Popular Randolph Street Market celebrates 20th anniversary

Sally Schwartz, the founder of Randolph Street Market, could not have been more pleased with the perfect weather over the weekend as she celebrated the 20^th anniversary of the “world’s largest and liveliest urban antiques market.” Fans and friends came out in droves Saturday and Sunday to enjoy vintage treasure hunting from nearly 200 dealers, live entertainment, food trucks and more.

After suffering through Covid, Sally told this reporter she was “about ready to chuck it” but, after a forced rest, she came to realize how important the Market was to her. “I had been on such a hamster wheel and had spent so much of my early life hustling. But when Covid came around, I was forced to sit back and reflect. And I think since it [the Market] was something I couldn’t have, then I came to prize it even more.”

In the early days, Sally worked at an advertising agency where she found herself tasked with planning a fashion show/luncheon for the wives of the company’s clients. She quickly realized she enjoyed party planning more than her current position. So, she began sourcing party décor at various vintage markets and became frustrated that none were to be found in Chicago.  

The first Randolph Street Market opened in 2003, in a gym across the street from Plumber’s Hall, where the event now takes place. After the gym was sold, she toured Plumber’s Hall along with then partner Kathy Finley and discovered it was perfect for her needs. She said, “There is so much history there. It was where they voted in JFK!”

Sally describes the current Randolph Street Market as “just like a party.” And indeed, it is! The Happy Lobster Truck had a long line, Dinky Donuts was doing brisk business, and the second band of the day was just setting up to perform. And now with a indoor garage on the premises, there is no excuse not to visit!

The Market was also voted one of the top ten U.S. flea markets by USA Today.

(Check out the next markets: July 29/30; September 23/24 and November 11/12, Plumber’s Hall (indoor/outdoor), 1341 W. Randolph, randolphstreetmarket.com) (Photos | Candid Candace Jordan)

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