The Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market: What to Know & When to Go
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a summer morning outdoors, The Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market in New Milford is one of our favorite options. It’s under an hour from most Fairfield County towns, and well worth it for access to some of Connecticut’s best treasure-hunting.
This vibrant and bustling bazaar is the largest outdoor flea market in Connecticut, and it’s gained a reputation as a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.
The flea market truly offers something for everyone, including antiques, vintage clothing, collectibles, and much more. The Elephant’s Trunk also has a variety of food trucks on site each weekend.
As Elephant Trunk regulars, we’re sharing everything you need to know about visiting this unique local event.
What is the Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market?
The Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market is an expansive outdoor marketplace that’s operated in New Milford, CT since 1976. The flea market was first held in the front yard of an old Victorian home along Route 7, but it now has its own dedicated field (also along Rt. 7), with up to 500 vendors regularly participating.
Since the market attracts so many different vendors, there’s also a wide range in the type, style, and price of items you’ll find there. Whether you’re looking for a bargain on vintage clothing or home decor, or you want to splurge on higher-end antiques, you’ll find both (and everything in between) at the Elephant’s Trunk.
While most of the booths are filled with furnishings, decor, and clothing, there are also vendors that specialize in collectibles and original art/artisan crafts.
The Elephant’s Trunk has always been one of the most popular flea markets in Connecticut (and the northeast), but it’s grown even bigger in the last few years thanks to a regular appearance on the TV show Flea Market Flip.
When is the Elephant’s Trunk Open?
The Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market opens its gates every Sunday (weather permitting), from April through December, ensuring a wide variety of vendors and merchandise throughout the warmer months of the year.
The market officially opens at 8 AM, but serious shoppers can arrive as early as 5:30 am to take part in the “Early Bird” shopping. Admission to the Elephant Trunk stops at 2PM, and everyone must be off the fields by 3:30.
Early Buyer tickets, which allow access to the fields starting at 5:30 AM, cost $20.
There’s also a “Prepaid buyer” ticket, which can be purchased online for $10. These tickets allow access to the fields one hour early, beginning at 7 AM.
General admission tickets begin at 8AM, and cost $3.
How big is the Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market?
Prepare to be amazed by the sheer size of the Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market. Spanning an impressive 55 acres, the market encompasses a vast expanse of fields and parking lots, ensuring plenty of space for vendors and visitors alike. It’s one of the largest flea markets in the Northeastern United States, attracting crowds of thousands each Sunday.
Navigating the market’s extensive grounds is made easy with designated walkways and signage. Whether you’re on the hunt for vintage clothing, antique furniture, collectible toys, or handmade crafts, you’ll find row upon row of vendor stalls offering a diverse selection of goods. From established antique dealers to local artisans, the market is a melting pot of vendors who bring their passion for unique and extraordinary items to share with the world.
Whatever you’re searching for, make sure to mark your calendar for a Sunday adventure at the Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market, where hidden gems and unexpected treasures await. Discover the stories behind each item, engage with passionate vendors, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this beloved Connecticut institution.