Warrenton Antique Show: The Complete Guide to Round Top's Deal-Hunting Destination
Warrenton is a small Texas town about five miles south of Round Top on Highway 237, and during antique show season it transforms into the largest concentration of free-admission, open-air antique shopping in the country. With sprawling tent shows, flea market-style fields, storage-unit venues packed with European imports, and prices that consistently undercut the curated showrooms up the road, Warrenton is where serious deal hunters, furniture flippers, resellers, and budget-conscious shoppers spend the bulk of their time. Every venue in Warrenton is free to enter. Parking is free at most venues, though a few charge $5. And the atmosphere is casual, muddy-boots, dig-through-the-pile treasure hunting at its best.
Warrenton operates during the same show windows as the larger Round Top Antiques Fair -- spring (typically late March through early April) and fall (mid-October through early November), with a smaller winter show in late January. The entire Warrenton corridor runs along Highway 237 between the town of Round Top to the north and the community of Warrenton to the south, with venues scattered on both sides of the road for several miles.
If you have heard that Round Top is expensive, Warrenton is the answer. This is where the deals are.
Why Warrenton Matters: The Other Half of Round Top
Most first-time visitors make a mistake. They hear "Round Top Antiques Show" and assume everything happens in the tiny town of Round Top itself -- at venues like Marburger Farm, Blue Hills, and Market Hill. Those venues are spectacular, but they represent the curated, higher-end side of the show. Prices there reflect the polish.
Warrenton is the other side of the coin. As one Round Top regular put it plainly: "Round Top venues tend to feature curated, higher-end antiques with higher prices. Warrenton venues are known for large open-air tent shows, flea market-style bargain hunting, and a more casual atmosphere."
The price difference is not subtle. A table that sells for $4,000 at a curated Round Top venue might go for $1,900 in the Warrenton fields. French chandeliers that would command $1,200 or more at a styled showroom sell for $400 to $500 at Warrenton's storage-unit venues. And the small finds -- the crocks, butter pats, spools, vintage glass, and decorative smalls that make treasure hunting addictive -- start as low as $1 in the outdoor fields.
Here is the insider secret that explains the pricing gap: "People from Market Hill will shop at Excess I and Excess 2 for their pieces and then bring them to their shops and resell them at three times the markup." If you are willing to dig through inventory yourself instead of buying from the middleman, Warrenton is where you go.
Most experienced visitors shop both Warrenton and Round Top during a single trip, but if you are on a budget, the advice from seasoned shoppers is straightforward: "If you're on a budget, skip the curated venues and head straight to Warrenton."
Warrenton Venues: A Complete Directory
Warrenton is not a single venue -- it is a corridor of 22+ independent shows, fields, and buildings, each with its own personality. Here is every venue you will encounter along Highway 237.
Bar W Field
Bar W Field is the sprawling outdoor venue that defines the Warrenton experience. Hundreds of dealers set up under tents and tarps across acres of open field, selling everything from vintage signs and license plates to furniture, toys, stained glass, Western wear, and pure Americana. The energy here is flea market at its best -- casual, unpredictable, and full of surprises.
"There is so much to see in Warrenton Round Top. It's incredible," one dealer noted while walking through Bar W's seemingly endless rows.
Budget finds are everywhere. License plates go for $5. Vintage glass starts at a few dollars. Milk glass dessert pieces have been spotted at $6 each. At the other end, rare porcelain signs can run into the thousands, and there is genuinely something for every budget and taste.
The catch: quality varies widely, especially later in the show when the best pieces have already sold. Go early in the season for the best selection. Go the last weekend for the best negotiating leverage.
Read our full guide: Bar W Field: Guide to Round Top's Outdoor Antique Shopping
Excess I and Excess 2
If Warrenton has a crown jewel, it is Excess I and Excess 2. These two storage-unit style venues sit directly across Highway 237 from each other at 3907 TX-237, and together they house over 50 vendors, with a heavy concentration of European importers selling directly from their shipping containers.
Interior designer Claire Zinnecker described the appeal: "It is just metal shop buildings full of vendors. All different types of items. There's stuff from Europe, stuff from the US, and the price points in my opinion are really good. You have to dig a little bit more, which is obviously my favorite part, but I could spend an entire day just here."
Excess 2 in particular draws Italian and French vendors, giving it a distinctly Continental flavor. Pascal Jones Antiques sells vintage French chandeliers for $400 to $500 each -- a fraction of comparable retail pricing. Nomadic Trading, a family-owned operation run by Noah, Odom, and their father Damir, fills their booth with Hungarian tables, Turkish pots, vintage breadboards, and rugs from across Europe and North Africa. Knock on Wood Antiques sources from Morocco, Mexico, and Bali, with hand-carved wooden bowls, woven light shades, and textiles that one designer called her "favorite shop" at the entire show.
And yes, there are high-end finds mixed in. Willy Gold chairs were spotted at Excess 2 for $13,500. But the sweet spot here is mid-range European antiques at prices that make designers and resellers grin.
Read our full guide: Excess I and Excess 2: The Treasure Hunter's Guide
Zapp Hall
Zapp Hall is one of the longest-running shows on the Warrenton corridor. It has been a staple of Round Top antique weeks for years, featuring a reliable mix of vintage and antique dealers in an enclosed hall setting. If you want a break from the outdoor fields but still want Warrenton pricing, Zapp Hall delivers. The covered setting also makes it a smart choice when weather is unpredictable.
Northgate Design Show
Northgate Design Show is a tent venue that draws a rotating cast of dealers each season. The tent format means lower overhead for vendors, which translates to better prices for buyers. It is the kind of stop where you pull over because something catches your eye from the road, and you end up spending an hour.
Chicken Ranch
Chicken Ranch is an outdoor vendor area that has earned a specific reputation among resellers. As one local put it, the pricing here "works for people who need to make money on what they buy." If you are a furniture flipper or a dealer looking for inventory at margins that still leave room for profit, Chicken Ranch is worth a dedicated stop.
Bull Market
Bull Market is one of the larger field shows along the Warrenton corridor, with a mix of antiques, vintage, and handmade goods spread across an open-air setting. It draws a rotating roster of dealers each season and is a reliable stop for anyone doing a full Warrenton sweep.
Old Town Market
Old Town Market offers a curated selection of antiques and vintage finds in a more organized setting than the typical Warrenton field show. It is a good transition stop between the raw fields and the more polished venues up the road in Round Top.
The Marketplace Warrenton
Not to be confused with Old Town Market, The Marketplace Warrenton is its own venue with a mix of dealers, vintage goods, and seasonal finds. Located along the main corridor, it is easy to walk through as part of a broader Warrenton loop.
Stone Meadow
Stone Meadow is a field venue that tends to attract dealers with furniture, garden antiques, and larger architectural pieces. If you are looking for iron gates, stone planters, or weathered statuary, Stone Meadow is worth a stop.
Tin Star Field
Tin Star Field is a Warrenton fixture that draws loyal returning dealers each season. The mix leans toward Americana, Western decor, and rustic furnishings — the kind of inventory that gives Warrenton its distinct character compared to the more European-leaning Round Top venues.
Lone Star Glamp Inn
Lone Star Glamp Inn is a lodging venue that doubles as a show destination during antique weeks — vendors set up on the property, so you can shop without leaving where you sleep. The mix includes art, furniture, and home decor with a Texas and Western sensibility.
Renck Hall
Renck Hall is one of the venues along Highway 237. Like most Warrenton fields, the inventory changes dramatically from show to show as different dealers rotate in. Free admission and free parking.
Sommerfeld Place
Sommerfeld Place is a smaller venue that tends to attract dealers with a more curated eye — somewhere between the raw Warrenton fields and the polished Round Top showrooms. Worth a stop if you are walking the corridor and want to see something a little different.
The Blue House
The Blue House is a Warrenton venue known for its eclectic mix of vintage, antiques, and decorative accessories. The setting is more intimate than the sprawling field shows, making it a good stop for shoppers who prefer a less overwhelming experience.
Warrenton Inn and The W
Warrenton Inn and The W doubles as both lodging and a show venue during antique weeks. Dealers set up on the property, giving guests the unique advantage of shopping without leaving where they sleep.
Punkie's Place
Punkie's Place is a Warrenton show venue that draws a mix of vintage dealers and artisan vendors. It has a loyal following among returning shoppers who know to check it each season for new finds.
Granny McCormicks's Yard
Granny McCormicks's Yard is a Warrenton venue that has been part of the show for years, offering a mix of antiques, collectibles, and vintage home goods in a welcoming, nostalgic setting.
Campbell Building
The Campbell Building is an enclosed venue along the Warrenton corridor — a welcome option when the Texas heat or rain makes outdoor field shopping uncomfortable. The covered setting also means vendors can display more delicate items like textiles, art, and ceramics.
St. John's Church
St. John's Church hosts vendors during antique show weeks, transforming its grounds into a unique shopping experience. The setting gives it a charm that the metal-building and tent venues cannot match.
Dillard's Field
Dillard's Field is an open-air venue along the Warrenton corridor with a mix of dealers selling antiques, vintage goods, and furniture. Like most Warrenton fields, admission and parking are free.
Tree Park
Tree Park marks the southern end of the Warrenton corridor and serves as a field venue during show weeks. It is one of the first venues you encounter if driving in from the Carmine/Highway 290 direction, making it a natural starting point for a south-to-north Warrenton sweep.
A note for visitors: Warrenton does not have its own post office, so all venue addresses technically say "Round Top, TX." But locals and seasoned show-goers know the difference — Warrenton is its own community about five miles south of downtown Round Top along Highway 237. If your GPS takes you to the town of Round Top, you have gone too far north. The Warrenton venues line Highway 237 between roughly Tree Park to the south and the Bar W Field area to the north.
How to Shop Warrenton: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose Your Timing
For the best selection, come during the first few days of the show. Vendors have just unpacked, inventory is at its peak, and the standout pieces have not been picked over yet. Designers and serious dealers prioritize early arrivals for exactly this reason.
For the best prices, come the last weekend. Vendors have been on their feet for days or weeks. They are tired. They do not want to pack inventory back into trucks and shipping containers. "Make us an offer" becomes the default posture, and desperation deals appear on pieces that have been sitting.
The sweet spot for most shoppers is midweek during the second week of a two-week show. Crowds are thinner, vendors are more relaxed, and you get a reasonable balance between selection and willingness to negotiate.
Step 2: Plan Your Route
The Warrenton corridor stretches several miles along Highway 237. Trying to walk the entire thing is not realistic -- you will want to drive between venue clusters and walk within them. Here is a suggested route that works from north to south.
Morning: Start at Excess 1 and Excess 2. These venues close at 5 PM and the best pieces move fast. Give yourself two to three hours to work both sides of the street thoroughly.
Midday: Drive south to the smaller venues and the surrounding tent venues. Grab lunch from one of the food trucks scattered along the corridor.
Afternoon: Hit Bar W Field for the full open-air field experience. This is where you will do your heaviest treasure hunting and where the widest range of prices lives.
Late Afternoon: Finish at the smaller specialty venues for fashion, jewelry, art, and rugs -- a change of pace after a day in the fields.
Use the Round Top Finder interactive map to see every Warrenton venue plotted geographically and plan your driving route before you arrive.
Step 3: Negotiate With Confidence
Haggling is expected at Warrenton -- it is part of the culture. But there is a right way to do it.
Give a number. Do not just ask "what's your best price?" Instead, say: "I'm hoping to be around $X. Can you work with that?" One shopper described the approach: "I gave him a hint on where I wanted to be on pricing. Then he was like, 'Alright, buy this one and this one,' and we made it work."
Bundle purchases. If you are buying multiple pieces from one vendor, lay everything out and negotiate a package price. Vendors would rather move inventory in bulk than sell one piece at a time.
Bring cash. Many Warrenton vendors prefer cash because it eliminates the three percent credit card processing fee. Some smaller field vendors cannot accept cards at all. Cash also gives you leverage: "Can you do better for cash?" is a question that almost always gets a yes.
Be kind. These vendors have been setting up, selling, and sleeping in their trucks for days. A friendly attitude gets you further than aggressive haggling every time.
Step 4: Handle Logistics
Parking: Most Warrenton venues offer free parking on grassy fields adjacent to the vendor areas. After rain, these fields turn to mud. Park strategically and use the Round Top Finder parking saver to drop a GPS pin on your vehicle -- when you have been walking fields for four hours, finding your car is not as simple as it sounds.
Hauling: As one designer put it, essential tip number one is to "bring a U-Haul or a trailer or a box truck." If you are driving, bring the biggest vehicle you own. If you are flying, there are shippers on-site at some venues during show weeks. Ask vendors about shipping arrangements at the time of purchase.
Cell service: It is weak to nonexistent across much of the Warrenton corridor. Download the Round Top Finder app before you arrive so you have the map, vendor directory, and venue information available offline.
Food: Food trucks are scattered across venues throughout Warrenton. Excess I has a food vendor in the back left corner that serves beer and wine. Lonear Barbecue has been serving Round Top since 1982 -- their brisket breakfast tacos are a local institution. the specialty vendors has five food vendors on-site. You will not go hungry.
Restrooms: Porta-potties are available at most venues. They are not glamorous. Plan accordingly.
What to Buy in Warrenton: Price Ranges by Category
Understanding what things cost in Warrenton helps you shop with confidence and recognize a good deal when you see one.
Budget Finds: $1 to $30
The outdoor fields and tent venues are loaded with small treasures at rock-bottom prices. Butter pats, crocks, vintage spools, small ceramics, license plates ($5 at Bar W), vintage glass, milk glass pieces ($4 to $7 at half price), old bottles, kitchen collectibles, and small decorative objects all live in this range. This is the price tier where treasure hunting is purest -- you are digging, you are discovering, and the thrill is in the find itself.
Mid-Range: $50 to $500
This is where Warrenton truly shines. Lamps, small furniture, vintage pots, textiles, breadboards ($50 to $150), woven light shades ($75 to $200), marble cheese plates, wooden bowls, hand-carved home goods, and mid-century accessories all fall in this sweet spot. At the curated Round Top venues, comparable pieces often sell for two to three times these prices.
Statement Pieces: $400 to $2,000
French chandeliers at Pascal Jones Antiques ($400 to $500), vintage Turkish pots at Nomadic Trading ($100 to $300), original art at some venues ($2,000 and up), premium leather furniture, antique signs, and quality European imports. These are the pieces that designers buy at Warrenton and clients see in their finished rooms.
High-End: $2,000 and Up
Warrenton is not exclusively budget territory. Rare porcelain signs at some venues can run to $5,000. Willy Gold chairs at Excess 2 were priced at $13,500. Farmer's chairs at some venues go for $5,800 per pair. The difference is that these prices still tend to be lower than what comparable pieces fetch at Market Hill or Marburger.
Warrenton vs. Round Top: Understanding the Difference
If you are planning your first trip, understanding the difference between Warrenton and Round Top proper will save you time and money. For an in-depth comparison, read our dedicated post: Round Top vs. Warrenton: Where Should You Shop?
Here is the short version:
| Warrenton | Round Top Proper | |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Fields, tents, outdoor, casual | Indoor showrooms, curated, polished |
| Admission | Free at all venues | Free to $15+ at ticketed venues |
| Prices | Budget to mid-range (with high-end mixed in) | Mid-range to high-end |
| Best For | Deal hunters, resellers, furniture flippers, treasure hunters | Designers, collectors, curated shopping |
| Vibe | Muddy boots, dig-through-the-pile | Styled vignettes, air conditioning |
| Parking | Free at most (a few charge $5) | Varies; some paid lots |
The bottom line: most visitors shop both during a single trip. Start in Warrenton for deals and the thrill of the hunt, then head north to Round Top proper for curated inspiration and statement pieces. Or, if budget is your primary concern, spend the entire trip in Warrenton and save the curated venues for window shopping.
Practical Information at a Glance
- Location: Highway 237, approximately 5 miles south of Round Top, TX
- Distance from Austin: About 90 minutes east via US-290
- Distance from Houston: About 90 minutes northwest via US-290
- Distance from downtown Round Top: 10 to 15 minutes by car
- Admission: Free at all Warrenton venues
- Parking: Free at most venues (grassy fields; can be muddy). A few charge $5
- Show dates: Spring (late March through early April), Fall (mid-October through early November), Winter (late January). Check the Round Top Finder show calendar for exact dates.
- Cell service: Weak to nonexistent -- download the Round Top Finder app before you arrive
- Golf cart rentals: Available through Leaning Tree Golf Cart Rentals for covering more ground
- Food: Food trucks at multiple venues; Lonear Barbecue (since 1982) is a local favorite
- Restrooms: Porta-potties at most venues
- Pet-friendly: Many outdoor venues welcome leashed dogs -- check individual venues
Who Should Shop Warrenton?
Furniture flippers and resellers. The margin between what you pay in Warrenton and what you can sell for at retail is where the business model works. Chicken Ranch is specifically recommended for reseller-friendly pricing.
Budget shoppers. If your goal is to bring home treasures without spending thousands, Warrenton is the answer. You can have a genuinely rewarding day of shopping and spend under $100.
Designers sourcing for clients. Many interior designers make Warrenton their first stop because the inventory is close to wholesale pricing. The curated venues get their inventory from the same pipeline -- you are just cutting out the markup.
Treasure hunters. If the thrill for you is in the hunt itself -- the digging, the discovering, the "is that really only $20?" moments -- Warrenton fields deliver that experience better than any curated showroom ever could.
Fashion lovers. the specialty vendors alone has 58 fashion vendors and 35 jewelry vendors. Add in the vintage Western wear scattered across the fields and you have a full day of fashion hunting.
First-time visitors. Warrenton's free admission removes any financial barrier to entry. You can explore at your own pace, get a feel for Round Top, and decide where to invest your time and money without paying a single entry fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Warrenton antique show?
The Warrenton antique show is a collection of free-admission antique and vintage venues located along Highway 237 between the towns of Round Top and Warrenton, Texas. It operates during the same show windows as the larger Round Top Antiques Fair (spring, fall, and winter), and features open-air fields, tent shows, storage-unit venues, and enclosed halls. Warrenton is known for more affordable pricing than the curated Round Top venues to the north.
Is there an admission fee for Warrenton venues?
No. Every venue in Warrenton is free to enter. Parking is free at most venues, though a few charge $5. This is one of the primary reasons Warrenton attracts budget-conscious shoppers, resellers, and dealers -- you can spend an entire day shopping without paying a single admission fee.
How far is Warrenton from Round Top?
Warrenton is approximately five miles south of the town of Round Top on Highway 237, which translates to about a 10 to 15 minute drive. The two areas are connected by a continuous corridor of venues along the highway, so the boundary between "Round Top" and "Warrenton" is somewhat fluid -- you are driving through vendor-filled fields the entire way.
When is the Warrenton antique show in 2026?
The Warrenton venues operate during the same show windows as the broader Round Top Antiques Fair. Spring 2026 dates run approximately March 14 through 28. Fall 2026 dates run approximately October 17 through 31. Individual venues may open and close on different days within those windows. Check the Round Top Finder show calendar for exact dates and venue-specific schedules.
What is the difference between Warrenton and Round Top?
Warrenton features open-air fields, tent shows, and storage-unit venues with free admission and generally lower prices. Round Top proper features curated indoor showrooms like Marburger Farm and Blue Hills, some with admission fees, and higher prices that reflect the curation and presentation. Most visitors shop both during a single trip. For a detailed comparison, read Round Top vs. Warrenton.
Should I bring cash to Warrenton?
Yes. Cash is strongly recommended. Many field vendors in Warrenton cannot accept credit cards, and those who do often charge a three percent processing fee. Cash also gives you negotiating leverage -- asking "can you do better for cash?" frequently unlocks an additional discount. Bring more than you think you will need.
What should I wear to shop Warrenton?
Wear shoes you do not mind getting dirty. Warrenton venues are largely outdoors, with gravel, grass, dirt, and mud (especially after rain). Closed-toe shoes with good traction are essential. Dress in layers -- Texas weather during show season can swing from cool mornings to warm afternoons. A hat and sunscreen are advisable. Leave your nice shoes for the curated venues in Round Top proper.
Is Warrenton good for first-time Round Top visitors?
Warrenton is an excellent starting point for first-timers. The free admission removes financial risk, the casual atmosphere is less intimidating than the curated showrooms, and the variety of venues lets you experience the full spectrum of what the Round Top antique fair offers -- from serious European antiques at Excess to flea market finds at the fields to fashion and art at the specialty vendors. Many first-timers are surprised to discover that Warrenton is their favorite part of the entire trip.
Can I find high-end antiques in Warrenton?
Yes. While Warrenton is known for budget-friendly shopping, high-end pieces are absolutely present. Excess 2 carries Italian and French antiques from established European dealers. some venues features original art starting at $2,000 and premium leather furniture. The mix of price points is part of what makes Warrenton compelling -- you might find a $5 vintage crock and a $13,500 designer chair at the same venue.
How do I get around Warrenton?
Drive between venue clusters and walk within them. The Warrenton corridor stretches several miles along Highway 237, making it impractical to cover entirely on foot. Golf cart rentals are available through Leaning Tree Golf Cart Rentals if you want more flexibility. Use the Round Top Finder map to plan your route and the GPS parking saver to mark your vehicle location at each stop.
Plan Your Warrenton Trip With Round Top Finder
Warrenton alone has enough venues, vendors, and inventory to fill multiple days of shopping. Having a plan before you arrive is the difference between a focused, rewarding trip and an overwhelming one.
Round Top Finder puts every Warrenton venue and vendor at your fingertips. Browse the full venue directory filtered to the Warrenton area. Explore the interactive map to see every venue, food truck, and parking area plotted geographically. Search the vendor directory to find specific dealers and check which venues they are set up at this season. Save your favorites, build a day-by-day itinerary with the trip planner, and drop GPS pins on your parking spots so you never lose your car in a muddy field.
The fields are where the deals are. Round Top Finder is how you find them.