Indy Urban Flea

Here's the thing: If it didn't cost $5 per person to get in, this review would be at least four or five stars. But as it stands, Indy Urban Flea gets three stars because it is super small and not worth the admission price -- it took us MAYBE 10 minutes to walk the whole thing. We left saying, "Seriously, that's it?" The products that the vendors and artists were selling were very cute and original. We saw everything from handmade leather bags to soap to jewelry to cards to clothing. There was also a selection of curated vintage items. There was also a guy there selling coffee pour overs. All in all, I would have been super excited about this place (and would have considered coming back next month with friends and family) if they didn't charge five bucks just to step inside. The people who put on this flea market should consider doing away with the entrance fee!

Fun Facts: 1.) The first Indy Urban Flea was May 2015 (not even a year old, it's still growing)2.) This event is held Second Saturdays of each month3.) Vendors change monthly so you can always expect to see something new4.) Lots of FREE parking found in front and back of the building 5.) FREE coat check is available 6.) Drinks are available for purchase at the large bar near coat check 7.) Each event offers a give back opportunity. Admission often FREE with donation. 8.) Check The Urban Flea FB page for more FREE admission opportunities 9.) The event helps support small local business, artisans and sustainable goods 10.) The Event is from 10am - 5pm I really enjoyed this event. I appreciated that it wasn't super crowded. I was able to speak with businesses about their products and enjoyed the more intimate setting. Added bonus, it was at the Biltwell which is an interesting building with lovely exposed brick, sliding barn doors, high ceilings with beams, lovely views, beautiful light pours into the space, such a lovely setting for an event. While I was there I purchased a one-of-a-kind gorgeous ring from artist Amy Boyer, I was able to learn about her processes. From Queen Bee Vintage I bought a wallet made from recycled truck tarps. I had a rich delicious pour over of Bourbon Barrel Aged coffee from The Rugged Company. I grabbed a bounty of Frittle from Newfangled Confections. I fell in love with a table made from salvaged wood from furniture artist Jason Kersh (Salvage 3). I met the creator of the Fleabots artist John Pinkerton. In addition to these gems I saw Onyx candles represented and cool items from Stray Cat and My Warped Halo Art. I also discovered some great jewelry pieces made from recycled glass and had my eyes on a beautiful handmade up-cycled leather bag. I only picture this event getting bigger as it's so new to the scene. It would be great to see the integration of all vendors on one floor or mix the vendors between both floors to improve traffic flow. I'm not sure many people were even aware there was food on the first floor. Also additional food vendors or even food trucks would be a wonderful addition.

I think Nicole S. has said pretty much everything there is to say about Indy Urban Flea!Somewhere, somehow I got added to the mailing list for this event, so I assumed it to be a sister event of the Indie Arts & Vintage Marketplace that I've attended several times and always love browsing through. I was hoping to see an eclectic mix of furniture, rustic and industrial accent pieces, vintage clothing and food trucks galore.What did I find? A very empty first floor, leading upstairs to cheap costume jewelry, more cheap costume jewelry, homemade soap and candles, rusted, laser-cut saws, and up-cycled garden decorations. Now that isn't to say there wasn't a few hidden gems here; Silver Linings makes some beautiful jewelry out of raw crystals and minerals, and Jason Kersh's wooden furniture is gorgeous and insanely cost-effective. But, this event was basically a much smaller and far less interesting Indieana Handicraft Exchange. I had high expectations and was already expecting the $5 cost of admission (you pay the same price at the aforementioned Indie Arts & Vintage Marketplace), but because of the lack of variety and vendors (in and out in under twenty minutes), lack of food options, and torn up parking lot, I don't see myself returning for this event in the future.

The latest event was free to enter but was really small. I walked it in probably ten minutes. There were a lot of items geared towards women such as clothes and jewelry. There were some other things such as unique lamps and art. There wasn't as much variety as I've heard there was in the past but still worth the walk around. Free event and free parking so not a lot was lost. I'd go back to see if anything else has popped up.