A Guide to First Monday Trade Days

Canton, Texas, the home of Canton KOA at the Silver Spur Resort, is perhaps best known for First Monday Trade Days. 

First Monday Trade Days is the oldest and largest continually operating outdoor flea market in the US – which is why it’s renowned for the endless variety of home decor, antiques, collectibles, furniture, vintage clothing, and jewelry you can find there. 

When does it take place?

Canton First Monday Trade Days is held on one weekend per month, on Thursday through Sunday prior to the first Monday of the month, year round. To get the full schedule, you can click here. 

The official rule is it’s open from “sun up to sun down,” but some vendors might open around 8 or 9 am, and others may close prior to 5 PM. 

Where is it? Is just like a regular flea market, outside? 

First Monday Trade Days is pretty gigantic. We recommend acquainting yourself with the different markets and areas so you can find the stuff you’re looking for. 

There are acres and acres of shops, food courts, and stuff to look at. Here’s a great resource for where all the different shops are. 

Is it really crowded? 

Well, yes and no. On a gorgeous sunny Saturday? Probably. Thursdays are the least crowded days, so if you can plan your visit for then, we recommend it. Spring and Fall are historically the most popular seasons for Trade Days.

It has been known that the markets just before Christmas are in high demand, so it may be wise to make reservations in advance to make sure you have a place to stay. To check availability at Canton KOA, click here.

Is there parking? Is it free?

Yes, there are numerous parking lots around the First Monday grounds, and it usually costs around five bucks a day. There are quite a number of RV parks as well.

What should I bring with me? 

Here are our non-negotiables:

• Sunscreen, a hat of some sort, and comfy shoes and clothes. You’ll be walking a lot, and while some of the pavilions are air-conditioned, not all of them are.
• Bottled water – there is food available on site, but bringing a backpack with bottled water in it will save you money.
• Cash – many vendors prefer to deal in cash only.
• A wagon – wagons are available for rental, but if you have one at home and are driving in, put it in your car. It’ll be a lot easier to wheel a wagon around than to carry things around.

What should I do afterward? 

Come back to the Resort and relax! You’ll be pretty tired. Have a beer in our Q + Brew Restaurant, or just kick back in your cabin or camp site to rest. 

For detailed information on First Monday Trade Days, click here. 

To book your stay at the Canton KOA, click here.

(Blog first written for Silver Spur Resort, and adapted for Canton KOA)