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Canton First Monday Trade Days
The world's largest flea market — over 5,000 vendors, 700,000 sq ft of covered shopping, and a treasure-hunting tradition dating back to the 1850s.
About Canton First Monday Trade Days
Canton First Monday Trade Days is the world's largest flea market and one of the most iconic shopping experiences in the American South. Held the Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of every month, this legendary open-air market draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the small East Texas town of Canton — just a short 35-minute drive southeast of Anchor Inn Marina & Resort on Lake Tawakoni. With roots stretching all the way back to the 1850s, when a traveling circuit judge drew crowds of traders on the first Monday of each month, Canton First Monday has grown into a sprawling marketplace that covers over 700,000 square feet of covered shopping pavilions and countless acres of open-air vendor stalls.
Whether you are hunting for one-of-a-kind antiques, rustic farmhouse furniture, handcrafted jewelry, vintage clothing, or locally made artisan goods, Canton First Monday Trade Days delivers in spectacular fashion. More than 5,000 vendors set up shop across four distinct shopping areas — the Famous Fields, covered Trade Centers, the Original 6 section, and the beloved Antique Alley near the Civic Center. Beyond the shopping, the food scene alone is worth the trip: smoky Texas barbecue, Cajun crawdads, hand-rolled ice cream, funnel cakes, and farm-fresh produce line the walkways. It is no wonder that seasoned shoppers, weekend day-trippers from Dallas, and flea market enthusiasts from across the country consider Canton a must-visit destination and one of the top things to do near Lake Tawakoni.
Planning a Canton First Monday weekend is the perfect excuse to book a stay at Anchor Inn Marina & Resort. Instead of fighting for overpriced hotel rooms in Canton during peak Trade Days weekends, savvy shoppers base themselves at the lake — where you can unwind on the water after a full day of bargain hunting. Whether you are looking for a cozy cabin, a full-hookup RV site, or a comfortable hotel room with a lake view, Anchor Inn puts you close enough to Canton for an easy morning run to the market and far enough away to enjoy peaceful lakeside evenings. It is the best-kept secret for where to stay near Canton TX during First Monday Trade Days.
What to See & Do
- Browse over 5,000 vendors across 700,000+ square feet of covered pavilions and open-air fields — from rare antiques and vintage collectibles to handcrafted furniture and home decor.
- Explore four unique shopping districts: the Famous Fields, covered Trade Centers, the Original 6, and Antique Alley at the Civic Center, each with its own character and specialty finds.
- Feast on legendary Trade Days food vendors serving Texas barbecue, Cajun crawdads, hand-dipped corn dogs, rolled ice cream, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and farm-fresh produce.
- Arrive early on Thursday or Friday morning for the best selection, fewer crowds, and first dibs on new vendor inventory before the weekend rush.
- Rent on-site scooters, shopping carts, or wagons to haul your treasures — and take advantage of shuttle bus service between the sprawling market sections.
- Bring the whole family — leashed dogs are welcome, the grounds are wheelchair accessible, and kids love the carnival-style atmosphere and sweet treats.
Visitor Information
- Hours
Thursday–Sunday before the first Monday of each month, sunrise to sunset (vendors typically open 8 AM – 5 PM). Operates year-round, rain or shine.
- Fees
Admission is FREE. Parking fees apply at most lots (typically $5–$10 per vehicle).
- Best Time to Visit
Thursday and Friday mornings offer the best selection with the smallest crowds. Weekends (especially Saturday) are the busiest. Spring and fall Trade Days weekends draw the largest turnout with comfortable weather.
- Address
800 First Monday Lane, Canton, TX 75103
- Phone
(903) 567-6556
- Website
Getting There from Anchor Inn
From Anchor Inn Marina (800 Tomahawk Drive, West Tawakoni), head south on FM 751 through Wills Point. At Wills Point, turn east onto TX-64 and continue approximately 14 miles into Canton. Follow signs for First Monday Trade Days to 800 First Monday Lane. The drive is approximately 34 miles and takes about 35 minutes under normal conditions — allow extra time during peak Trade Days weekends.
Open in Google MapsWhy Stay at Anchor Inn
- Skip the Canton hotel price surge — during First Monday weekends, Canton accommodations book up fast and rates skyrocket. Anchor Inn Marina & Resort offers comfortable lodging at lake-country prices, just 35 minutes from the market gates.
- Decompress on the water after a long day of shopping — return to your lakeside cabin, RV site, or hotel room and trade the crowded fairgrounds for a peaceful sunset over Lake Tawakoni. Fish off the dock, float in the cove, or simply sit back with a cold drink.
- Bring your RV and make it a full weekend adventure — Anchor Inn's full-hookup RV sites with water, electric, and lake access let you haul home all your First Monday finds without worrying about fitting everything in a hotel room. Load up the trailer and shop guilt-free.
- Turn a shopping trip into a lakeside vacation — combine Canton First Monday Trade Days with world-class crappie fishing, boating, swimming, and waterfront dining at Anchor Inn. It is the ultimate East Texas weekend that the whole family will love.
Nearby Attractions from Anchor Inn
Discover more great destinations within easy driving distance
Dallas–Fort Worth Day Trips
Big-city excitement just an hour away — with a peaceful lakeside retreat waiting when the lights come on.
Rockwall, Texas
Texas' smallest county packs big-city dining, shopping, and lakeside entertainment on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard — a natural day-trip pairing with a Lake Tawakoni stay
Dining & Restaurants Near Lake Tawakoni
From fresh-fried catfish and slow-smoked brisket to sizzling Tex-Mex and hand-stretched pizza — the restaurants near Lake Tawakoni serve up authentic Texas flavor just minutes from the water.
Make Anchor Inn Your Home Base
Visiting Canton First Monday Trade Days? Stay at Anchor Inn Marina & Resort — premium lakeside accommodations just minutes away on beautiful Lake Tawakoni.
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