A Massive Flea Market is Coming Up This Spring in Eastern Iowa

One of the Midwest's largest flea markets is here in Iowa, and the first one of the season is coming up quick! The What Cheer Flea Market will be back May 2nd through 5th of 2024.

Located at the Keokuk County Fairgrounds, the What Cheer Flea Market is well-known throughout the Midwest for its massive size. According to a Facebook post, the final flea market of 2023 saw "450 vendors taking up 750 spaces on 20 acres!" The spring market is expected to be just as big, as ALL of the vendor spaces have already been rented!

The spring flea market will take place May 2nd through 5th. Thursday, May 2nd is considered "early bird" day, which means it costs a little more to get in. Admission is $6 and it runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, admission is $4 and the gates are open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, the final day of the market, admission is FREE, and the hours are from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The spring What Cheer Flea Market is just one of three that will take place in 2024. The others are set for August 1st through 4th and October 3rd through 6th.

If you're planning to attend one of this year's What Cheer Flea Markets, there is all sorts of shopper information available on the website. For example, organizers strongly urge attendees to wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen, and bring their own bags, wagons, or carts for their purchases. They also recommend bringing cash, although there are a couple of ATMs on-site. As far as food goes, there are four different concession stands throughout the fairgrounds, as well as a popcorn shack and funnel cake stand. The longest food lines are typically from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., so plan accordingly. For those unable to walk around on their own, golf carts and scooters are welcome on the grounds, as long as drivers are slow and careful. Pets are also allowed at the event, as long as owners clean up after them. The busiest day for the market is always Saturday.

For the latest updates about the 2024 What Cheer Flea Markets, you can check out the official Facebook page HERE.