Chicago Antique Market: summer steals & deals
Published: May 21, 2009
This summer ushers in the sixth annual Chicago Antique Market, an indoor and outdoor urban market bringing together dealers, designers, shoppers and other Chicagoans. Running monthly from May to September, the market offers everything from furnishings to jewelry, toys to collectibles, all in a fun and festive atmosphere in the Randolph Street Market District.
Kicked off on Memorial Day weekend with the Randolph Street Market Festival, the antique market runs one weekend each month of the summer season, from May 23 through Sept. 27. Opening weekend festivities include live musical entertainment, Goose Island Brewery bar service, delicious food and a season-opening Garden Party bringing together more than 200 antique dealers from all over the United States.
Other highlights this su mmer season include the indie designer market, where hot designers create avant-garde, one-of-a-kind fashions, jewelry and décor. New mini-markets this season include a Vinyl Swap Meet featuring rare and original recordings, a Fancy Food Market with truffles and gourmet treats, and the Global Goods Bazaar, where artisans display crafts representing Chicago’s diverse ethnic neighborhoods.
For sellers looking to pare down their collections, there’s the Do-It-Yourself Estate Sale. There’s even the first-ever Junior Collectors Club, where kids can learn how to start a collection and find antique treasures.
There is a $10 general admission fee for market-goers, but those on a tight budget can benefit from “See for Free,” where the fee is waived for the final two hours of each market day. Even paying market patrons will see their admission fee recouped, thanks to vouchers good towards purchases.
With so much to see, do, buy and sell, the Chicago Antique Market is a great destination for all, antique aficionado or not. What better way to spend a summer day than hunting for treasure, then finding it too?
Market Days 2009:
Saturdays & Sundays
May 23–24, June 27–28, July 25–26, Aug. 29–30, Sept. 26–27
- by D.J. Siegel, Chicago Reporter for HelloMetro
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