Each Thursday we compile a list of all the militaria shows and events happening over the weekend. Last weekend we didn’t have much on but this weekend (24/2/23) certainly makes up for that! So as always, please go and support your local fairs. They are the absolute best way to see and handle militaria in person, to meet new people in the collecting world, and of course to find bargains!
USA, KY – The Show of Shows
The name is pretty self-explanatory. This is THE monster show worldwide. With 1965 tables packed full of military collectables and historic weapons across a 166,500 square foot area, there is little worldwide to compare it to. Traders, collectors and enthusiasts travel from across the globe to meet at this incredible show every February.
You will find artefacts dating back to pre US Civil war and right up to current conflicts as well as an impossibly long list of military collectibles, books, equipment, weapons and much more.
Ideally located less than a mile from the Louisville International Airport, access couldn’t be much easier. theres also a long list of available local hotels should you wish to stay the distance.
In the back room you will always find a mix of interesting folk. Over the years there have been veterans of some of the worlds most historic battles discussing their experiences to pass on their increasingly important experiences onto us. These have included Band of Brothers veterans, Tuskegee Airmen, Medal of Honour winners and so so many more incredible people. CLICK HERE for this years currently list (Subject to change).
First time visitor?
Advice for a first timer as this is no ordinary show.
Firstly, cash. Most traders will only accept cash, although some will have card machines, this is rare. So cash is the best way to approach the situation. There is an ATM on site, however it is often emptied quite quickly.
Secondly, wear comfortable shoes. This is a huge event and you will likely spend far more time on your feet and moving than you may expect.
Finally, if you have an item you wish to sell, then take it with you. Most trades are always looking for new items so would be more than happy to discuss an item with you.
Prices
Friday & Saturday singe day ticket – $10
2 day pass $18
Children under 18 free when accompanied by an adult.
For more information
Website – CLICK HERE
USA, KY – National Gun Day & JAG Military Fair
If you’re already attending the Show of Shows, you really don’t have to go much further for this next show. The National Gun Day takes place in the same venue, in South Wing A (the Show of Shows is in South Wing B).
This show is predominantly a gun show, but they do advertise militaria too! The show is a huge gun show featuring over 1600 8ft tables at the Kentucky Expo centre. Given such a huge venue, this is a full day out at the National Gun Day & JAG Military Fair. Whilst the main subject is not Militaria as such, there is of course a lot of cross over with Militaria collectables and gun shows. So with an event of this size, you will likely find some fantastic military collectables.
Please remember with all gun shows. All local, state and federal weapons laws must be followed.
USA, CA – SOCALMICS Bellflower Regional ASMIC Meet
The Souther California Military Insignia Collector’s Society – For the Perpetual Honour of Military Service & Heraldry. The SOCALMICS swap meet takes place on the last Sunday of each month barring December.
7:30am – 12 Noon (open to public at 7:45am). $3 collector entry or if you want to sell at the event $12 for an 8′ table
For more information
Website – CLICK HERE
USA, IN – 1st Wednesday Gun / Military Swap & Sale
As the title suggest, the 1st Wednesday Gun / Military Swap & Sale is held on the 1st Wednesday of each month in Newburgh, Indiana. On paper it is a members-only event; however, becoming a member is only $15 a year and well worth it to visit the shows regularly. With your membership you will receive a discount on entry to all of the collectors club’s events, plus discounts on having a table at the larger military & gun shows.
Entry to the 1st Wednesday Gun / Military Swap & Sale is free with membership.
For more information
Website – CLICK HERE
Facebook – CLICK HERE
Denmark – Militaria Collectors Meeting – Jutland
Organised by the Dansk Militaria Foreign (DMF) These events are officially members only. It is possible to become a member via the website. The meetings are an opportunity for private collectors to show, sell and exchange their militaria items, medals and historical literature.
They have regular members’ meetings, which run from 9am until 12 o’clock, noon. And their biannual large collectors’ meeting takes place from 10am until 3pm. These are on the following dates: 2nd of April and 24th of September 2023.
For more information
Website – CLICK HERE
Netherlands – Militaria Beurs Didam
Militaria Beurs Didam is a monthly militaria fair in Holland operating on the last Saturday of each month.
UK – Hildenborough Militaria Fair
The Hildenborough Militaria Fair is a local militaria fair held at the Hildenborough village hall most months. Located 10 minutes by car from the M25 junction 5.
It’s only £1 per adult and entry is from 8am – 12pm. Under 15s are free.
UK – Waterlooville Militaria Fair
Bringing together a mix of Antique, Militaria and Vintage items, the Waterlooville Militaria Fair has it all under one roof! The Waterlooville Militaria Fair is new to the scene in Hampshire in 2022. Being brought to you by Sara Hughes of Phoenix VAM Fairs, you will get a great mix of vintage, antique and military items. Unlike most militaria fairs, you could also buy a pearl necklace and a 1930s fur cap alongside your WW2 items. This makes the shows by Sara great days out.
The new venue offers refreshments and free parking outside.
Admission fee
The entry fee is £2 per adult, children free.
Opening times are 10am – 4pm
For more information
Website – www.phoenixvamfairs.co.uk
UK – SMS Militaria Fair
Held on the last Sunday of each month, the SMS Militaria Fair is a local opportunity to buy and sell medals, memorabilia, badges and more. Sovereign Military Supplies (SMS) are a group of militaria enthusiasts and collectors who buy and sell once a month. Covering any period from Napoleon through to modern items or the US civil war. They always have a nice selection on display.
If you have items to sell yourself, a 6 foot table is only £10 (This must be booked and paid in advance) All are welcome to come along!
Admission fee is £2 for adults.
For more information
Facebook page – CLICK HERE
UK – Bromsgrove Militaria Fair
The Bromsgrove Militaria Fair is a longstanding militaria fair. Celebrating its 25th birthday in 2023, the militaria fair at Bromsgrove is a reputable one. It always has a great selection of militaria and the hall is always full of dealers from all across the UK. The venue has ample parking facilities as well as food and refreshments. Doors open at 9am and the fair is on until about 1.30pm.
Admission fee
Adults £3 – Children under 15 free.
UK – Kidderminster Militaria & Vintage Toy Fair
The Kidderminster Militaria & Vintage Toy Fair is a new one for 2022. Taking place in the Saint Ambrose Parish Centre, it is organised by C&L Fairs, who also organise an auction on the first Monday of the month in the same venue. This runs under the name Wyre Forest Auctions.
Trader set up is at 7.30am and public entry is at 9.00am. Entry fee is £2 and for under 15s it’s free. As for traders, a 6ft table costs £15 and a 12ft one is £25. The tables are supplied which makes life easier for dealers.
While the fair doesn’t have a website, you can join the auction’s Facebook group here for more information or follow their Facebook page. Or contact the organisers of the fair; Craig on 07928874623 or Lou on 07723001068.
UK – Scotch Corner Militaria Fair
The show at Scotch Corner is operated by Northern Arms Fairs in Northern England and has a wide selection of dealers to browse. Showing items from all historical eras, you won’t struggle to find an interesting item or two.
Northern Arms Fairs have been running military collectors shows since 1978 and as such, operate shows across the North in Liverpool, Scotch Corner, Newark and Leeds, so there’s rarely a month without a show. Collectors and the public are actively encouraged to take any items they wish to sell or trade.
The Scotch Corner venue is very easy to find as it is hosted at the Holiday Inn directly off the A1 and permanently sign posted. If you need to use a satnav, either use our google connect button at the bottom of your screen or input DL10 6NR for directions.
Admission fee
£5 adults – £4.50 Concessions – Under 18s Free
For more information
Website – www.northernarmsfairs.co.uk
UK – Bristol Militaria Fair
The Bristol Militaria Fair is organised by Mark Carter Militaria Fairs, who also organise the militaria fairs in Aldershot and Stratford Upon Avon. The show is on several times a year at each venue. This prestigious organiser has been putting on militaria fairs for over 30 years so you can always expect a well-organised event.
There are always around 100 tables full of exciting militaria, stocked by reputable dealers across the UK. The dealer prices are as follows: 6ft table – £44, 9ft table – £64, 12ft table – £80, 18ft table – £110. There is also an early bird discount of £5 if you book your space well in advance.
The Bristol fair is easily accessible from many major cities via motorways. After its initial start in 1989, the fair moved to its current venue in 1997. It has free parking an is only 10 minutes from the M4.
Doors open to the public at 10.30am, with a keen collector preview starting at 9.30am. The fair is on until 2pm. Early entry is £4 but after 10.30 it is only £3. Children are free, so long as they are with a paying adult.
UK – New Forest Militaria Fair
The New Forest Militaria Fair is a monthly military show in Hampshire. The fair is held on the first Wednesday of the month, every month (bar the odd exception). A great local collectors’ fair held in the Colbury Church rooms from 6pm – 9pm. With a few regular local dealers and always a new collector or two selling, it always makes for a nice evening out in the New Forest.
Fancy selling a few items? Tables are only £6 for the evening with outdoor pitches available, weather permitting. Plus the added bonus of refreshments throughout.
Entry – £1 per adult, children free
For more details, check out the facebook page – CLICK HERE
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, military yard/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.
