Adventure Chicago: The Vintage Bazaar, Cool Vintage Finds Despite the Heat

The Vintage Bazaar is a Chicago-based modern, urban flea market produced by two local designers, Katherine Raz and Libby Alexander. Most of the vendors are local vintage boutique owners and collectors from all around the region.There is a little something for everyone—vintage clothing, art, jewelry, glassware, and countless other oddities.

It only happens twice a year—summer and winter. The summer edition of the Vintage Bazaar is during the month of August—a time we refer to as the dog days. It also takes place at the old Congress Theater on Milwaukee Avenue without the aid of air conditioning. Let me be the first to tell you, it’s hot in there. Blistering would be more accurate; my skin was melting like the Wicked Witch of the West. The funny thing was, I didn’t mind. And neither did the hundreds of sweaty, happy-go-lucky devotees combing through booths of one-of-a-kind, funky finds at remarkable prices.

Don’t let me worry you too much about the heat because after all, there is beer—ice-cold beer. For the kiddies, there is pie being sold by Hoosier Mama Pie Company. What could better than cheap, eclectic finds, ice cold beer, and homemade pie? A hipster D.J. spinning really great tunes while you peruse the vendors, you say? Well, there is one of those, too.

Most items are ticketed at extremely reasonable prices, but if you have your eye on something that is a little more than you may want to spend, vendors are also willing to negotiate prices. Admission to the Bazaar is free. Details and updates for where and when it will be popping up next are available at www.thevintagebazaar.com.

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