Rhode Island’s TOP Flea Markets

Rhode Island's TOP Flea Markets! It's brought to you by the people (me) that brought you Top 10 Massachusetts Flea Markets!  I was really never a flea market guy until I saw Pawn Stars on The History Channel.

If you have never seen Pawn Stars, and you love antiques, read on! The show takes place in a tiny little, family-owned pawn shop in Vegas called Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. Rick Harrison, the owner and star, welcomes visitors from all over the world, to pitch him to buy their item. It could be a family heirloom, and old coin, a rare toy, a classic autograph or a even vintage car! If it has value, Rick or one of his many experts will know!

What's fascinating is Rick's uncanny ability to possess unlimited knowledge about the items that come into his store. Now maybe he has a vast staff to research these items ahead of time before they are introduced on the show. If that's the case, then he's a tremendous actor. He share's natural and off-the-cuff knowledge, effortlessly, seamlessly weaving in historical dates and geography than cannot be easily memorized. For me, he's as interesting as the items for sale!

Not a day goes by where I do not think about hopping a plane to Vegas, to see how much my AUTOGRAPHED Simon Le Bon microphone stand is worth. Yes, the iconic lead singer from Duran Duran actually signed my microphone stand. 

It was during a LIVE broadcast where I hosted a town hall setting, as Simon and the band where taking listener questions. It was so exciting, that at the end, I FORGOT to have Simon sign something for me! So at the last minute I grabbed anything that I could, including station equipment and had him sign it! (I got approval from my boss to take it home.) BUT wait, I have no papers! I was in such a rush, I didn't get a picture of Simon authenticating the autograph!!! How do I prove it was actually him? Well Rick DOES have an autograph expert on the show. Stay tuned!

So let's get our comfortable shoes, and open our wallets and purses! It's time to find Rhode Island's TOP Flea Markets!

Address: 740 Plainfield St, Providence, RI 02909

According to onlyinyourstate.com, this is little Rhodys' BIGGEST flea market for bargain shopping. Boasting most new items, this flea market is Saturday and Sunday's only from 9-5.

Address:10 Sims Ave, Providence, RI 02909
Address: Providence River Greenway, Providence, RI 02903

Address: 480 S St W, Raynham, MA 02767

This one is fascinating because it is both indoors and out, or at least it was when I was there. The Raynham qualifies as a Rhode Island flea market because it's not that far from the border, only 22 miles. New items or vintage, you'll find some cool stuff. Open Sunday's nice and early, from 7am to 5pm.

Address: 436 NE Main St, Douglas, MA 01516

Yes, it's a Massachusetts favorite! But so close to RI, it's included. With over 40 vendors this one stands out more to me. Why? Once a month, the first Sunday of every month, it has an appraiser on site on Sunday from 1pm to 3pm. Hours are Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm.

Address: 3 Bridal Ave, West Warwick, RI 02893

If you're a shop owner, you may like this one as it focused on higher end items. Plus it's in an old RI textile mill to add the vintage atmosphere.  Sounds like a fun day in Rhode Island!

Address: 120 Manton Ave, Providence, RI 02909

Being the OLDEST flea market in Rhode Island, this gives it it's #2 slot on the list! It's an indoor shop "under the big top." I don't know if there's an actual big top.  It's open Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm. With all of this rain, this indoor shop could make for a fun weekend.

Address: 2111 Plainfield Pike, Johnston, RI 02919

This one is the Big Papi of Rhode Island flea markets. They boast it as "Rhode Islands' largest flea market." It has TEN acres of outdoor space and room for 200 vendors. Parking and admission is free.

It's open every Sunday from April to November. Hours are 6am to 1pm. If YOU want to be a vendor, be there at between 5am and 7am and start selling!