Every Thursday we compile a list of the upcoming militaria shows worldwide. Now that the summer is officially over, things are becoming a little quieter. That said, there are still 11 militaria shows this weekend (16/09/22) across the world – UK, US, Canada, Germany and France.
However, as much as we have done a huge amount of research to compile the world’s most extensive militaria fairs list, we aren’t perfect. So if you know of a militaria event we have missed, please do get in touch and we will happily add it to our list. We want MilitariaToday to be the hub of all things collecting. And fairs are one of the major focal points of that.
As far as we’re aware, all of these shows will be going ahead, ahead of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral on Monday, which will be a bank holiday in the UK. However, please do check with the organisers – especially if you’re travelling from afar – in case of any last-minute changes.
UPDATE – THE COLCHESTER FAIR HAS BEEN CANCELLED
United Kingdom – Chatham Militaria Fair
The Chatham fair is one of the biggest monthly recurring militaria shows in the UK, and the only one that is completely under cover. This means that come rain or shine, Chatham Militaria Fair is trusted to occur on the 2nd Sunday of every month. Except when occasionally – like this month – there is a slight change in schedule. This month the show is held on the 3rd Sunday, but this is very much an exception.
The location is the convenient Chatham Historical Dockyards, which is close to London but is also accessible from many parts of the country due to its proximity to motorways. If you live in the South, attending is a must! There is always a food truck on site, so if you get hungry, or need a coffee after your early start to the morning (doors open at 5.30am for stall holders and 7am for the public), you’re all set!
The Historic Dockyard Museum is a stone’s throw away from the fair and it’s an excellent museum where you can see the WW2 warship HMS Cavalier amongst many other exciting pieces of British maritime history.
For more info: http://www.chathammilitariafairs.co.uk
United Kingdom – International Birmingham Antique Arms & Militaria Fair
Located in the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, this fair is at a very central and convenient location. It is one of the largest arms and militaria collecting fairs in the UK. Held 4 times every year, in February, June, September and November, this Sunday is this year’s 3rd fair. With around 100 stall holders at every event, it is bound to be a busy one! Although originally the fair was tailored more towards antique arms dealers and collectors, with regulations around firearm ownership tightening every year there are more and more sellers who specialise in militaria, as well as quite a few who sell both in equal measure.
For more info: http://www.birminghamarmsfair.com/
United Kingdom – Colchester Militaria Fair
UPDATE – THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Back to Southern England, the Colchester Militaria Fair in Essex is also this Sunday. This is more of a smaller, local fair but it still boasts over 30 stalls at its quarterly event. Anybody can book a table and sell their military collectibles so you often get people selling off their own collections, or items they inherited from their parents/grandparents. With only £2 for entry for the public, you can’t go wrong!
For more info: colchestermilitaria.co.uk
United Kingdom – Waterlooville Militaria Fair
Still sticking with the South of England, the Waterlooville fair’s old location used to be Midhurst. It was moved to Waterlooville not so long ago but the organiser is the same (Phoenix VAM Fairs, who also organise the Petersfield Militaria Fair in a few weeks’ time) so I’m sure the atmosphere will be very similar. There are sellers specialising in vintage items, antiques, as well as militaria. There is always a good variety of items here!
For more info: https://www.phoenixvamfairs.co.uk
USA – The MAX Show
The MAX show is a 2-day event held in Pennsylvania once a year and organised by the Ohio Valley Military Society (OVMS), but dealers and OVMS members can attend on Thursday and Sunday as well, making it a total of 4 days. This is one of the largest US shows on the circuit, organised once a year by the OVMS – who also bring us the Show of Shows in Kentucky. The MAX show is a brilliant weekend out. Drawing in traders from across the world, you will not struggle to find interesting and rare items on the hundreds of tables on show. The OVMS has over 4,000 worldwide members and growing, which makes it the largest militaria collectors club in the world.
Please note – All local, state and federal laws must be followed at all times.
For more info: CLICK HERE
USA – Military Vehicle Show & Swap Meet Portland
Military Vehicle Show & Swap Meet organised by the Indiana Military Vehicle Preservation Association.
On site you will find displays of Military Jeeps and Trucks. Living History Displays, Vintage Cars, Food. Military Vehicles, Parts & Militaria for sale and trade plus lots more to do. Meet up with fellow enthusiasts and enjoy a day or two out.
Held near the Museum of the Soldier, it is well worth heading over for a visit. For more information about the museum, follow these links – FACEBOOK – WEBSITE
USA – The Great Pocono Arms & Military Show
The The Great Pocono Arms & Military Show brings you the best of guns and military collectables in one place!
With over 500 tables and a group of outdoor traders, you will find a wide selection of interesting items at the The Great Pocono Arms & Military Show.
Please note – All local, state and federal laws must be followed at all times.
For more information
Website – CLICK HERE
USA – Midwest Military History & Collectible Show
The Midwest Military History & Collectible Show is a military collectors fair held in New Lenox Illinois, USA at the Harry E. Anderson VFW Post.
Website – CLICK HERE
Canada – The CSMMI – Militaria Show & Sale
Organised by the Canadian Society of Military Medals & Insignia (CSMMI), this regular show in Ontario is a fantastic location to pick up a nice selection of items. Featuring around 50 tables at each show, you will see a variety of different collectibles, including relics, uniforms, helmets, equipment, bayonets, daggers, medals, toys, trench are and much more.
Members $5, Non members $10, Children under 15 free
For more information
Website – CLICK HERE
France – Bourse Militaire – Gretz-Armainvilliers
In France there are countless brocantes or carboot sales every weekend. Some of these are specifically for the buying and selling of military items and there is one of these held in Gretz-Armainvilliers, just East of Paris.
At Militaria Today we have compiled the world’s most extensive militaria fairs and events list. We strive to be as accurate as we can. However, all events are subject to change, so we recommend checking with the event organisers before travelling, in case of any last-minute changes. We cover a worldwide market, so it can be hard to keep up with last-minute amendments.
Know of a show that’s not on our list?
Our fairs list is completely free for all users and show organisers! So if you know of a militaria fair, show, car boot sale, reenactment or other event that is not on our list, just get in touch and we will happily add it to our list and promote the event on our social media. Please send any submissions via our contact us page. We want to build the most complete worldwide list available.
