Round Top, TX is one of the most unique small towns in the state and twice a year hosts one of the biggest antique fairs in the entire country. People come from all over the world to sell and buy. Check out my guide for shopping tips, food, lodging and more!
WHAT IS ROUND TOP ANTIQUES WEEK?
The Round Top Antiques Fair happens twice a year (fall and spring) in Round Top, TX. Vendors from all over the world come to sell their unique pieces (old and new) making it one of the nation's largest antique shows. If you love estate sales, garage sales and/or thrifting you will LOVE Round Top! Round Top is less than 1.5 hours from Austin/Houston and 2 hours from San Antonio. I enjoy the drive and always stop for kolaches at Wiekel's Bakery!
IS IT ONLY ONE WEEK?
No! The Big Red Barn which is an extremely large venue and the "Home of the Original Antiques Fair" sets the dates/week that most people attend (you can find those dates here). However, the week before is a great time to visit in my opinion. I'll go in to details about where to shop, but if you want to skip "some" of the crowds I like to visit a few days before the Big Red Barn opens.
WHAT TO WEAR/BRING:
You will get VERY dirty so don't wear shoes or clothes you don't mind ruining. Lots of dirt on the ground and you're bound to get filthy if you're moving or carrying antiques. Serious shoppers will bring pop-up carts to store their finds, but I usually just take a large bag. Wear comfy shoes because you'll be walking A LOT, and a jacket just in case a cold front comes through! Also this is NOT the place to show off your jewelry and designer handbags 😉, you might get a better deal if you leave those at home.
I bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and a fanny pack/crossbody bag for hands-free shopping (also umbrella/rain jacket just in case). You'll want to bring CASH because many vendors will cut you a better deal if you pay with cash. Most places are willing to make a deal, but I'm terrible at negotiating. If you are looking for a specific piece of furniture make sure to measure before hand and keep those measurements on your phone and bring a tape measurer.
WHERE TO SHOP:
To say Round Top is overwhelming is an understatement! There are thousands of vendors and miles and miles of areas to shop. I've been going for a few years and tend to hit the same spots. These areas are more curated and much pricier than the fields. I'll talk about the fields in a bit.
Excess Field I & II - I usually hit up Excess Field I and II first! Park just across the street at Cole's Antiques (free parking and they have bathrooms inside). Excess has hundreds of vendors ranging from very expensive to more affordable antiques. Lots of eclectic pieces to give you inspiration. My favorite vendors include Knock On Wood Antiques, The Grainery Rengi Living and Nomadic Trading Company. They are open from October 19 - October 31.
Blue Hills - Think rustic vibes with picturesque pole barns and over 80,000 sq. feet of shopping with 50 curated vendors. Blue Hills has free parking, staffed bathrooms, easy access off of Texas Highway 227, and has food and drinks! You will find beautiful furniture from Europe that equal a couple of paychecks 😱, as well as art, rugs, clothing and more! Some of my favorite vendors include East End Salvage, Leftover Antiques, and The M Downtown. Check out a full list of this year's vendors here. They officially open October 16 and are open until October 30 (9am-6pm). Leftover Antiques is by far my favorite vendor of any shop in Round Top. We like to head over to their headquarters in Brenham which boasts 17,000 sq. feet of shopping!
The Arbors - Established 20 years ago, The Arbors has become a popular show best known for their signature white tents. They host higher end dealers (over 100 curated) with a selection of fine European and American furniture, quality rugs and linens, art, fashion, and antiques. Most of the vendors here sell new goods and not antiques. Items are priced high so if you're looking for a deal, not the best place to go. A few of my favorite vendors here include The Guayabera Shirt Store (I usually grab an affordable straw hat here), Boga Rugs, Heja Home, and Good Company Shop. Full vendor list here and they are open from October 16-30.
The Compound - Boasting six barns, The Compound, is one of the most beautiful locations in Round Top. Each barn is curated beautifully and you will find some amazing pieces but prepare for high prices. Popular vendors include Eneby Home and Old World Antieks. They do have food vendors, air conditioned bathrooms and adult beverages! Open October 16-30.
Warrenton Fields - After you've hit the more expensive spots for inspiration head over to Warrenton to shop the junk fields. These small tents are not curated and you will have to dig and walk A LOT, but treasures and deals are to be found! Bar W Field is a great place to start.
Big Red Barn Event Center - There are just a few locations that charge an entry fee which include the Big Red Barn, Annex & Continental Tent. These are large air conditioned venues with hundreds of vendors. I've actually never been because I'm too cheap to pay, but I hear there are some great vendors. They of course have lots of food and beverage options, easy parking and air conditioned bathrooms. Admission is $10 and they are open October 25-30.
WHERE TO STAY:
There are not many places to stay in Round Top, so any air bnbs sell out quick! Here's a list of some adorable spots!
We stayed in Brenham at Main Street House which is less than 30 minutes from Round Top. This is a small Texas town with tons of murals and a few cute restaurants and bars.
WHERE TO EAT:
I tend to eat at a walk up trailer while shopping but every once in a while we enjoy a sit-down meal to rest our feet and escape the heat or cold. Here are some great options!
- Royers Pie Haven (the most delicious pie...a must stop)
- Lulu's (Beautiful upscale Italian restaurant)
- Mandito's (great Mexican with LARGE margaritas)
- Royers Cafe (Gourmet comfort food)
- Popi Burger (Burgers, chicken fried steak, milkshakes, beer)
I like to follow individual vendors, Round Top hashtags and the different barns prior to the show so I can get a feel for what they have. Sometimes I'll spot a piece of furniture in a story and will hunt it down. Let me know if you have any questions, and if you feel overwhelmed I GET IT! My best advice is to start small and you will get more comfortable every year! Check out my stories for a look inside at my favorite areas and happy hunting.
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