It’s no secret that Singaporeans love a shopping mall, but look as carefully as we have and you’ll find a good few flea markets thrown in for variety. Rummagers rejoice! Here’s a list of our favourite fleas and bazaars that are worth visiting for quirky finds and one-offs.
MAAD Pyjamas (Market of Artists and Designers)
Once a month over 60 vendors set-up shop in the Red Dot Design Museum, transforming it into a quirky marketplace of original creations ranging from mini artisanal postcards, fashion and crafts, to literature, photography and furniture. Phew! From 9pm, home-grown bands take the stage, so grab a bottle (or two) of Heineken and sway to the groove ’til midnight. Or volunteer yourself to model in the ‘Portraits After Dark’ session, where illustrators and doodlers will sketch a portrait of you for others to buy later. In?
When: First Friday of every month
Time: 5pm – midnight
Where: Red dot design museum, 28 Maxwell Road
facebook.com/goMAAD
maad.sg
Zouk Flea & Easy
Nightclub by night and Singapore’s hippest, coolest, oldest running flea-market by (Sun)day, Zouk’s Flea & Easy is the place to bag a bargain. Expect quirky finds, bargains as low as $5, and pre-loved vintage and branded goods with pleasing price-tags. And it wouldn’t be Zouk without good music and DJs spinning, so grab a pint or frozen yoghurt, and soak up the atmosphere.
Where: Quarterly on Sunday
Time: Zouk Club, 17 Jiak Kim Street
When: 2pm – 7pm
zoukclub.com
Public Garden
We liked the sound of a flea that was established as an alternative to “big box retail” for independent businesses and creative types, and we weren’t disappointed. Public Garden’s indie affair serves up stalls with old-school threads, eclectic accessories and, our favourite, heaps of home-baked goodies just like Grandma used to make to take home.
When: Twice monthly
Where: Old Hill Street Police Station and National Museum of Singapore
Time: 1pm – 7pm
Sunday Artist Market (SAM)
We reckon Sundays don’t get much better than Eggs Benedict on Ann Siang Hill followed by a look-see around this bohemian market. Hob nob with Singapore’s artsy folk and snap up vintage jewellery, records, photography prints and contemporary art, while listening to chill-out tunes, watching live graffiti shows and getting your caricature done (or not).
When: Bi-monthly
Time: 1pm – 6 pm
Where: The Vault, 237 South Bridge Road
thevault.com.sg
China Square Central
Hone your haggling skills at this fabulous weekend market. With over 60 vendors flogging vintage toys, antiques and crafts, plus a few 80s posters and gramophone records thrown in for good measure, you’re bound to find plenty of golden oldies here. Comic junkies should head to Level 2 for the latest issues and action figure collectibles.
Where: Every Sunday
Time: 11am to 6pm
When: China Square Central, 18 Cross Street
chinasquarecentral.com
Visit www.forfleasake.com for details of other flea markets, including those at Singapore Flyer and Pit Building.
For more helpful tips head to our living in Singapore section.
