Flea Markets in Riverside, California
2 flea markets found
About Flea Markets in Riverside
Riverside, California has a small but well-attended flea market scene, with two established outdoor swap meets that together draw thousands of visitors. Both are set at drive-in theatre grounds — a classic Southern California setup that means plenty of open-air space, easy parking, and a relaxed weekend atmosphere. If you’re expecting a quiet, tucked-away antique shop vibe, these aren’t it; they lean toward lively, high-traffic markets with a broad mix of goods and shoppers.
The Van Buren Drive-In Theatre and Swap Meet is the more diverse of the two, with vendor tags spanning antiques, clothing, collectibles, and tools — a genuinely eclectic mix that rewards browsing. With over 6,200 reviews, it’s clearly a Riverside institution and the go-to spot if you’re hunting for something specific or just want the widest selection under one roof. Rubidoux Drive-In Theatre is the other major option, carrying a family-friendly reputation alongside its outdoor, parking-accessible setup — it has drawn nearly 4,500 reviews of its own, suggesting it’s no afterthought.
Both markets are outdoor, so dress for the weather — Riverside summers can be brutal by midday. Arriving early is almost always the right call at swap meets this size, both for parking and first pick of vendor inventory. Since neither market publishes hours publicly, it’s worth calling ahead or checking their social pages before making the trip.
