We’ve compiled our best tips from the experience we've had as shoppers, vendors, and lodging/event hosts. We hope this guide will help you navigate through the unique mecca that is the Round Top Antiques + Design Show and catch the Round Top Magic!

preparing for the show

Dates & Times

The Show Schedule comes out a month or so before each season and will be posted here and at

RoundTop.com + ExploreRoundTop + Antique Weekend

Until then, we’ve included a sample from a previous show below.

***The Fall 24 Show Schedule will be much different than in the past. Click here to read our blog with more details***

The main shows are held twice a year in the spring (March-April) and the fall (October) with a much smaller winter show (January).

The spring and fall shows span over a 2-3 week period with approx. 100 venues (also known as “shows”) and over 2000 dealers on an 20 mile stretch of Hwy 237 in Round Top, with smaller shows in neighboring towns. The venues/shows have staggered opening and closing dates, some are open the entire length of the show, some for only a week.

Every venue offers a different vibe and selection. Some are highly curated with higher price points, some are “picking fields” where digging for the treasures equates to lower prices, and many are in between. Most open by 9:00 am (however some open even earlier) and close around 5:00 - 6:00 pm (or stay open until the last shopper leaves).

All of the venues are free to enter except for The Original Round Top Antique Show (aka Big Red Barn) and Marburger Farm (the two higher end, curated, and exclusive venues) which charge a fee that covers parking and the entire length of the show. Most other shows offer free parking but there a few that charge a nominal fee.

Please note - there can be confusion when searching for dates of the show online. The Original Round Top Antique Show, which literally started the whole show over 50 years ago, is now one venue and open just one week of the show. The dates listed on their site only represent their venue and not the entire show.

*image of our Spring 24 Shopping + Art Retreat with Jeanne Oliver at Rancho Pillow

BEST TIME TO COME?

That all depends on what your goals are!

Looking for the Best Deals:

Come towards the end of the show. There will be less selection, however vendors will be more inclined to strike a deal or negotiate with you to move their inventory. (Note that this is not always the case. Many dealers pack up from one show to go to the next, so are not in a position to give major discounts.)

Looking for Smaller, Less Chaotic Crowds:

Visit right before the show starts as many vendors set up early or the last few days of the show. The crowd can be smaller, making it easier to park and get from one venue to another.

Looking for the Best Selection:

Plan to be there when the main large venues open. It will be more crowded, but you will have the widest selection to choose from before it gets picked through in the following week(s). The prices will be less negotiable and Big Red Barn and Marburger Farm will not be open yet.

Want to be here when all of the venues are open?

Marburger Farm and Big Red Barn are the only two venues that open later than the other large venues and are usually open on the same week. Check their dates on the Show Schedule once it comes out.

Side note: We were vendors at Marburger Farm when we first started; you can see our past show pics here and here!

WHERE TO STAY

Book lodging early! Many B&Bs and home rentals require at least a 3 night minimum stay, charge high-season rates and have strict cancellation policies.

The Vintage Round Top is, of course, our first pick. You can add yourself to our Show Waitlist here.

If our cottages are already booked, visit the Round Top Chamber of Commerce, Airbnb, or VRBO to find available lodging.

*The Vintage Round Top still has remaining availability for the Fall 2024 show. Click here to view remaining availability and to book your stay.

WHAT TO WEAR

Dress comfortably stylish! Texas weather can be extreme, unpredictable and change overnight, but many days are picture perfect. Shoe choice and sun coverage are the most important decisions when it comes to staying comfortable while navigating the show. Wear layers and a light jacket or top to cover your shoulders to avoid sunburn, even if it seems overcast. Bring comfortable shoes or, if the forecast calls for rain, bring rain boots and an umbrella. A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are always a must in Texas.

Comfortable shoes, boots, rain boots

Flowy dresses, skirts, + tops

Linen, denim, cotton shirts + pants + jackets

Outfits for special dinners + events

Hats, sunglasses, bandanas

Big boho bag, small cross body bag, zipper bag for phone and easy access to cash/credit cards

*image by Eisley Hull of our Spring 24 Shopping + Art Retreat with Jeanne Oliver at Blue Hills

WHAT TO BRING

Carry a large tote bag to carry water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Use your tote to carry a notebook and pen (or use your cell phone) for writing down your purchases, including the location, name, and number of the vendor you need to pick up your items from.

Bring a camera or use your cellphone to take pictures of the items you bought and left behind to pick up later. (Always ask permission before you take photos of a booth and get the name and contact info to tag the vendor in social media outlets if you end up sharing.)

You can also carry smaller items you have purchased in your tote bag or use a rolling cart, however these can be tricky when trying to maneuver in smaller booths.

Bring a measuring tape and a list of spaces or items with measurements that you’re trying to find to help in decision making. Bringing swatches of paint or material or photographs to help in color pairing or matching.

Bring your business cards! This is a very large show and you will come in contact with shoppers and vendors alike that may turn out to be an opportunity to talk “business”.

Bring cash! Although many dealers accept credit cards and checks, cash is always welcomed. There are banks located in Round Top and the surrounding areas of Carmine, La Grange, and Brenham, and some show sites have ATMS.

*image by Haylei Smith of our 2013 Marburger Farm booth

DURING THE SHOW

Parking

Many parking areas are located between and behind the shows along SH 237. Most parking is free, but there are places that offer paid parking for a small fee—typically $5-7.

Navigating the Show

If you come for a day trip, get started as early as possible. Since the shows span over an 11-15 mile stretch, traffic can slow down the process of getting from one spot to another. Drive to the furthest show and work your way backwards so you are only dealing with traffic on the way back. However, if you have favorite venues, start there first to get the best selection.

Negotiating with Vendors

Most vendors will negotiate, but some are firm on prices. You won’t know until you ask, and most dealers expect to be asked. You will have better luck negotiating if you are looking to purchase a big-ticket item or a large amount of small items. Remember that these vendors have a tough job, so be fair in what you offer.

Finding Your Hidden Treasure

As the saying goes, “One’s man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” We love the hunt, but one issue you have to face when looking for your perfect piece is the decision of when to buy. If you decide to wait and go back later to purchase a piece, it may be gone. The other aspect is that you may buy something in the beginning and then find something even better later so, there is no easy answer. Bottom line: If you LOVE it, BUY it!

Transporting Your Purchases

There are several businesses that offer shipping of large purchases, but in our experience the two most reputable are Roll’en Hills and Distinguished Transport. If you aren’t buying large items, simply transport your purchases in the back of your vehicle, in your trunk, or consider pulling a small trailer. If you choose to take your items home with you, bring plastic or paint tarps to cover the interior of your car in case of rain or if items are dirty.

ROLL'EN HILLS CONTACT INFO

Cindy's Cell : 281 726 2631
Kevin's Cell: 281 204 7434

2121 South State Hwy 237
Round Top, TX 78954

DISTINGUISHED TRANSPORT CONTACT INFO

Phone: 979 249 3473

or 678 910 1668

2377 South State Hwy 237
Round Top, TX 78954

WHERE TO EAT + DRINK

Restaurants get VERY busy during the show and some require reservations weeks or months in advance. We highly recommend looking at our Round Top Year-Round Guide for a list and calling the restaurants for reservation information, so you are ahead of the game.

Many show venues will have “pop up” restaurants or food trucks.

There are also many spots in Round Top to grab a cocktail or wine plus special hosted dinners + events you can choose from as well.

Click the link for a list of restaurants and bars in and near Round Top.

CLICK FOR OUR YEAR-ROUND GUIDE TO ROUND TOP