Various flea markets and braderies are taking place across the Netherlands and Belgium on Thursday, May 14, 2026, coinciding with Ascension Day. From large-scale events in Uden to vintage markets in Antwerp, these gatherings offer hundreds of stalls for collectors and local residents during the public holiday.
Ascension Day has become a significant date for regional commerce and community gatherings throughout the Low Countries. As many citizens observe the public holiday, organizers have scheduled a wide array of markets, ranging from massive flea markets in sports complexes to specialized vintage fairs in urban centers.
Major Dutch Flea Markets and Regional Braderies
In the province of Noord-Brabant, a large-scale flea market is being held today at Sportpark Uden. Located at Parklaan 1 in Uden, the event features hundreds of private vendors. According to local event listings, the market is open to the public from 10:00 to 17:00.
The town of Haps is also hosting a rommelmarkt at the Loswal on Parrallelstraat 1. This specific market operates on a tighter schedule, running from 10:00 to 14:00, with an entry fee of 2 euros. The event includes an auctioneer to facilitate the sale of various items, including books, paintings, toys, electrical equipment, and second-hand clothing. Beyond commerce, the market serves a community purpose; the proceeds from its lottery are designated to support music education and the purchase of new instruments for youth members.
- Biddinghuizen: The Hemelvaartbraderie is taking place at Vakantiepark Zuiderzee, located at Spijkweg 15.
- Orvelte: The monument village of Orvelte is hosting the Hemelvaartsmarkt, focusing on the village’s historic atmosphere.
- Lambertusmarkt: This event features more than 160 stalls and includes musical entertainment.
Antwerp’s Vintage and Second-Hand Scene
Across the border in Belgium, Antwerp is hosting a significant vintage and second-hand market at the Theaterplein in the heart of the city. The event, which takes place under and around the awning of the square, is scheduled from 09:00 to 17:00. Entry to the market is free.
The Antwerp market is expected to host approximately 200 stands. The inventory is geared toward a diverse range of collectors, including those seeking antiques, vintage items, curiosities, vinyl records, and fashion. The event is part of a long-running series of open-air flea markets, with the 73rd edition of the local open-air market following a previous year that saw more than 100,000 visitors.
Atmosphere and Event Logistics
The availability of food and entertainment varies by location. In some areas, recent cancellations have unexpectedly increased the availability of certain vendors. For instance, some locations are now offering fresh poffertjes, waffles, or Spirello, alongside various mascots to enhance the holiday atmosphere.
The density of these events is a direct result of the Ascension Day holiday, which creates high consumer demand and increased leisure time. While some markets focus on the “democratische prijs” (democratic pricing) of second-hand goods, others, like the Antwerp event, cater to specialized collectors of high-end antiques and fashion.