You know that feeling when you spot something weird and wonderful tucked away in a dusty corner? That’s basically the heartbeat of the Wichita Flea Market. It isn’t just a bunch of folks selling old junk; it’s a massive, roaming community that takes over different parts of town every month. If you've lived in Kansas for a while, you probably know the routine, but for everyone else, keeping track of where these guys are going to be is half the battle.
They move around. A lot. One month they're downtown in the middle of everything, and the next, they've packed up and headed south to the casino. Honestly, it keeps things fresh, but it can be a nightmare if you show up at the wrong parking lot with your trunk empty and ready for a haul.
The Official Wichita Flea Market Schedule for 2026
If you're planning your weekends, you need the actual dates. Most people assume it's always the third weekend of the month, and while that's a good rule of thumb, the venue changes and occasionally the dates shift to accommodate other events.
Here is what the Wichita Flea Market schedule looks like for the upcoming months.
- January 24 & 25: Century II Exhibition Hall. This is the big one. Being indoors in January is a lifesaver.
- February 14 & 15: Kansas Star Casino Arena. Spend Valentine's Day looking at rusty signs and vintage toys? Yes, please.
- March 14 & 15: Century II Exhibition Hall. Back to the heart of the city.
- April 18 & 19: Century II Exhibition Hall.
- May 16 & 17: Century II Exhibition Hall.
- June 13 & 14: Century II Exhibition Hall. Note that this is the second weekend, not the third.
- July 18 & 19: Century II Exhibition Hall.
- August 15 & 16: Wichita Sports Forum. This venue change is important—don't go to Century II in August!
- September 19 & 20: Wichita Sports Forum.
- October 17 & 18: Wichita Sports Forum.
- November 21 & 22: Century II Expo Hall.
- December 19 & 20: Century II Expo Hall. Perfect for those last-minute "I have no idea what to buy my uncle" gifts.
The hours are pretty consistent across the board. Saturdays are the marathon days, running from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Sundays are for the late bloomers, opening at 10:00 am and wrapping up at 4:00 pm.
Why the Venue Matters
Most shows happen at Century II (225 W. Douglas Ave). It’s iconic. You can’t miss that big blue roof. But when the market shifts to the Kansas Star Casino Arena in Mulvane, it’s a different vibe. It’s technically about 15 minutes south of Wichita, right off I-35. The parking is usually easier there, though you might be tempted to hit the slots afterward.
Then there’s the Wichita Sports Forum on Greenwich Road. It's a massive facility that usually hosts volleyball and basketball, but in late summer and early fall, it transforms into a picker's paradise. It’s clean, well-lit, and offers a lot of floor space, which is great because this market has grown to over 200 vendor booths.
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Admission and What It’ll Cost You
Let’s talk money. Not for the treasures, but just to get through the door.
The organizers—a local Wichita family, by the way, which makes the whole thing feel a bit more "homegrown"—keep it pretty cheap. A one-day pass is usually $4. If you know you're going to need both days to really scour every booth, you can grab a two-day pass for $5. It's basically a dollar more to come back on Sunday and try to haggle on the stuff that didn't sell on Saturday.
Kids 12 and under get in for free.
One thing to keep in mind: if the show is at Century II, you can often buy tickets online through Select-A-Seat. If it's at the other venues, it’s usually cash or card at the door. I’d recommend having some cash on you regardless. While many vendors use Square or Venmo now, cash is still king when you’re trying to talk someone down on a price.
What You’re Actually Going to Find There
I’ve seen everything from mint-condition 1980s Star Wars figures to literal farm equipment.
- Antiques and Primitives: Think heavy wooden tables, old milk crates, and those rusted-out metal signs people love for their "man caves."
- Collectibles: Coins, stamps, and sports cards are huge here.
- The Weird Stuff: Taxidermy, old medical tools, and "reclaimed" art that looks like it belongs in a gallery or a horror movie.
- Local Crafts: It's not all old stuff. There are plenty of makers selling handmade jewelry, soaps, and candles.
There’s usually a decent amount of "tasty treats" too. You’ll find local honey, beef jerky, and sometimes those insanely addictive cinnamon roasted nuts.
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Pro Tips for the Wichita Flea Market
If you’re a serious hunter, you need a strategy. Don't just wander in at noon on Saturday and expect to find the Holy Grail.
Get there early. The best stuff—the underpriced gems—usually disappears in the first hour. Serious collectors are lined up before the doors open.
Bring a cart. If you plan on buying anything bigger than a shoebox, your arms are going to give out halfway through the hall. Many people bring those foldable fabric wagons. Just be careful not to clip anyone's heels; it gets crowded.
Parking can be a beast. At Century II, you’re dealing with downtown parking. There are several surface lots nearby that usually charge around $5 during events. If you're okay with walking a few blocks, you can sometimes find street parking, but on a busy Saturday, that’s a gamble.
Check the "Last Hour" on Sunday. If a vendor has a massive dresser they don't want to haul back into their trailer, they are much more likely to give you a deep discount at 3:00 pm on Sunday. It’s the best time for "bottom-feeder" deals.
Common Misconceptions About the Market
A lot of people think "flea market" means "garage sale." That's not really the case here. While there are definitely some people just clearing out their attics, many of these vendors are professionals. They travel the circuit. They know what their stuff is worth.
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Don't expect to find a $500 vase for $2. These vendors do their homework. That said, they are usually open to a fair offer. If something is marked $40, offering $30 or $35 isn't insulting—it's expected. Just don't be that person who offers $5 for something clearly worth way more.
Another thing: people often confuse the Wichita Flea Market with other events like "Vintage Market Days." While they share some DNA, Vintage Market Days is much more "shabby chic" and curated. The Wichita Flea Market is grittier, broader, and more about the "hunt" for the unique and unexpected.
Why This Event Still Matters in a Digital World
In a world where you can buy anything on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, why bother driving to a convention center?
It’s the tactile experience. You can’t check the sturdiness of a mid-century modern chair through a screen. You can’t smell the old paper of a 1950s comic book online. Plus, there’s the social aspect. Talking to the vendors, many of whom are walking encyclopedias of history, is half the fun. They’ll tell you the story of where that old clock came from or how they restored a 1920s bicycle.
It’s a very Wichita thing to do. It’s one of those community staples that has survived because it’s run by local people who actually care about the culture of collecting.
Your Next Steps
Before you head out, make sure to double-check the Wichita Flea Market schedule on their official website or Facebook page the morning of the event. While the dates above are the planned schedule, Kansas weather or venue issues can occasionally cause last-minute changes.
If you're a first-timer, start with the Century II shows. They are the biggest and offer the widest variety of vendors. Pack some comfortable shoes—you'll be hitting several thousand steps before you even realize it—and maybe bring a tape measure if you're hunting for furniture. There's nothing worse than finding the perfect side table and realizing you have no idea if it will fit in that gap next to your sofa.