Cherry blossom season may be over, but spring’s shopping season is just getting started. From outdoor pop-up markets to indoor art and collectible fairs, there are a number of places to pick up one-of-a-kind finds. Here’s a list of cool vintage, fashion, and makers’ markets you can explore around town.
Smithsonian Craft Show
This annual showcase presents an eclectic variety of jury-selected ceramics, furniture, glass, metal, leather, wearable art, basketry, and more. The National Building Museum will host 120 artists to commemorate the theme of “American Artistry” in craft and design ($25+ general admission, $300+ for preview party).
Georgetown French Market
Georgetown transforms into an immersive French Market this month where you can shop sidewalk sales and deals from area boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and cafes. Dive into French culture along Wisconsin Avenue (from O Street to Reservoir Road) as stilt-walkers, jazz bands, face painters, balloon twisters, and a French unicyclist fill Book Hill at the three-day open-air market. Also, there’s European cuisines to taste, and books and vinyls to browse (free).
Alexandria Art Show and Craft Spring Fair
Get a head start on Mother’s Day gift shopping at this outdoor Alexandria Art Show and Craft Spring Fair. Dozens of vendors will be selling accessories, bath items, skin care products, fine art, and other items at John Carlyle Square Park (free).
Arlington Festival of the Arts with Craft Marketplace
At this two-day neighborhood marketplace you can score handcrafted sculpture, pottery, jewelry, photography, mixed media, and other neat pieces of artwork (free).
Flower Mart
Flower Mart returns to the Washington National Cathedral this spring. The family-friendly event features carnival rides, choral performances, dance, and a chance to shop flowers plants, books, and more across 65 boutique booths. The annual event helps support the cathedral’s gardens and grounds (free).
Takoma Flea
If you’re looking to shop repurposed items, you can stop by the Takoma Flea Market for vintage clothing, records, jewelry, furniture, and other great finds. This year’s participating vendors include Heathers Hangers, Portfolio District, Far East Antiques, and more (free).
Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
Browse 120 booths full of fine art from local and national creators at the Bethesda Fine Arts Festival. Also, you can two-step to live jazz, rock, and country performances on the outdoor stage. DC’s own soul and jazz vocalist Cecily is scheduled to perform at this year’s festival (free).
Lucketts Spring Vintage Market
Go on a shopping spree at Northern Virginia’s Lucketts Spring Market. Browse chic garden gems, painted furniture, architectural salvage, rustic antiques, and other vintage finds at this outdoor, three-day market. Shoppers can expect live music, a beer garden, and food trucks. For a less crowded visit, the early-buyer option for May 15 is a morning pass to shop before general admission ticket-holders join the excitement ($20 general admission, $50 for early-buyer weekend pass).
The Capital Rare Book Fair
Calling all bookworms to The Capital Rare Book Fair in May. Book-lovers can spend hours browsing antique manuscripts, historic documents, and unique maps from more than 20 antiquarian booksellers from throughout the US. To start the reading fest early, there’s a preview party serving pours of wine and beer, snacks, and musical entertainment ($15 general admission, free for ages 16 and younger, $60 for opening night).
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Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
