When the grass freezes over and droves of Brooklynites huddle indoors for the winter season, what’s a flea market to do? The Brooklyn Flea has been asking itself this question for a while now. Since moving out of their original location in the Skylight space at One Hanson in 2012, they’ve tried multiple venues for their winter market. First, they shacked up in a lofted space in Williamsburg near their outdoor market; then, they tried that warehouse on Dean Street connected to Berg’n. Finally, they opted for Sunset Park’s Industry City.
While they were valiant, none one of these attempts really stuck, and now NY Mag tells us the flea is moving (decisively, we hope) back into the iconic space at One Hanson — née Williamsburgh Savings Bank — in Fort Greene.
Starting the first weekend in November, roughly 75 vendors will hawk designer and vintage goods on the three levels at One Hanson, all high ceilings and skylight sun. Smorgasburg takes up residence in spooky downstairs near the vaults, offering familiar brick-and-mortar favorites like Mighty Quinn’s, Red Hook Lobster Pound and Oaxaca as well as flea-exclusive fare from Charli’s Chicken, Bisska, Monk’s Meats and more.
In addition to this exciting venue change, NY Mag also reports that the Flea is also planning to serve beer and wine at two separate bars inside the venue (pending a liquor license application)! No word yet on what they’d be serving, but you can certainly expect local breweries doing tap takeovers and seasonal offerings. The flea always felt right at home in the One Hanson space, where vendors filled in every nook and cranny, giving the whole thing a cool gypsy bazaar vibe that leads to lots of cozy winter time exploration.
If you’re looking to vend instead of spend this winter, make sure to apply soon. But if, like us, you’re just hoping the Flea’s liquor license comes through, join us in liquid anticipation at any of these bars in the meantime.