Some shopping trips come with a list. Others are better when there is no plan at all. The latter is part of the appeal of Vintage Market Days, an upscale vintage-inspired market that brings a carefully curated mix of antiques, art, clothing, jewelry, home decor, handmade goods, furniture, seasonal finds and more to Colorado Springs.
Rather than a traditional flea market, Vintage Market Days is designed as an experience. “Every detail adds up,” says Becky Miskel, the market’s founder. “The centerpieces on the tables while eating, the backdrops and decor when you walk in, and the extravagant details our vendors put into each of their setups.” The market brings together vendors who specialize in everything from timeworn treasures and vintage furnishings to handmade creations and contemporary goods with a vintage sensibility. The result is a little bit eclectic, a little bit nostalgic, and almost impossible to browse without finding something unexpected.
For shoppers, the fun is in the discovery. One booth might offer a piece of furniture that looks as though it has a story to tell, while another showcases handcrafted jewelry, original artwork or vintage clothing. There are home accents, outdoor furnishings, seasonal plantings, gifts and consumable treats, too. It’s the kind of market where a quick stop can easily turn into an afternoon of wandering.
That sense of discovery is intentional. Vintage Market Days describes its events as an opportunity for vendors to bring their talents and passions to creative venues. “Each vendor has their own story, and many travel from all across the country to our event,” Miskel says. “This is their livelihood. The community supports the lives of each vendor by shopping at our market. It’s my favorite part of running the event.”
And then there is the nostalgia. Part of the charm of vintage shopping is the chance to reconnect with another era. An old piece of furniture, a piece of jewelry, a retro jacket or an unusual piece of art can evoke a memory, introduce a new design idea or make a space feel more personal. In a world increasingly filled with mass-produced goods, there is something satisfying about finding an object that feels individual.
Vintage Market Days has become a recurring destination for that very reason. “I hope people feel a sense of community, an experience they can enjoy with friends and family and look back on getting to enjoy the incredible creativity of our vendors,” Miskel shares. “I hope they feel inspired themselves, to collect, create or just to have a bright spot in their week or something to look forward to on the calendar that brings a smile to their face.”
The Colorado Springs market first launched in 2017 at the Norris Penrose Event Center. The event has since incorporated live music and food, adding to the feeling that shoppers are attending an experience rather than walking past a row of booths. This year’s event is slated for November 20-22 with a festive theme, “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree,” making it well suited to holiday shopping and seasonal decorating. Friday is an early-buying event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by general admission Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children under 12 are admitted free, and tickets allow re-entry throughout the weekend.
For anyone who appreciates objects with character, handmade goods, creative design or simply the thrill of finding something that was not on the shopping list, Vintage Market Days offers a singular retail experience. Come looking for one thing. Leave with a story.
Vintage Market Days
Norris Penrose Event Center
1045 Lower Gold Camp Road
972.322.0533
vintagemarketdays.com