If you are a passionate completist, this show will blow your mind. One can easily get lost in rows of amazing, unique things that every collector dreams about! Brimfield Antique Show runs three times a year: in May, July, and September on both sides of a mile-long stretch on Route 20 in Brimfield, central Massachusetts, about 30 minutes from Worcester.
Brimfield Show Fields
One of the world's largest antique and collectibles market attracts over 6000 dealers from different states and countries who come to sell, socialize, and learn more about their area of interest. More than 100,000 attendees visit 17 fields, lined with tented booths. Overall, Brimfield features 21 independent shows and thousands of dealers. You can find anything here, from furniture and design items to textiles, art, and toys. Most dealers bring a wide range of items that they want to sell, so show fields are not dedicated to specific categories. The most popular categories at the show include pottery, Americana, baskets, books, bottles, Civil War memorabilia, clocks, stoneware and yelloware china, Victorian furniture, nautical items, oriental rugs, and vintage clothes. Brimfield Antique Show also features a wide range of food trucks and vendors that offer traditional, vegan, and gourmet meals.
Schedule and Admission
Brimfield Antique Show generally runs for 6 days, Tuesday through Sunday, from 6 am to about 3 pm. However, some booths are open from 8 am to 5 pm. Certain show fields operate on opening day only or from Friday through Sunday. Visit the Brimfield Antique Show website in the External Resources below to check the schedule if you are interested in specific show fields. Most of the shows offer free admission. However, some charge a small admission fee on the opening day.
Parking
Parking at Brimfield could be tricky since there's no designated parking lot. Brimfield show fields are scattered throughout town, so parking location depends on what show fields you plan to attend. On the positive side, there are plenty of parking areas available in Brimfield. Most lots charge a reasonable amount, from $5 to $10 per day. If you buy a sizable piece of furniture and need help carrying it, most show fields have porters who can help for a small fee. You can drive onto the field later in the day and arrange for porters to help load your purchase into your truck or vehicle. Arrangements for delivery are also possible. It's always a good idea to have cash at Brimfield to pay for small fees for parking and carrying.
Avoiding Crowds
The first show of the year in May is the busiest time at Brimfield. However, it's also the best time to look for rare finds and hidden treasures. The show in July is the least crowded due to the summer heat. As for the days of the week, Tuesday, the opening day, usually sees the most action and crowds. Fridays and Saturdays are also traditionally very busy. On Sundays, one can see that crowds get much thinner, but also many dealers are leaving early to drive home.
