FAQS: QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
visiting: FAQS
How do I get to the Market?
The Flea Market at Eastern Market is easily accessible from the Eastern Market Metro stop on the Orange and Blue Lines at Pennsylvania Ave SE. It is centrally located in Capitol Hill just 7 blocks from the Capitol. Go to our Visit page for a map and to get directions.
Is there Public parking?
Public parking around the market is limited. Free Sunday curbside parking is available on Pennsylvania and North Carolina Avenues SE and on other neighborhood streets. We validate parking in the underground garage at 600 Penn for $4. Enter at 8th and C. Because parking is limited in the residential area surrounding Eastern Market, Metro is highly recommended. Note that 7th Street between C St and North Carolina is closed to vehicular traffic on weekends.
What time does Eastern Market open and close?
South Hall merchants are open everyday, except Monday. They are open: Tuesday-Friday, 7am to 7pm; Saturday, 7am to 6pm; Sunday, 9am to 5pm.
Advertised hours for The Flea Market at Eastern Market are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm but exhibitor set up begins earlier and load out can last longer. Customers are welcome both early and late, but should be aware that exhibitor vehicles are also moving around onsite.
The Farmers Line around Eastern Market operates both Saturday and Sunday. Advertised hours are 7 am to 4 pm.
Where can I get coffee, eat, or get a drink?
While much is available in Eastern Market itself, there are also many pubs, cafes and restaurants in the neighborhood. The Flea Market has food, coffee and other beverages in good weather.
Are there public bathrooms?
There are public restrooms in Eastern Market.
What sort of payment do the exhibitors accept?
Although cash is the most frequent for low priced items, most exhibitors do take credit cards. Checks are commonly acceptable, but inquire first. There is an ATM machine located inside Eastern Market and another on 7th Street between C St and Pennsylvania Ave.
Is it okay to bargain?
Many exhibitors selling antiques, collectibles and estate finds are often amenable to some bargaining. Artists and importers are less inclined to do so, though bulk purchases are often rewarded with a discount. When in doubt, ask.
I saw a product that I want to get. How do I find the exhibitor?
If you know the exhibitors name or business name, type of product, and/or general set up location, we can probably help you locate them. Check our Exhibitors page, and if you can’t find what you are looking for contact us or call 703-534-7612. We only manage The Flea Market at Eastern Market, on Sundays.
What else is there to do in the area?
In addition to dining, there are numerous shops along Pennsylvania Ave, 7th and 8th Streets SE. Explore the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, the Capitol, the Library of Congress and The Folger Shakespeare Library, which are among the attractions within a short walk.
Does the Market still take place in bad weather or on a holiday?
The outdoor markets take place every weekend year round, with only the most severe weather limiting or canceling activities. However, expect many less exhibitors on gusty, rainy and snowy days.
exhibiting: FAQS
How do I Become an Exhibitor?
If you have an interesting product to sell and want to exhibit at Eastern Market on Sundays, please apply on our “becoming an exhibitor page.”
Do I need a license?
You do not need a license to sell at the market. In fact, the Eastern Market area is governed under a law that not only exempts a vendor license, but actually forbids vendors with licenses from selling there. This is because Eastern Market is a special market area that encourages unique and handmade products and discourages the selling of typical street vending fare.
I don't live in DC. Do I still need to pay sales tax?
While a vending license is not required, a DC sales tax number is. Regardless of residency, all exhibitors must pay DC sales tax on all items sold. To apply for a tax id number, or for more information, go to DC Office of Tax and Revenue and click on FR-379*, a pdf document.
What do I need to bring? Can I rent a table or tent at the Market?
You must bring all display items that you need for your booth. The market does not supply tables, chairs, tents, umbrellas or any other items.
What happens if I don't show up?
If you have applied and have prepaid, your payment will rollover if you cancel 4 days in advance but you must request the next date. Please notify us regarding your attendance. Prepaid unused reservations will be refunded upon request.
What happens in inclement weather?
The Flea Market at Eastern Market operates every Sunday, including inclement weather, unless it is severe enough to cancel activities. However, many exhibitors choose not to set up in gusty, rainy or snowy weather and our policies allow for transfers or refunds of prepayments. We allow transfers or refunds only if the cancellation has been made 4 days in advance.
Where can I park?
A surface parking lot for vans is located on C St. SE between 7th and 6th St for $10. An underground lot is located at 600 Pennsylvania Avenues SE for $10.
What time do I need to arrive?
We suggest you arrive at 8 a.m. Exhibitors awaiting assignment gather at the 7th St corner of Pennsylvania Ave. Market management will meet you there and begin assigning spaces at 8:15 a.m. Do not block or idle your vehicle there.
What kind of products can I sell?
While we continue to emphasize antiques, arts, collectibles, crafts and imports in advertising, other merchandise is eligible. Prohibited items include animals, weapons, explicit sexual material, personal services, and bicycles. Also prohibited are illegal CDs, DVDs, and other unauthorized “knock offs.” Exhibitors should not bring dogs and other pets.
What does being placed on the waiting list mean?
The Flea Market can only accommodate 66 exhibitors. All of the spaces are assigned to permanent exhibitors. When they do not show, the space is assigned to a regularly attending exhibitor. All others are assigned based on availability. First assigned are exhibitors with prepayments for the specific date and then exhibitors with prepayments on file.
The market is generally full in season and with so many prepaid and regular exhibitors expected, most new exhibitors cannot be accommodated. Also, overly common products will be placed on a waiting list until there is room to accommodate that product again. Presently, new jewelry sellers are being placed on waiting lists. No food vendors can be accommodated.
How will I know I have a space?annot accommodate you.
To have the best chance of obtaining a space, make your application as far in advance as possible. We do not confirm reservations; however we shall try to contact you at least 48 hours in advance of your reservation, if we think we cannot accommodate you.
