One of the Midwest’s Biggest Flea Markets is Happening in Iowa This Weekend

2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Iowa's iconic What Cheer Flea Market, and the first market of the year is coming up this weekend at the Keokuk County Fairgrounds!

When Are the 2026 Markets?

The What Cheer Flea Market takes over the Keokuk County Fairgrounds three times each year: once in the spring, once in the summer, and once in the fall. Here are details on all three of the 2026 markets:

• Spring Market
  • Thursday, April 30th through Sunday, May 3rd
• Summer Market
  • Thursday, July 30th through Sunday, August 2nd
• Fall Market
  • Thursday, October 1st through Sunday, October 4th

The fairground gates open up each day at 7 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., but it's important to note that some vendors close around 4:30 p.m.

How Many Vendors Are There?

According to the official Facebook event page, this week's flea market will consist of "over 425 vendors taking up 750 spaces over 20 acres!" It's no wonder that the annual markets get visitors from over 30 states!

How Much Does it Cost?

"Early Bird" admission on Thursdays is $7 per person, general admission on Fridays & Saturdays is $5, and Sunday admission is always free. Admission is also free each day for ages 12 and under.

There are NO advance tickets sold online. You can only purchase your admission at the gate on the day of the market.

What Else Should I Know Before I Go?

The What Cheer Flea Market has a page on their website with a long list of tips for shoppers. Here are a few of the most important ones:

• BRING CASH!
  • An increasing number of vendors accept other forms of payment now, but internet at the fairgrounds is not always reliable
  • Concessions are cash-only
• There are three different gates you can enter from, and there are parking lots near each one
• There's a lost & found, ATM, and information booth at Gate #1
• Saturdays always have the most traffic/longest lines
• Concession stand lines are the longest between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Wear comfortable shoes (and sunscreen!) - you'll be doing a LOT of walking, much of it outdoors
• Bring bags and/or a cart or wagon for your purchases
• Leashed pets are welcome, as long as you clean up after them
• Golf carts and other similar forms of transportation are allowed for people with physical impairments - there are also a limited number of golf carts available for rent (learn more HERE)

For more information on the What Cheer Flea Market, you can check out the official market website HERE. Happy shopping!

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READ MORE: All the Big Events Happening in Eastern Iowa in May 2026 [LIST]