On the last Saturday of every month between April and November, in the heart of Fairfax City, Virginia. between 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., the Fairfax Funky Flea takes place. The Fairfax Funky Flea is a flea market with over 70 vendors, including food, music, and more. Established in 2021, co-owners Sharon Buttram and Kathy Hackshaw created the Funky Flea as way for the community to come together. “We have kids the same age and were always bumping into each other at yard sales and estate sales – so it was kind of a mutual decision and we both really wanted to bring here [Downtown Fairfax]. It was just really out of a love for thrifting and collecting.” Buttram added, “it’s just fun, what can I say. We love it. It’s a passion project. If we didn’t love it, we wouldn’t be doing it.”
The Fairfax Funky Flea recently moved from its former location near the City of Fairfax City Hall to its new location, 4031 University Drive, just a few blocks away from the Fairfax County General District Courthouse. At this new location, there is more room for vendors, food, and free parking. It’s walking distance to George Mason University (GMU) and Old Town Fairfax. “People are driving from as far as Manassas – we’ve had people coming in from Maryland,” mentioned Hackshaw. “It really helps to have [George] Mason this close; it’s a young people vibe here.” With this new location brings on more shoppers and vendors. “We have a new location this year, so we have some wrinkles to work out,” said Buttram. “Assuming all goes well and the city approves all our permits, we’d like to make this a permanent fixture of the city and have a lot of great vendors that we rely on – we’re counting on them every month.”
“Our first flea we probably had no more than 20 [vendors]; it was pretty small,” said Buttram. “The location itself was smaller so we grew up to have about 50 to 60 vendors. On this [new] sight, we do have a little bit more room – we have 99 spaces all together.” A common question people often ask is why the flea is called ‘Fairfax Funky Flea’ – there is a simple answer to that question. “When I was proposing the idea to Sharon, she said ‘what do you want to call it?’ and I said ‘Fairfax Funky Flea’; it was that easy and easy to remember,” explained Hackshaw. Daughter of K. Hackshaw, Addi Hackshaw, said, “at the beginning, I think there used to be a little bit more of a yard sale kind of vibe. Now, it’s gotten a little more artisanship and curated, just better quality items.” The Fairfax Funky Flea has also been ranked the number one flea market by Northern Virginia Magazine.
Establishing the Fairfax Funky Flea in 2021 had it’s difficulties due to the lingering effects of Covid-19, but the Funky Fleas, Buttram and Hackshaw, had what it took to persevere. “At first we were pretty worried that we wouldn’t have any vendors or any customers – our first couple [fleas] were sparse and then it just took off,” shared Buttram. “I think it just exceeded our expectations by a lot. We’re turning away hundred of vendors – I mean we get more vendors than we could ever possibly accommodate. I would say that makes it a success… for this city because we bring a lot of visitors, consumers, and customers into it.” K. Hackshaw added “the vendors count on us too because these are small business – they’re not just people that are cleaning out basements or things like that, so it feels good as well to know that we’re providing something that they can rely on because we have regulars here.”
The Fairfax Funky Flea brings all who enjoy vintage, handcrafted, or antique items together; there’s always something to find at the flea. “The thing I love also about it is the thrifting community; it’s a very friendly community,” added Buttram. “A lot of them are starting these passion projects during the pandemic. They quit corporate jobs and started this small businesses, so everybody just pulls together – it’s a really great community. I’ve made so many friends from the flea market. “Lucy Loves,” a brick-and-mortar vintage shop, owned by Buttram is an outgrowth of the Fairfax Funky Flea. “If I hadn’t been doing the flea market, I would’ve never had Lucy Loves,” mentioned Buttram. “It’s a small shop – I have about 15 vendors in there who sell vintage items. There’s just a lot of small businesses looking for an outlet for the things that they love collecting and selling. That is my favorite experience coming out of the Fairfax Funky Flea.”
Shoppers of the Fairfax Funky Flea are loving the new location as well as the items that are sold there. “I think my favorite part is just having something monthly that you can look forward to and save up a little money knowing that you’ll get something unique,” said Sammi Kennedy. Sister of S. Kennedy, Nicole Kennedy, stated, “I like walking around; it’s kind of like an outdoor mall but with better prices and it’s better for the environment – sustainable shopping.” A. Hackshaw added, “it’s different every time which makes it exciting. You’ll always find something new or unique and you’ll have a fun time walking around and going into every single booth because they’re all so different from each other.”
Taking place on the last Saturday of every month between April and November, the Fairfax Funky Flea is the perfect activity for Saturday afternoons. There’s unique items to purchase, delicious food, and kind people willing to help you. Not to mention, it’s a great way to make new friends! Follow them on Instagram @fairfaxfunkyflea to stay up date and visit the Fairfax Funky Flea website to learn more about planning a visit to the flea.