Iowa’s Biggest Flea Market is Only Open One More Weekend in 2022

It's your last chance of the year to check out the What Cheer Flea Market!

Earlier this year, we told you about the famous What Cheer Flea Market in What Cheer, Iowa. It's one of the biggest flea markets in the entire Midwest, and it only happens three weekends a year. This year's markets took place in early May and August, with the final one coming up later on this month.

The last What Cheer Flea Market of the year is set for Friday, September 30th through Sunday, October 2nd. As always, it will be held at the Keokuk County Fairgrounds, which is about an hour and 15 minutes from Cedar Rapids. The gates open at 7 a.m. each day and stay open until 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. If you'd like to get a little sneak peek of the market, there is also early admission on Thursday, September 29th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There are a few important things you should know about the What Cheer Flea Market. The Facebook event page reads:

"We have 450 vendors on 750 spaces over 20 acres!! We have vendors from 12 different states and we get shoppers from about 33 states at each flea market!!"

Being such a large outdoor event, it's important to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. You'll also need to have a wagon or bags to carry your purchases. It's helpful to bring cash, although there is an ATM on site if you need it. There are multiple concession stands on the grounds, as well an an information booth and lost & found near Gate #1. Pets are welcome, but they must be leashed. Saturday is always the busiest day, so prepare for longer lines and more traffic if that's when you're planning to come.

Admission for the What Cheer Flea Market is $5 per person on Thursday, $3 per person on Friday and Saturday, and free on Sunday. Kids 12 and under get free admission the entire weekend. You can get more information on the final market of the year HERE.