A town of about 90 people turns into one of the biggest antique shows in the country each fall. Here’s how to plan your trip, from free roadside finds to the famous Big Red Barn.
Round Top, Warrenton, and Carmine, TX, October 15 to November 1, 2026
Somewhere between Houston and Austin, a tiny Texas town swells to hold more than 100,000 shoppers. They come for Round Top, where the fall antiques show covers an 11-mile stretch of Highway 237 and fills fields, tents, dance halls, and barns with treasure.
The show started in 1968, when the late Emma Lee Turney launched the Original Round Top Antiques Fair. Locals still call it “The Show,” and it grew into one of the largest antique shows in the country. Today you’ll find about 47 venues and more than 1,500 vendors spread across Round Top, Warrenton, and Carmine. Whether you collect vintage jewelry, hunt for a farmhouse table, or just love wandering, you’ll find something here.
Know Which Venues Open When
Round Top rewards a little planning. The Round Top Area Chamber of Commerce lists the fall show from Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, November 1, with most venues running Saturday, October 17 through Saturday, October 31. Some venues open earlier, and the two biggest names open last.
Start with the smaller venues and roadside fields if you arrive before October 25. Most of them welcome you with free admission and free parking, so you can browse all day without spending a cent on entry. Blue Hills, a longtime favorite, runs October 17 through 31.
The Big Red Barn, Where It All Began
Mark Sunday, October 25 if you want first pick. That’s Designer Day, a ticketed preview at the Original Round Top Antiques Fair, and the public show opens Monday, October 26 and runs through Saturday, October 31.
The Big Red Barn packs 30,000 air-conditioned square feet with Americana, European painted and primitive furniture, art, porcelain, silver, and estate jewelry. The Continental Tent next door focuses on formal and country European furnishings. Tickets run around $10 through Eventbrite, and parking is free.
Marburger Farm, Where the Booths Change Daily
Marburger Farm Antique Show opens Tuesday, October 27 at 9 a.m. and runs through Saturday, October 31. More than 300 dealers set up across 43 acres of tents and historic farm buildings, and they restock their booths with fresh finds every day. Visit twice and you’ll see two different shows. Marburger is a ticketed event, so check marburgerfarm.com for current prices and early admission options before you go.
October 27 ranks among the busiest days of the entire show, because every venue is running at once. If you hate crowds, aim for the middle of the final week instead.
Plan Your Trip Like a Pro
Round Top sits about midway between Houston and Austin, so a day trip works. But with a corridor this long, many shoppers stay overnight. B&Bs, boutique hotels, and rentals fill up fast during show weeks, so book early. Wear comfortable shoes, because you’ll walk more than you expect, and give yourself a full day for the big venues.
Ready to go? Find show dates, lodging, and the vendor directory at exploreroundtop.com/antiques, or email the Round Top Area Chamber of Commerce at [email protected]. For the Big Red Barn, Continental Tent, and Blue Hills, visit roundtoptexasantiques.com, call 512-237-4747, or drop by 475 Texas Hwy 237 South in Carmine, TX 78932. Follow them on Facebook at OriginalRoundTopAntiquesFair. Marburger Farm sits at 2248 S Highway 237 in Round Top, TX 78954, with details at marburgerfarm.com and updates on Facebook at marburgerfarmantiqueshow.
Grab a friend, pack the truck (or a very big tote bag), and go find the piece you didn’t know you needed.
