Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS will be hosting its annual Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction on September 21 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This year, the outdoor flea market expands to both sides of West 44th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. Tables will also be on West 45th Street, with the silent auction in Shubert Alley and the live auction in the Times Square pedestrian plaza between 45th and 46th Streets.
Whether this is your first, fifth, or 25th time attending, here are some tips and tricks to make the most out of the Broadway Flea!
1. Arrive early
The Broadway Flea Market opens at 10 a.m. Make sure to arrive earlier to give yourself enough time to scope out the stalls and beat the crowds.
2. Bring cash
Many stalls don’t accept cards or tap-to-pay as payment methods. Make sure to bring small bills and set a budget ahead of time.
3. Know what’s being auctioned
Pre-bidding has opened for the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS grand auction. The pre-bidding closes on September 19 at 2 p.m. Click here to make a bid on one-of-a-kind experiences and memorabilia.
4. Bring a tote bag (or two!)
The stalls and vendors do not give out free shopping bags, so be sure to bring a tote bag or backpack to carry any and all of your items.
5. Be prepared to comb through a lot of merchandise from your favorite shows
Similar to thrift shopping, there is a lot of merchandise to comb through. Be prepared to hunt down the perfect Playbill, poster, jacket, set piece, and more!
6. Be courteous
When you’re searching for something to buy, be respectful of other fans and the staff working the Flea Market.
7. Wear sunscreen
You will be out in the sun all morning and into the afternoon. Make sure your skin is protected!
8. Know your way around the many tables
More than 60 tables are set to sell stage-used props, memorabilia, posters, Playbills and more. The shows confirmed to be represented at tables are & Juliet, Aladdin, Beetlejuice, Buena Vista Social Club, Cabaret, Death Becomes Her, Gypsy, Hadestown, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Hell’s Kitchen, Just in Time, The Lion King, Little Shop of Horrors, Mamma Mia!, Maybe Happy Ending, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Oh, Mary!, Operation Mincemeat, The Outsiders, Six, Stranger Things: The First Shadow and Wicked. A special Curtain Call table will host unique mementos from shows that recently ended their runs, including Redwood, Sunset Blvd., Titanique and more.
