Shipsehewana Trading Place launches 2026 market season with new family-friendly features and themed weekend events

SHIPSEHEANA — It’s time once again to discover unique treasures, unbeatable bargains, and new adventures in the heart of Indiana’s Amish Country. The Shipshewana Flea Market officially opens for the 2026 season on Tuesday, May 5, offering visitors an unforgettable shopping experience every Tuesday and Wednesday through September 30, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST, rain or shine.

Shipshewana Flea Market shoppers browsing aisles of vendors selling a variety of goods, including these hand-painted windows from a long-time flea market vendor.
Photo Courtesy of Shipshewana Trading Place

Boasting 600+ vendor spaces across 40 acres, the Midwest’s largest flea market is known for its one-of-a-kind finds, friendly atmosphere, and full day of entertainment. “Each year, we work to add more reasons for people to make a trip to Shipshewana,” says Flea Market Director Javan Brubacher. “From special market events and fun activities to our live weekly auctions, there’s something here for every kind of shopper or treasure hunter.”

 Flea market shoppers are pictured enjoying some of the market foods, such as Ben’s Pretzels, a flea market staple on a busy market day. Photo Courtesy Shipshewana Trading Place

On the same grounds, the weekly Shipshewana Antique & Misc. Auction is held each Wednesday, year-round, inside the Misc. & Antique Auction building. Special featured sales of toys, signs, and advertising, and the weekly sale of antiques, collectibles, architectural salvage, furniture, glass, primitives, and more offer buyers an abundance of items to bid on with the 6–9 auctioneers who sell each Wednesday simultaneously, all year long.

What’s New for 2026:

Themed Weekend Markets

Two special weekend markets will bring an expanded shopping experience and added activities for the family:

  • June 19–20, 2026
  • July 31 & August 1, 2026
    (All open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. EST)

Each themed weekend will feature additional door prize drawings and other special activities, such as a Jeep “duck” giveaway during the June weekend market, adding even more excitement for visitors.

New Family Green Space

New this season, guests can enjoy a dedicated green space in the food truck area, complete with playground equipment—giving kids a place to play while families relax and enjoy a variety of festival-like food options.

Group Experiences on Wednesdays

Groups of 12+ can book exclusive activities like:

  • Breakfast & Bidding – Learn some history on auctions, how to bid, and explore the live auction.
  • Flea Bag Trail – Visit select vendors, complete your card, and win a reusable shopping tote.

Available by registration only, Tuesdays and Wednesdays through September 30.

More Market Highlights

  • Giveaways throughout the season, including “Market Cash” and overnight stays at the Farmstead Inn & Conference Center.
  • “Shippy” the Prospector, the market mascot, makes appearances during select dates.
  • Weekly Antique & Miscellaneous Auction, every Wednesday year-round, with 6–9 auctioneers selling antiques, collectibles, furniture, signs, primitives, and more.

2026 Holiday Markets

  • Memorial Day Market: May 25–27, 2026 (Mon–Wed)
  • Labor Day Market: September 7–9, 2026 (Mon–Wed)

The Shipshewana Flea Market is located at 345 S Van Buren St, Shipshewana, IN 46565. Parking, directions, lodging information, and a full calendar of events can be found at: ShipshewanaFleaMarket.com