When nothing is the same and everything is closed, the few remaining vendors, musicians and artists that continue to sale their wares, burn incense and play live music give me nostalgia, and small comfort that some things may never change, The Flea Market is a fraction of what it used to be, the years and times have not been kind to it, sad to see it go. read more

Berkeley Flea Market - Jewelry Near Me - Berkeley, California

I used to go to this often before the pandemic and was in the area today, so I stopped by when I saw the sign The sign is about all that's left. There might've been five tables. No food, no performance no music. Hope it comes back read more

I wish I saw the flea market in their heyday. There were a couple of stands on the weekends but not a lot. I kept coming back for this one vendor who sold some really cool pants that made great lounge wear. I would prob return but only to buy more cool pants from the same vendor. read more

I enjoy the atmosphere and shopping experience at Berkeley Flea Market! From the live music to the various vendors, it keeps me coming back! As a Jamaican, I enjoy my Ting Grapefruit Soda from the Trini vendor and bought a Jamaican shirt from the Rastaman in 2014, which is still going strong today..quality fabric! Love this place! read more

Berkeley Flea Market - Jewelry Near Me - Berkeley, California

The best place to get DVD's other than goodwill. Interesting people work the stands at the flea market. It's possible to save more money buying stuff at this location. read more

I came back a second time here. The first time there were no vendors. The second time I came I didn't see much of anything except a beautiful amethyst tea cup set which I bought and love read more

Berkeley Flea Market - Jewelry Near Me - Berkeley, California

Here at 2pm on a Saturday and there's no market lol. It's a bit drizzly, but there was no announcement to the public via Instagram or their website. Waste of time. read more

The berkeley flea is small but you can come home with some great things depending on the day! I came here a lot in college and was able to find a rocking chair for $10, cool rings, clothes, misc electronics like a power surge or RCA cable and more. There are also specialty vendors like artisan goods, and food. I always find really good records from Glenn, and beautiful Nepalese clothes from other sellers. The earlier you come on the weekends, the better :) read more

This is not a flea market by any means. It's a swap meet with little to no vendors. A complete waste of time to come down here from SF.

"Flea-Market vendors are frozen mid-haggle. Middle-aged women are frozen in the middle of their lives. The gavels of frozen judges are frozen between guilt and innocence. On the ground are the crystals of the frozen first breaths of babies, and those of the last gasps of the dying."--Jonathan Safran Foer, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close Eh... I feel kinda bad giving this place a low review, as I'm not sure if this is "normally" how this place is or if it's more of a 'Rona® related symptoms. Tbh only reason I'm reviewing it is because it hasn't had any recent reviews and I feel it my duty to report. The Good: -Free parking and free admission The Bad: -Only about 12-15 stands of sellers selling very niche items that probably wouldn't interest most casual flea market goers. The Ugly: -While they have a whole slew of Covid-related rules to follow, they don't really enforce them. Most of the sellers had zero face protection and the security guard on-site was too busy updating his Facebook status to care. read more

Berkeley Flea Market - Rona® Rulez - Jewelry Near Me - Berkeley, California

They say you can't go home again, and it proves true. Last time I was here, a few years before the pandemic, there was a huge drum circle, full rows of vendors, and so much fun, Bohemian stuff that I spent every bit of cash in my pocket on earrings, funky scarves, imported clothing and interesting knick-knacks. Yesterday, I felt sad for the vendors hanging on. They were friendly and polite, and I know they struggle to make the booth rent given the very low foot traffic. There are currently several nice vintage/used stalls, about half a dozen good to excellent third-world import stalls, and a scattering of competent artisans of jewelry, candles, scents, etc. along with some fairly distressed used goods stalls. Basically much like it always was. But the vibe and the food and the music is gone. Management, please lower your booth fees and make an effort to renew this important part of Berkeley bohemian history. It's not right to make people bake in the sun all day to make a few dollars above your rent while you seem to do so little to bring them the crowds they once enjoyed. And it's right at BART, with a lively, local population of clientele who love funky stuff! read more

It is a fantastic place to get your feet wet if you are deciding on starting a business. That's what I did in 2013, and now I'm very successful. The people are friendly to sell to, and the other vendors are lovely. THANK YOU FLEA MARKET!!! read more

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This is the place to be if you need a few minutes to Walk or pick up your essential for the week! It's Berkeley'!!!!! read more

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Compared to the flea market I knew from a couple of decades ago, this Saturday mornings visit was of a more desiccated market place. There was the standard offering of a variety of nice ethnic craft, new & pre-owned clothing, sunglasses, knives, - i.e., a Motley offering at a reasonable prices. And there was one Vendora an offering a number of e-bikes and another one offering, let's just say three or so. unrelated, pre-owned bicycles. But I didn't see any original paintings or photography or pottery nor was there any live music by locals, the original raison d'etre from decades ago. Maybe it's just the beginning of summer, but this place could offer a lot more life. Perhaps someone can organize it and revitalize the venue of community artists and musicians it once was. And have room for a flea market vendors like I saw today . There certainly is enough room as well to offer a farmers market. Both the Berkeley and Lake Merritt Saturday markets are overcrowded. Another farmers market - even both Saturday and Sunday - here could easily build up patronage. You can BART here. There's east parking on site and on the streets. JUST SAYIN'... read more

** shall always be 5 stars : no matter how barren the market is now ** So my rating won't be based off nostalgia - although (if I were to reminisce) I would say- I bought all my throwback lakers jerseys here, my 1990s CD mixes, fake jewelry, burritos , African art, and a host of other stuff here. I really miss the diversity of the drummers ( used to be tons more people on the weekend) , the random people nodding off on heroin (yikes) and I miss. The black Muslims in the finest suits , selling their bean pies and newspapers But still visit the market for A taste of Africa :-) For $10 you can buy a vegetarian late or for $16 add some meat (highly recommend the chicken and only that!) The plate is made with love, over brimming with food and includes: **Recommend adding habanero hot sauce Jolof rice smothered with yummy Andole (African creamed spinach and other stuff Coconut Yams Savory Black eyed peas Seasoned collard Greens ** Plantains (feel like he's always sold out) To die for He's there Every weekend. read more

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This place It wasn't for me , but maybe for other folks. I got my steps in though! So that's a plus!

This market has so much potential! There's parking, lots of room, some cool vendors. But, alas, it's so small. I was there on a Saturday in January. It was beautiful out-- high 60s. Yet, there were maybe 10 vendors and 10 patrons. A few had garage sale type stuff, some had jewelry and art type stuff, and one had antique store level stuff. Walking around only took 10 minutes; there just wasn't much to look at. I think it could be saved by more food vendors and some live music. Give the locales a reason to walk over. Get a coffee booth, a dessert booth, a breakfast booth, etc. Maybe add some tables near the food stands with some live music. Other vendors will follow and so will the people. read more

Saturday September 8, 2018 Intro: Flea Market, Swap Meet, Open Air Market, no matter what you call them, they're not all created equal. I hate to use the term "One man's trash is another man's treasure" when talking about them. I don't look at such things as trash if you once got satisfaction once from said thing. I think of it as you're passing the love to another person if they find an interest in the product you're hoping to sell to them. I've always been intrigued with these environments, and i'm most certainly glad that they're still around. The "Berkeley Flea Market" is no exception to this rule, with a flair all of it's own. Allow me to tell you why the experience here is a bit more different. Berkeley Flea Market: Held just outside the "Ashby Bart Station" this little flea market transforms a little section of parking lot into another world. I would say this is a more "Urban" experience as compared to other flea markets I've visited in most recent times. I would say this one really embodies the people of the "Berkeley/Oakland" community. You see people here that really live in this community and care about what they sell to the people that come here. Every stall I visited during my time here was vastly different and sort of said a lot about the people tending to them. Of course from other visitors and locals that is more use to coming here said it's changed a lot and the number of vendors are dwindling from it's former glory day's, I just took it all in stride and tried to make the most of it. You had vendors that sold all sorts of things. You had your bohemian stuff, your hipster stuff, your old records and nick nacks, food stalls, scent and oil stands, jewelry, knock off products and even massage stations throughout this space. They also had some African musicians playing in spurts as I walked along and looked at things. I didn't buy much, I just bought a wallet, some cheap cologne that had a nice scent, and a ring. I almost bought some records but opted out since many of them were sitting out in the sun, a huge no no for collectors as they could warp in warmer conditions. I'm not going to lie, this flea market is pretty small when I compare and contrast it to others I've been too, but like I mentioned earlier, it's way more unique. They also had security there that seemed to be doing a decent job in keeping things in order here. Overall: Not the best flea market I've been too, but it's definitely one I'd visit again. you could walk the whole space in about 10 min and have seen everything, but I think that's depending on who decides to show up that day. Open every weekend from 7am - 6pm it gives you plenty of time to stop by and see what unique offering you could find. It's not a over the top flea market, It's simple and family friendly. I would recommend it to the casual person, just looking for something different. read more

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This market was once overflowing with local and regional vendors. It was full and thriving when bootleg movies were hot! One could spend hours learning, listening to the bongo/Congo drummers, eating ethic foods, smelling the trees, and of course, supporting the locals striving to survive in the Bay. But evolving streaming technologies have permanently altered the landscape and it seems more like an opportunity to get sunburn in the summer and grab a cool ginger drink to take on your stroll back to your car, meet Uber or hop on BART. There are a few die hard locals who can still squeeze an earnest living from the weekend travelers along MLK Street seeking a weekend thrill either in B Town, SF or Oakland. I still support my locals while resisting gentrification - Trump is only temporary..... read more

Berkeley Flea Market - Amber oil from Robert's stand. This oil provides me with an unforgettable scent that allures + captivates... - Jewelry Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Berkeley flea market was never a hit but I will say it has gone downhill since I knew it 20 years ago. I did not feel safe during my recent visits (on a Saturday mid morning!) and some of the vendors were outright mean when an attempt to negotiate was made. I mean, isn't that what a flea market is all about! I've been there a few times in the past 5 months hoping the vibe would change and I could find some deals but it has not ...and not very many vendors with Knick knack merchandise. On a positive note, there were various vendors showing Africana- type stuff and related merchandise which was cool. If that is what you seek, go for it. But if you seek your standard garage sale type items, forget about it...very few. You are better off going to neighborhood garage sales. I moved back to the Bay Area from NJ. If you are ever there, go to the Golden Nugget flea market...you will understand my perspective. My low score was due to lack of bargains, a few hostile vendors, and lack of diverse merchandise. So save your time and search elsewhere. Just calling how I see it. read more

The Berkeley Flea is more of a 2.5 stars with lots of potential to be 5 stars. A couple of positive notes: Some good live music. They have a couple of musicians just playing. Looks like they just set up to play for the crowd. Easy access. It's just part of the Ashby Bart station parking lot. So you can take Bart here or there's plenty of parking at the Bart station on the weekends. If you are into the Reggae or African arts, this is a great place for you. If may not be my thing, but there were many interesting things to look at. Not so positive things: Number of vendors: There were only about 20 or so vendors there, on a Sunday. Sundays are usually the pack day for a flea market. I am a flea market junkie, I know this. The organization: There doesn't seem to be any form of organization, looked like whoever came first just sets up shop. Ended up making the market as a whole looked very dirty. Hopefully they can fix these things and get more of a crowd here. Look forward to re-writing this review with 5 stars. read more

I've been to the flea markets in San Jose and Santa Cruz and I must admit I have experienced better. There weren't as many vendors, some cool clothing items if you dig around a bit like other people are saying but nothing caught my attention enough. As for food there were only one or two food vendors when I came. I'm used to flea markets where you know you have to wake up early to go because you will probably spend hours up and down rows of unique treasures, but I strolled around here for 15 or so minutes. Other flea markets have way more going on so I guess I was just overall unimpressed and wouldn't visit this one again. read more

Coming here reminded me of the reggae festival I attended once, while on business in Baltimore. A dreadlocked guy in a rasta cap approached me with a serious look on his face before proclaiming: "GIRL, YOU ARE IN THE WRONG PLACE." I pretty much felt the same here. A couple of vendors in the first row were interesting and made me think I might actually drop a dime on a sample Jansport Backpack with built-in frame ($75) or a vintage, unused leather A's jacket ($35), but things quickly soured before I'd made my way to the last couple rows. I was looking at the crap you leave by the curb at 5 p.m. on a Sunday, after having had a weekend garage sale. I did pick myself up yet another hacky-sack ($1) 'cause I swear I'm going to teach myself one day soon. Aside from that, I couldn't wait to get out of here. Even the African food, as I left the parking lot hungry, had me fearing the Tsetse. read more

Whew What can't you find here?!? DVD's VHS's CD's TV's DVD players Bikes T-shirts, socks, shoes Fruits & Veggies Massages Incense, oils African, Mexican, Jamaican and American food Now of course that is just to name a few of the many many things they have to offer. My favorites of course are Angie's Ginger Juice and the Jamaican food and the African food that come straight from "A Taste of Africa" I mean I've been here quite a few times now and I never leave empty handed, they really do have it all. read more

The Berkeley flea market is the place to be on the weekends in Berkeley! They got everything! Tacos, African food, Jamaican food, ginger juices, desserts, massages, video games, warriors gear, not my president shirts, and the world famous Berkeley Flea Market Drum Circle! ( Seriously you gotta check these guys out they are something else.) You can even buy cheap bikes there like I did and it rides great! I think my favorite part about it though is the taco truck that comes called Taco Oaxaco. And they literally make the best tacos I have ever tasted for only $2!!! (I recommend beef over chicken). You gotta come down here at least once in your life if not to buy a poster of young Michael Jackson or some really old candle holders, then come for the live music and the good food. And the fact that it's right outside the Ashby Bart makes it that much more easy to get too! read more

Berkeley Flea Market - Some of the shops - Jewelry Near Me - Berkeley, California

The Berkeley Flea Market is a cultural institution that has been around for nearly half a decade. Every weekend the flea market provides space for local and international artisans to share and sell their crafts. Beyond being a center of trade for artists, the flea market also acts as a venue for cultural community activities such as open mics, fashion shows, and drum circles. If you want a real taste of California culture, this easily accessible weekly event is located right a the Ashby Bart in Berkeley. read more

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Take the BART to Ashby and you'll end up at the Berkeley Flea Market. Enjoy the music, browse the various stands full of jewelry, flowing skirts, people's unwanted items, cell phone/ipod cases, cheap knockoff sunglasses, hip-hop clothing, and incense. Loved the wood jewelry stand especially the bracelets. If you're hungry, check out the Thai temple not to far from there or get some fast, cheap but quality eats at the Berkeley Bowl. read more

I have been going to the Ashby flea market for over 20 years and I can always count on the flea market for incense, oils and the very hard to find ANT CHALK! Tis the season for ants and nothing stops those bastards like ant chalk. I have not been able to find this stuff anywhere other than the Ashby flea. It looks like regular chalkboard chalk and costs .75 per box. This is a unique flea market that is more like a cultural event. You know you are approaching the market when you hear the drummers pounding out their rhythmic beats. The cool thing is that all are welcome to join the circle and jam. Bring your drum, tambourine, or just a pair of clapping hands. read more

Pretty good deals all around. Drummers playing near the BART station while you shop add to the atmosphere. You can even get a massage while you're here read more

The Berkeley Flea Market makes good parking lot decoration (i.e., its just something other than cars to look at on the way to BART). But you wouldn't want to "go shopping" there. A lot of it is cheap crap--knick-knacks, plastic odds and ends, toiletries, less-than-Ross-quality clothing, dish soap--and the vibe is about equal. You can almost feel the "we stole all this stuff so we are a little on edge" mood wafting through the air. Some of the Jewelry can be cute though; I bought a nice pair of earrings to wear to a wedding for $10. And there are some local food vendors who make good stuff and are very pleasant--and its nice to see them hawking their goods at such a super local venue. There is also a good selection of West African art, if you happen to be interested in that. But, the drum circle would be better if they knew how to drum. And, overall, the flea market would be better if there were more of an emphasis on vintage, antique, rare, unique, etc., not just "cheap." If you've ever been to the outdoor markets in Mexico or West Africa, Berkeley Flea Market is like one of those. read more

Berkeley Flea Market - Jewelry Near Me - Berkeley, California

I heart the Berkeley Flea Market. Once upon a time when my ex lived in Richmond, I'd be at this Bart on weekends to head home. I loved bartering, walking around and finding awesome items to send to my friends. It's not my fav flea market, but it's easy to get to and that earns it a couple stars. read more

I kinda loved this flea market! But it's pretty ghetto. I'm just sayin'! Still... drum circle music, lotsa Rasta & island-y gifts, shops with swords & other speciality items, the fact that it's outside the Ashby BART, and a decent selection of bicycles make this flea market quite fun. I'll definitely go back. Again, I just wish it was a peg or two less in the shady department. read more

Berkeley Flea Market - Jewelry Near Me - Berkeley, California

This flea market is located at the ashby bart station. It's smaller than many flea markets that I have seen. They had a lots of foods places that smelled really delicious. I didn't get the chance to try any of them though. I found this flea market to be pretty expensive, but of course cheaper than the retail stores. I would say that their prices are more expensive than amazon and ebay, but maybe like 50% less than the retail stores. I would recommend anyone to probably check this flea market out, but beware that it is quite small. And you would probably want to haggle the prices before buying. read more

The flea market is one of my favorite aspects of the east bay. Can't beat $5 earrings, natural soap and incense. Its best on a warm day with friends. Only wish it was bigger! If we could combine the San Jose flea market with the vibes of this one, that would be perfect. read more

No buyers. Just sellers. Disappointed. Mostly junk. Mostly used ones. Wasted my time.

At the height (or what some might consider, low) of my poor, hippie, ascetic days, I bought BED SHEETS at the Ashby Flea Market. Because they were USED, they were so soft and warm, like sweet morning dew on the windshield of a Volkswagen Bus. UM....WHAT THE FUCK WAS I THINKING???????!!!!!!!!!!!! Five stars for the awesome wood block print I got there with all the children of the world frolicking in an ark. *kills bed bug* read more

An energetic place to wander in search of a gift or push the stroller. On weekend days rows of eager vendors can be found at the Ashby BART station parking lot, peddling their wares to wandering passersby. It's a diverse assemblage to be expected at a Berkeleyan affair: loads of ethnic clothing and jewelry, local skin care and soap products, a smattering of junk vendors with random trinkets, record collectors/dealers, cheap threads and houseware stalls, an exceptional produce stand, urban gear and kicks, and the occasional food cart. Peruse to the beat of the drum circle congregating outside the doors of the station. What an awesome place to see some serious characters in action! We spotted an old dude with his walker on a red plastic recorder, a lady rocking out on a full drum set and dozens of others banging out in cacophonous chorus. Babies be shaking a leg left and right. Such a great neighborhood vibe. read more

REVIEW OF THE PORT-O-POTTIES ONLY: After consuming a can of Diet Coke, my poo particles moved me to find a place to drop the kids off at the pool, ASAP. some of you know how much i abhor porta-potties... I'd rather pop a squat on some newspapers, get splashed by my own piss, fold and dispose my doo doo.... than get in a portable toilet..... But I had to use the one here at the Berkeley Flea Market... .or else i'd be walking around with dookie in my panty, and potential leakage since I was wearing my short shorts that day. Tips: I assumed the lone, wheelchair accessible porta-potty will be cleaner... I think it's because I dont' see that many flea market goers in wheelchairs..... but to my dismay errbody had the same assumption. I walked up at this one and it was NASTY TO DA MAX. Of course i had no choice but to check out one of the duplex porta-potties... and with luck, I found one that was amply stocked with toilet paper and toilet seat covers (i double/triple cover). I also had my handy pack of Wet Ones Antibacterial wipes. To my delight/surprise, there was only a pile of not-so-wet toilet paper accumulated in the toilet--- this is a good thing because it minimizes the POTENTIAL for getting backsplashed by foreign doodie particles. So, yes, it was me, white lady in the nice cardigan and linen pants, who left that pile of doo doo when you walked in the stall that I was in... as you patiently waited while I verbalized loudly how it was not that bad in there (even the urinal had trace amounts of urine). They have this cool pump-action sink as well, with sanitary hand soap dispensers and paper towels for wiping. I really like this toilet set up and minimizes some of my stress while walking around the Berkeley Flea Market. ( | ) read more

Very reminiscent of the weekly drum circle leimert park (Los Angeles). Definitely a culturally enlightening experience. Love that I can pick up some sage, incense, oils, crystals, earrings, food, ginger juice, Ankara clothing, and fresh fruit all in one stop. read more

Ashby Flea Market: Also known as the Stolen Goods Market, also known as A Place You Shouldn't Patronize, because you're just fueling the demand for break-ins (which, according to once recent conversation with Berkeley PD, is up to ~9 a night.) Of course, there are some nice communities gathered there-- drum circles, shamans, food truck vendors-- but you can bet that the laptops, cameras, phones, monitors & stereos that are being unloaded from the back of a white van are not salvaged from eBay. An acquaintance of mine was doing some work on a house one weekend, and he went inside for a few minutes to grab some water. When he came back out, all his tools were gone. The upside of the story is that he promptly walked on over to the flea market, located his stolen tools, and threatened some major injury if the tools weren't returned pronto. The seller just pushed the tools back to him, without comment or protest. read more