Read our blog for more in-depth views of the unique places, history, things to do, and events that are happening in and around the city of Canton, Mississippi!
CANTON, Miss. —
The Flowood Flea Market has reopened with a new name and location, now operating as CantonTown on Peace Street in Canton.
"Everyone was waiting on pins and needles, waiting for the grand opening that we had planned since February," vendor Maria Spell said.
The Canton Town Flea Market will be open every weekend beginning Saturday, May 2.
Enter an open-air marketplace across historic downtown Canton, MS as the famous Canton Flea Market Arts and Crafts Show draws visitors and vendors from all around the region. Expect a variety of unique handcrafted crafts, from pottery to jewelry to art, from hundreds of different makers at one of the largest art markets in the South. As the beautiful backdrop of the town serves as the venue, you’ll shop alongside landmarks like the Old Jail Museum and the grounds of the Madison County Courthouse.
The idea started as a day trip. That’s how these things usually go. You hear about an event, circle it on the calendar, tell yourself you’ll drive over, walk around for a few hours, maybe pick up something small, and head home before dinner. It’s a plan that feels easy and low-commitment.
But Canton, Mississippi, has a way of changing plans.
Some traditions only get better with time, and after 61 years, the Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show is as alive as ever. This May 14th, we're not just celebrating another year. We're going back to our roots.
When the Canton Flea Market began six decades ago, it was beautifully simple: artists would hang their work on the fence around the Madison County Courthouse, and people would stroll along, picking out the pieces that spoke to them. No frills, just art, people and a shared love of handmade things. That spirit never left. And this year, for our 61st anniversary, we're bringing it back in a big way.
Canton is partnering with the Mississippi Artist Guild to make this year's show a true celebration of living, breathing Mississippi art. The market will kick off with a plein air painting event, artists working outdoors, capturing Canton as it is right now, in real time all throughout the market. There's something magical about watching art being made in the very place that inspired it. There will also be an art show inside the Canton Welcome Center. Making art come alive, right here in Canton.
More than 1,100 artisans and craftspeople from across the country bring their finest handmade work to Canton's streets and courthouse grounds, pottery, jewelry, fine art, one-of-a-kind gifts and so much more. It's not just a shopping event. It's a celebration of craft, community and the kind of Southern tradition that draws visitors back year after year.
The show runs from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and trust us, you'll want the whole day. Browse the Courthouse grounds and Union and Center Streets, then wander over to the church properties on Peace Street, the Old Jail Museum behind City Hall and exhibits stretching along East Fulton Street. And while you're here, Canton's local merchants and restaurants are ready to welcome you, too.
The Canton Flea Market has earned its reputation: recognized as a Top Twenty Event in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, named Outstanding Promotional Event in the State of Mississippi, celebrated as Best of the Best by Mississippi Magazine, and listed among the Top 100 Events by the American Bus Association. This is the real deal.
So go ahead, put May 14th on your calendar, call your people and start planning your visit. Canton is ready for you. Listen to the Live @ 9 segment on more about the market.
For more information, contact the Canton Tourism Office at (601) 859-1307 or (800) 844-3369, or email fleamarket@cantontourism.com.
