expect free haircuts, poetry recitals, singing, and even tarot card readings!
Apart from encouraging others to provide their own products and services, the movement also encourages volunteers to help out at their events. So, do take some time to give back to this meaningful movement!
Where: DECK (Prinsep Street)
When: 10th June, 2PM – 6PM
Facebook
Walker Street Market
Friday is finally here, and what better way to spend the weekend immersing yourself in a flea market. Organised by Fri-nally Fete, the Walker Street Market is the next series of markets organised by them this year.
What sets the Walker Street Market apart is its location. Their next iteration will take place at what is arguably Singapore’s hipster central; Baghdad Street. Immerse yourself with the edgy graffiti painted alleyways and take a look at the wide array of items available.
You can find local fashion labels, handmade crafts, beauty products, toys, gadgets and even paintings.
Where: Baghdad Street
When: 26 – 28 May, Fri 7PM – 11PM, Sat & Sun 3PM – 11PM
Website
Special Mention: Sungei Road Flea Market
You’ve probably read about it in the news. The famous Sungei Road Thieves Market is closing down this July, so you still have a couple of months before its gone forever.
The stuff here will set your inner 90s kids alight. Apart from vintage clothes, watches, accessories, electronics, and trinkets, you can even find old army uniforms and CDs. Get ready for a nostalgia trip as you walk down one of Singapore’s truly historical sites.
When: Every day, 1PM – 7PM
Where: Larut Rd. To get here, you can drop off at Rochor MRT Station and walk down Sungei Road (follow the Rochor Canal).
