DSCF5107 550x412 Alameda Point Antiques Faire — Largest Antiques Market in Northern California

Most of the month, the old runways of the former Naval Air Station in Alameda are a desolate stretch of bird sanctuary where the endangered California Lease Terns can thrive in their semi-traditional environment.

But every first Sunday, an amazing phenomenon takes place. From practically nothing, an outdoor marketplace is built housing over 800 ‘shops’ and upwards of 12,000 visiting customers. It’s the Alameda Point Antiques Faire — the largest collection of antiques dealers in Northern California, now in its 13th year.

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The Entrance to the Alameda Point Antiques Faire

The faire is produced by Michaan’s Auctions and Antiques By the Bay, Inc. It’s only $5 to get in, unless you want first crack at the precious merchandise. In that case, it’s $15 from 6:00 – 7:30am and $10 from 7:30 – 9:00am. The faire runs till 3pm. Kids 15 and under are free, and everyone is free after 2pm.

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Besides featuring dealers of everything imaginable that was produced prior to the last twenty years (a rule for sellers), there are countless quality food options from BBQ to wood-oven pizza, and pleasant eating areas.

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Julio's taco truck is a fixture at Alameda Point and offers burgers, sandwiches, and corn dogs as well.

DSCF5128 550x412 Alameda Point Antiques Faire — Largest Antiques Market in Northern Californiaoaktownman was considering this suit of armor, but figured he had too many in his collection already.

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oaktownman was having fun with mirrors that day

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Seeing toys like this will take you back.

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The great view of the Port of Oakland is one of the best parts of the faire. (San Francisco's skyline never looked so good either, oaktownman reluctantly admits)

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If only oaktownman had the space, this bar would be an excellent score.

This faire is not to be missed. If you haven’t been, go and you will be hooked!

And about the lease terns; oaktownman is not so easily fooled. He remembers when the nuclear-powered naval ships were docked here and towered over the island like skyscrapers. The reason the runways are usually closed is not as much because of endangered birds, but because of what might remain from decades of military machines running the area. But this is definitely no reason not to check out the faire. The landscape is energized in a way, and it definitely comes out in the buying frenzy and excitement of this gorgeous show!

Alameda Point Antiques Faire

First Sunday of Every Month

www.alamedapointantiquesfaire.com

2900 Navy Way (at Main Street), Alameda