If you've ever tried to figure out when to visit the Round Top Antiques Show, you know the confusion is real. Every venue posts different dates, some open early, some open late, and Google gives you fifty different answers.
We're here to fix that.
The Simple Answer
The Round Top Antiques Show happens three times a year:
| Show | 2025 Dates | 2026 Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Show | March 22 - April 5 | March 14 - 28 |
| Fall Show | October 4 - 18 | TBD |
| Winter Show | N/A | January 22 - 25 |
Pro tip: These are the "main" dates when most venues are open. Some venues open a few days early, and a handful stay open longer.
Why the Dates Are So Confusing
Here's the thing most people don't realize: there is no single "Round Top Antiques Show."
What started in 1968 as one small show at the Big Red Barn has grown into 48+ independent venues spread across 11 miles of Highway 237. Each venue sets its own schedule.
That's why you'll see:
- Big Red Barn advertising October 11-18
- Marburger Farm advertising October 15-19
- Blue Hills advertising October 4-18
- Random blogs saying "late September through October"
They're all technically correct—for their specific venue.
The Three Types of Venues
Understanding this will save you a lot of frustration:
1. Early Openers (Full Show Length)
These venues open at the start of the official dates and stay open the entire time:
- Blue Hills
- Market Hill
- Excess Fields (Bar W, Northgate)
- The Horseshoe
- The Compound
Best for: Getting first pick of inventory, avoiding the biggest crowds
2. Late Openers (Last Week Only)
These are the "big name" venues that only open for the final week:
- Big Red Barn (The Original Round Top Antiques Fair)
- Marburger Farm
Best for: Seeing the most curated, high-end antiques
3. Year-Round Shops
These are open all year, not just during show weeks:
- Round Top Village shops
- Junk Gypsy
- Henkel Square shops
- Round Top Mercantile
Best for: Off-season visits, avoiding crowds entirely
When Should YOU Go?
Go Early (First Week) If You Want:
- First pick of inventory
- Smaller crowds
- Better parking
- More time with vendors
- Access to the "picking fields"
Go Late (Last Week) If You Want:
- To see Marburger Farm and Big Red Barn
- The full festival atmosphere
- More food trucks and events
- Potential end-of-show deals
- The "running of the bulls" at Marburger opening
Go Mid-Show If You Want:
- A balance of selection and crowds
- Vendors restocking with fresh items
- Easier lodging availability
- A more relaxed pace
Venues That Charge Admission
Most Round Top venues are free to enter. Only three charge admission:
| Venue | Admission | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Big Red Barn / Continental Tent | ~$10-15 | Ticket good for entire show run |
| Marburger Farm | $15 general / $40 early / $175 VIP | VIP sells out fast |
| Hodges Farm (Kenney) | ~$5 | Smaller venue, worth it |
All other venues are free, though some charge $5-15 for parking.
The Winter Show: Worth It?
The Winter Show (late January) is much smaller than Spring and Fall, but it has advantages:
Pros:
- Significantly smaller crowds
- More intimate shopping experience
- Vendors are more willing to negotiate
- Easier to find lodging
- No Texas heat
Cons:
- Fewer vendors (maybe 20% of the main shows)
- Some favorite venues may be closed
- Unpredictable weather (it can be cold!)
- Limited food options
Our take: If you've never been to Round Top, go to a Spring or Fall show first. If you're a seasoned shopper looking for deals and hate crowds, the Winter Show is a hidden gem.
Mark Your Calendar: Key Dates for 2025-2026
Fall 2025
- October 2: Early fields start opening (Warrenton area)
- October 4: Most major venues open
- October 11: Big Red Barn opens
- October 15: Marburger Farm opens
- October 18-19: Last day for most venues
Winter 2026
- January 22-25: Winter Show (limited venues)
Spring 2026
- March 14: Early venues begin opening
- March 21-22: Most major venues open
- March 28: Last day for most venues
Note: Dates can shift slightly. Always confirm with specific venues before booking travel.
Don't Miss: Opening Day at Marburger
If there's one "must-see" moment at Round Top, it's opening morning at Marburger Farm. Serious collectors line up before dawn, and when the doors open at 9 AM, it's chaos—in the best possible way.
People literally run to their favorite dealers. Items sell within minutes. It's the closest thing antique shopping has to a sporting event.
If you want this experience, buy your tickets online in advance (they sell out) and arrive by 7 AM to get in the early admission line.
Plan Your Trip with Round Top Finder
Confused about which venues to visit? We've got you covered.
Use Round Top Finder to:
- Browse all venues with photos and descriptions
- See real-time show dates for each venue
- Find vendors by category (furniture, jewelry, textiles, etc.)
- Get directions and parking info
- Discover restaurants and lodging nearby
Download the app before your trip so you can navigate the 11-mile stretch without losing your mind (or your cell signal).
Quick Reference: 2025-2026 Show Dates
| Show | Dates | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Oct 4-18 | Full experience, fall weather |
| Winter 2026 | Jan 22-25 | Deals, small crowds |
| Spring 2026 | Mar 14-28 | Bluebonnets, pleasant weather |
Save this page, bookmark it, screenshot it—whatever you need to do. And when someone asks you "when is Round Top?", you'll finally have the answer.
Happy hunting!
Have questions about Round Top? Drop us a line at hello@roundtopfinder.com or find us on Instagram @roundtopfinder.