The Epic Weekly Market In Southern California That Is So Much More Than Great Shopping
By Natasha Kayes|Published December 19, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
I don’t know about you, but I love farmers markets, arts and craft fairs, and vintage shops. You just never know what treasures you might come across. I recently learned about possibly the coolest weekly market in Los Angeles. So, what makes Melrose Trading Post so special? Let’s take a look.
Melrose Trading Post has been held every Sunday since 1997 on the campus of Fairfax High School in LA. Once you start to explore, you will realize it is far more than your average flea market; it is an incredible arts-based, constantly evolving marketplace.
Vendors include rare and vintage collectibles, secondhand items, vintage fashion, antique furniture, leather goods, clothing and accessories, and so much more.
Multiple stages feature live performances every week featuring local talent including music, poetry, spoken word, dance performances, live theater, and more.Melrose Mornings feature special family fun activities each week as the market gets going.
Shoppers enjoy a great variety of gourmet and international food trucks and vendor booths. There are picnic areas on the lawn and plenty of tables and umbrellas to refuel, listen to live performances, and relax between shopping sessions.
The marketplace is operated by the non-profit Greenway Arts Alliance. Proceeds allowed the organization to establish the Greenway Court Theatre - a full-production theater and creative space on the school campus - and led to the creation of the Greenway Institute for the Arts, which offers free Arts programs for students.
Melrose Trading Post also serves to provide real-life training and job experience for volunteer and paid students.
The weekly market in Los Angeles is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Sunday. Find out all about the market, hours, Melrose Morning activities, vendors, and more on the Melrose Trading Post website or by visiting Melrose Trading Post on Facebook. Have you been to this arts-centered marketplace in Los Angeles? We would love to hear what you think in the comments. If you love discovering unique goods and independent makers, you will also love the online marketplace, Uncommon Goods (I absolutely love their stained glass succulents!)
