In 2024, the Flamingo Flea marks its fifth anniversary of providing South Florida locals with a chance to shop for unique handmade, vintage, and upcycled items while connecting with their community. Known as one of the most beloved artisan markets in the tri-county region, it has become a great Sunday Funday destination, featuring a diverse range of local vendors, live music, brunch, craft beer, and community spirit. Currently, the Flamingo Flea switches venues every other month between Tarpon River Brewing, 280 SW 6th St., Fort Lauderdale, and Crazy Uncle Mike’s, 6450 N. Federal Hwy, Boca Raton.
The curated market showcases the talents of budding local businesses at various venues throughout South Florida. Founded by Fort Lauderdale native Carley Sumner, the market’s mission is to promote growth and sustainability for local artists and innovators and to represent and inspire South Florida’s progressive community. The market began with a small gathering of 45 vendors at Tarpon River Brewing in 2019 but has grown to include over 1,500 vendors at 15 venues throughout South Florida.
At each Flamingo Flea event, customers can browse over 35 vendors offering handmade, upcycled, and locally sourced products that Sumner curates. Sumner has the task of reviewing over 100 vendor applications for every market and carefully curating the rotation of 35 unique vendors for each event. The range of goods includes art, jewelry, plants, vinyl records, vintage clothes, home decor, body care, and much more. In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy live music played by bands spanning genres from Top 40 to Indie Rock.
“I’m proud to be a part of the Flamingo Flea. It’s the reason we are where we are today,” Arielle Velle says, owner of The Wallflower Shoppe. “The Flamingo Flea is where we first showcased Wallflower Shoppe and throughout the years, I have made lifelong friends and met other small business owners to collaborate with. With the love and support we gained from the Flea community, I left my full-time job and now have my own storefront in Cape Coral.”
While Flamingo Flea welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs to all its events, Sumner noticed a demand from the community for a dedicated pet event. As a result, she created the bi-annual Puppy Brunch at Tarpon River Brewing. The Sunday event celebrates man’s best friend and offers a marketplace with pet products such as clothing, accessories, locally-made bandanas, art, toys, leashes, treats, and more. Pet owners can also browse through a range of pet services, including groomers, vets, trainers, pet sitters, walkers, and dental care. Tarpon River Brewing expands its outside lot to provide more room for four-legged friends to have fun.
The Flamingo Flea will celebrate its fifth anniversary with events, including:
- Sunday, March 10, 12-4 p.m.: Flamingo Flea at Tarpon River Brewing
- Saturday, April 20, 12-4 p.m.: Flamingo Flea at Crazy Uncle Mike’s
- Sunday, April 28, 12-4 p.m.: Puppy Brunch by The Flamingo Flea at Tarpon River Brewing
- Sunday, May 26, 12-4 p.m.: Memorial Day BBQ Flamingo Flea
- Saturday, June 15, 12-4 p.m.: Flamingo Flea at Crazy Uncle Mikes
“We are excited to celebrate five amazing years,” Sumner says. “The Flamingo Flea is locals and visitors’ favorite way to spend a Sunday. Flea lovers not only support local businesses but discover new finds and connect with their neighbors. We invite the community to join in the Flea fun whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been a fan from day one.”
To learn more about the Flamingo Flea, please visit Flamingoflea.com. To submit a vendor application, please visit Flamingoflea.com/participate.
