Tips for Sucess at the Alameda Antiques Fair

Have you ever been to the Alameda Antique Fair in Alameda, California?  It’s located on the old Alameda Naval Base tucked between the San Francisco Bay and Oakland.  In the Spring and summer, it’s usually a gorgeously perfect day in Alameda, cool enough for a jacket and scarf, but warm enough that coats were able to be shed throughout the course of the day. Read on for some tips for visiting the Alameda Antique Fair in Alameda, California!

 

First, we stopped at one of my favorite French vendors where we spotted this white cart.  That was gone by the end of the day, of course, I made sure to check just before we left.  That cart would be perfect for a pantry or book case-it’s definitely something that I’ve seen styled at Anthropologie in the past.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After visiting our favorites we headed toward the back of the fair and made our way up front. If you want some deals and don’t mind sifting through some unorganized vendors (some are but not all!) start in the rear of the fair.  We found some amazing teal Mason jars for $5!  This is a steal considering they have the latch and the tops still on.  The BFF picked up some chippy window panes for her dining room to use as wall art and we wandered around where we found some more really great deals.  We found frames, drooled over some gorgeous furniture and ate the fresh donuts that are always available at the event.

After a solid day of sourcing, we loaded up “Angel”, our trusty shopping cart and headed home.  I put out my jars to display right away which caused my husband to just shake his head.  Aren’t they beauties??

 

 

 

Tips for Success at the Alameda Antique Fair

1.  Bring sunscreen, a snack, water, paper and pen.

While it can be cloudy in the morning, the fog usually burns off which means that it heats up quickly. There isn’t much shade out on the grounds so make sure you have enough sunscreen.  The paper and pen will help you keep track of where items are located.  The fair is huge, it’s easy to get lost and forget what stall you saw an item in.

 

2.  Negotiate the price and then snap the item up!

Don’t pass and think you will go back later.  The grounds are huge and more than likely the piece will be gone when you go back!

 

3.  Take a camera to get ideas.

If there is an item that is too expensive, snap a picture so you can look for a similar item later or even better let it give you ideas for a DIY project!

 

4.  Bring a wagon or cart and a large vehicle for furniture.

The fair lets you rent shopping carts but they aren’t in the best condition.  Investing in your own cart or wagon is a smart idea especially if you go to antique fairs often.

 

5.  Go early!

The earlier you can enter the fair, the better the pickings will be however, the more expensive it is to get in.  After 9am the price lowers to $5 and that’s when the majority of the crowds descend.

Have you ever been to the Alameda Antique Fair in Alameda, California?  It’s located on the old Alameda Naval Base tucked between the San Francisco Bay and Oakland.  In the Spring and summer, it’s usually a gorgeously perfect day in Alameda, cool enough for a jacket and scarf, but warm enough that coats were able to be shed throughout the course of the day.

First, we stopped at one of my favorite French vendors where we spotted this white cart.  That was gone by the end of the day, of course, I made sure to check just before we left.  That cart would be perfect for a pantry or book case-it’s definitely something that I’ve seen styled at Anthropologie in the past. 

After visiting our favorites we headed toward the back of the fair and made our way up front. If you want some deals and don’t mind sifting through some unorganized vendors (some are but not all!) start in the rear of the fair.  We found some amazing teal Mason jars for $5!  This is a steal considering they have the latch and the tops still on.  The BFF picked up some chippy window panes for her dining room to use as wall art and we wandered around where we found some more really great deals.  We found frames, drooled over some gorgeous furniture and ate the fresh donuts that are always available at the event.

After a solid day of sourcing, we loaded up “Angel”, our trusty shopping cart and headed home.  I put out my jars to display right away which caused my husband to just shake his head.  Aren’t they beauties??

TIPS FOR SUCCESS AT THE ALAMEDA ANTIQUE FAIR

1.  Bring sunscreen, a snack, water, paper and pen.

While it can be cloudy in the morning, the fog usually burns off which means that it heats up quickly. There isn’t much shade out on the grounds so make sure you have enough sunscreen.  The paper and pen will help you keep track of where items are located.  The fair is huge, it’s easy to get lost and forget what stall you saw an item in. 

2.  Negotiate the price and then snap the item up!

Don’t pass and think you will go back later.  The grounds are huge and more than likely the piece will be gone when you go back! 

3.  Take a camera to get ideas.

If there is an item that is too expensive, snap a picture so you can look for a similar item later or even better let it give you ideas for a DIY project! 

4.  Bring a wagon or cart and a large vehicle for furniture.

The fair lets you rent shopping carts but they aren’t in the best condition.  Investing in your own cart or wagon is a smart idea especially if you go to antique fairs often. 

5.  Go early!

The earlier you can enter the fair, the better the pickings will be however, the more expensive it is to get in.  After 9am the price lowers to $5 and that’s when the majority of the crowds descend!