Virginia is a state steeped in history, making it a paradise for antique collectors, bargain hunters, and anyone who loves the thrill of a great flea market. While many towns host wonderful weekly markets, one event stands out for its legendary, almost overwhelming scale, earning it the undisputed title of the largest flea market in Virginia: the Hillsville VFW Flea Market.
A Treasure Hunter's Mecca: The Hillsville VFW Flea Market, Virginia's Largest
The Hillsville Flea Market is not a weekly affair; it's a massive, can't-miss event that takes place only twice a year, centered around the Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends.1
- When: The market typically runs from Friday through Monday on both holiday weekends.
- Location: The event takes over the entire town of Hillsville in Carroll County, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia.
Unparalleled Scale and Variety:
What makes the Hillsville Flea Market the largest is its sheer size and the incredible number of vendors it attracts.
- Massive Scope: The event is a sprawling spectacle, with vendors set up in the VFW parking lot, along the streets, in private yards, and filling entire fields. It's estimated that the market can draw hundreds of thousands of visitors and feature over 1,000 vendors.2
- What to Find: You can find literally everything here. It's a classic, old-school flea market experience where you can hunt for antiques, vintage collectibles, furniture, tools, glassware, crafts, and unique secondhand goods. The event is also famous for its gun show component, which is a major draw for collectors and enthusiasts.3
- The Atmosphere: The entire town transforms into a bustling hub of activity. The atmosphere is festive, with food vendors serving up classic fair food and the streets filled with treasure hunters from all over the country.
Other Notable Flea Markets in Virginia:
While Hillsville is the largest event, other significant markets operate more regularly:
- The Shenandoah Valley Flea Market (New Market, VA): A large, popular indoor flea market that is open year-round, offering a great selection of antiques, collectibles, and local crafts.4
- The Flea Market (Dublin, VA): Another very large and popular market in Southwest Virginia, featuring a mix of indoor and outdoor vendors.
While Virginia has many fantastic flea markets, the twice-a-year Hillsville VFW Flea Market is in a league of its own. Its massive scale, incredible variety, and festive, town-wide atmosphere make it the undisputed largest flea market in the Commonwealth. For any serious collector or bargain hunter, making the pilgrimage to Hillsville over Memorial Day or Labor Day weekend is a true bucket-list experience.
Sources:
- Hillsville VFW Post 1115 (for official event information)
- Virginia Tourism Corporation (Virginia.org)
- Carroll County Office of Tourism
- Local and regional news outlets and event calendars
- Online flea market directories and review sites
