Rose Bowl Flea Market 2026:
Hours, Prices, Parking and Best Finds

The Rose Bowl Flea Market is not just a flea market. It is one of the most recognized open-air markets in the world, and it has been drawing treasure hunters to Pasadena since November 10, 1968.

That first market featured about 200 vendors. R.G. Canning and his partner Bill Tunnell launched the event after discovering that the City of Pasadena was looking for extra income from the massive Rose Bowl Stadium and its surrounding parking lots. What started as a modest Sunday sale has grown into a monthly phenomenon with over 2,500 vendors and more than 20,000 buyers showing up every single month.

The Travel Channel has named the Rose Bowl Flea Market one of the ten best flea markets in the world. It is the largest flea market in California, and one of the largest in the entire United States. Celebrity sightings are common. Interior designers, vintage dealers, and collectors fly in from around the country to shop here.

The market is operated by R.G. Canning Enterprises (RGCShows), the same family-run company that has managed it since 1968. It runs rain or shine on the second Sunday of every month, and it has never missed a scheduled date in over five decades of operation.

The Rose Bowl Flea Market takes place on the second Sunday of every month, twelve months a year. Here is the complete 2026 calendar:

All tickets must be purchased online in advance. There are no on-site ticket sales. You can buy tickets through the official RGCShows website or on Eventbrite.

The Rose Bowl Flea Market is located at 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103. It sits in the Arroyo Seco area, surrounded by the San Rafael Hills and the Brookside Golf Club.

Parking Options

• Free parking is available in the general lots surrounding the stadium. These spaces fill up quickly, and you should expect a 10 to 15 minute walk to the market entrance.
• Premium parking costs $20.00 and places you much closer to the entrance. Both credit cards and cash are accepted.
• Free handicap parking is available with designated accessible spaces and restrooms on-site.

Other Ways to Get There

• Ride-share: Uber and Lyft drivers can drop off at Gate C, the designated ride-share area.
• Driving from the 210 Freeway: Exit at Seco Street and head south on Arroyo Boulevard. Follow signs to the Rose Bowl.
• Driving from the 134 Freeway: Exit at Orange Grove Boulevard and head north toward the Rose Bowl area.

The Rose Bowl Flea Market is organized into color-coded sections. Pick up a map at the entrance to navigate effectively, because the market is enormous and signage can be limited inside.

What to Bring

• Cash in small bills. Many vendors prefer cash, and having smaller denominations gives you an advantage when negotiating. ATMs are available near the main gate, but they charge fees.
• Sturdy tote bags or a foldable rolling cart. Most vendors do not provide bags. If you are shopping for larger items like furniture, a small rolling cart will save your back.
• Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The Pasadena sun can be intense, especially during summer months. There is limited shade across the market grounds.
• Water bottle and snacks. While food vendors are available, bringing your own water keeps you hydrated without constant concession stops.
• A portable phone charger. You will use your phone for photos, price comparisons, and coordinating with friends. Battery dies fast at events like this.
• Comfortable walking shoes. You will cover a lot of ground. The market spans the entire Rose Bowl parking area.

How to Haggle at the Rose Bowl

The price tag at the Rose Bowl is almost always a starting point, not a final answer. Haggling is expected and welcomed by most vendors. Here is how to do it well:

• Play it cool. If you find something you love, do not show too much excitement. Visible enthusiasm gives the vendor leverage.
• Ask politely. A simple "Would you take $40 for this?" works better than aggressive lowballing.
• Bundle purchases. Buying multiple items from the same vendor gives you stronger bargaining power. Ask for a deal on the total.
• Have cash ready. Showing cash signals that you are ready to buy right now, which most vendors prefer over card payments.
• Walk away if needed. If a vendor will not budge, thank them and walk away. Sometimes they will call you back with a better price. If not, you can always circle back later in the day when they are more motivated to sell.
• Be respectful. Vendors are running a business. A 10 to 20 percent discount is a reasonable ask. Trying to cut the price in half will usually end the conversation.

Furniture Shopping Strategy

When shopping for furniture, look for pieces that are unique in shape. Do not get caught up in the fabric or paint color because you can reupholster and repaint furniture, but you cannot change the shape. Always check under furniture for designer stamps or signatures, and ask the vendor about the history of each piece.

Clothing Shopping Strategy

Dress in layers that are easy to pull on and off. There are no dressing rooms at the flea market, so you will need to try things on over your clothes. Focus on silhouette, condition, and price. Check tags for designer labels and look for natural fabrics that hold up better over time.

You will not go hungry at the Rose Bowl Flea Market. Food concession stands are scattered throughout the market, with items ranging from $5.50 to $9.00. Here is what you can expect:

• Breakfast items are available during the early VIP hours and into the morning
• Classic fair food: hot dogs, funnel cakes, kettle corn, and churros
• Diverse food options: tacos, Korean barbecue, vegan burgers, and more
• Drinks: gourmet coffee, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and agua fresca
• Sweets: ice cream, freshly baked cookies, and cakes

That said, food and drinks inside the market can add up. Bringing your own water bottle and a few snacks is a smart move, especially if you plan to spend several hours shopping.

• No pets allowed. Service animals are the only exception.
• No on-site ticket sales. All tickets must be purchased online before you arrive.
• Rain or shine. The market does not cancel for weather.
• Restrooms are available throughout the grounds.
• ATMs are located near the main gate.