A flea market is described as “a market, typically outdoors, selling secondhand goods.”
It might be worth mentioning that many of these places – also to refer to as swap meets – offer farm-fresh produce and an array of dining choices from mobile food vendors.
If you’re a bargain hunter or smart shopper with time on your hands, flea markets in Stockton and Galt offer six-days-a-week choices.
Monday is the only flea market-free day in this area.
Here’s how the rest of the week shapes up:
TUESDAY
Galt Market, 890 Caroline Ave.; Open: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On this day, the City of Galt-sponsored flea market offers wholesale and retail sales from across the state. It’s also an opportune time to look for bargains in clothing, tools, pottery, fabric, house wares, rugs, blankets and other home items. The roots to this expansive 10 acre open-air mall are that of the old Sacramento County Fairgrounds dating back to the 1950s. The Galt flea market features over 400 vendors offering merchandise of sales along quality items at staggering discount prices. Food vendors provide excellent and inexpensive meals, from Chinese, Mexican, Vietnamese, and American foods coupled with mochas, smoothies, lattes and a good old cup of coffee.
WEDNESDAY
Galt Market;
Open: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Looking for new merchandise or fresh produce from local and distant farms? The Galt flea market has that along with garage sale vendors. Produce consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seafood. On this day you can find collectables and perhaps hidden treasures from estate sales, storage sheds, and items stashed away in garages and attics. Free carryout service is provided for shoppers not to mention shopping carts.
San Joaquin County
Fairground, 1658 S. Airport Way (Stockton); Open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bargain hunters can peruse through items offered by 100 vendors on the carnival lot of the fairgrounds.
THURSDAY
San Joaquin County
Fairgrounds Flea Market;
Open: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The flea market features over 300 vendors on this day, making it the largest of its kind in San Joaquin County.
FRIDAY
Stockton Open Air Mall, 3550 N. Wilson Way (Stockton); Open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For fun, food, and pleasure, this place offers something for the entire family.
There are few amusement rides for the youngsters and plenty of shopping for the bargain hunters. Where else can you find vendors selling anything from stun guns to TV satellite dishes, home computers, car stereos, and sunglasses. Youngsters enjoy picking up pop caps and toys while the folks can get a good deal on cleaning supplies, clothing, jackets, shoes, sports apparel and other collectibles.
SATURDAY
Stockton Open Air Mall & Flea Market; Open: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you must go on the weekend to the Stockton Open Air Mall & Flea Market, this is the day.
Delta College Flea Market, 5151 Pacific Ave. (Stockton);
Open 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Farm-fresh produce, secondhand toys, tools and household items can be had in the parking lot of Holt Center of San Joaquin Delta College. Many the locals including Gabe Jimenez enjoy come here for the bargains.
“I go here almost every weekend to walk and check out items for sale,” he said.
Ditto that for Maximo Garrido and Luis Naranjo. Both fill their Saturdays by coming to the Delta Flea Market.
Garrido goes in search of collectible nutcrackers and sock animals while Naranjo enjoys just finding the great bargains. In addition, food vendors and baked goods can be had here.
Stockton Flea Market,
2542 S. El Dorado St. (Stockton)
The locals lovingly refer to this place as the “Southside Mall.” An array of items, from car parts to bikes can be found at this place formerly a retail store that was established back in 1976.
SUNDAY
Stockton Open Air Mall & Flea Market; Open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This flea market is often crowded on this day, with motorists having to park in the overflow parking lot or across the busy street.
Delta College Flea Market
Folks enjoy coming here for the food not to mention the great deals and hard-to-find items, especially when Santa Cecilia Tamales are offered. Brand new furniture and some beds – ditto that for Stockton Open Air and Stockton Flea Market – can also be purchased here.
Stockton Flea Market
Mario V. of Stockton often enjoys coming here to walk or shop for fruits and vegetables. “There are some good foods stands (mainly Chinese and Mexican) and burgers,” he posted on Yelp.
What makes this place different is the indoor dining area in the old retail building. Others have come here in search of washers, dryers and other appliances.
The Stockton Flea Market offers that and much more.
