Disclaimer: I am often provided media passes to Bella Rustina Vintage Market Events in exchange for social media coverage. I enjoy my visits so much, I decided to publish this informative post although it was not a requirement of my hosted visits.
If you are planning your first visit to Bella Rustina Modern Vintage Market, you are in for a treat! It is a fabulous pop-up shopping experience. Both events take place in central Arkansas. There is the Conway Bella Rustina event and the Little Rock Bella Rustina event! Today, I’m going to share a few tips and suggestions based on my own experiences so you can go in prepared to have the best time!
I have been hosted with guest passes at several spring and fall Bella Rustina Modern Vintage Market events. Each time, my friends and I had a wonderful time and found some great home decor pieces, gourmet food items, and trendy clothing pieces.
What is the Bella Rustina Vintage Market Event?
I think the first time I ever heard of Bella Rustina Modern Vintage Market was on Instagram. I saw some cool old metal bed frames, wooden lanterns, and an incredible hand-drawn artwork in a guilded gold frame. I didn’t even yet understand what the event was, but I was IN!
Basically, this pop-up event offers a full shopping experience with many vendors from all over the country under one roof. The events typically happen each spring or summer and fall. In Conway, the events are often held at the Conway Expo and Event Center. In Little Rock, you can usually find the Bella Rustina event at War Memorial Stadium.
Many of the vendors sell handmade items, collected vintage pieces, gourmet food items, and holiday decor. There are also some trendy clothing booths. What sucks me in most is the handmade jewelry – the earrings, the long beaded necklace with salvaged metals and recycled pieces! They are just so much cooler than what you can find anywhere else.
This exquisite table and chairs combination caught my attention at a fall Bella Rustina event in Little Rock, and I wanted it so badly!
The amazing table was about two feet too long for my dining room.
Yet, I couldn’t walk away. I lingered there for 20 minutes! I’m pretty sure my sister-in-law thought the new owners (whoever those lucky ducks are) would have to take me home with the table and chairs!
What to Expect at Bella Rustina Spring Event
At the spring Bella Rustina, you can expect to see some spring-inspired items as the event falls right in the middle of spring.
However, you will also find a ton of non-seasonal items as well – at any of the seasonal events.
What to Expect at Bella Rustina Fall Event
You guessed – all the autumn seasonal things you can imagine will be at the fall Bella Rustina event. Pumpkins, flannels, and vintage Halloween decor. In addition to fall and Halloween pieces, you will also see lots of Christmas season treasures.
It is a luscious mix of all things holiday plus the evergreen decor, furnishings, handmade jewelry, and clothing.
Tips for Preparing for and Arriving at Bella Rustina Vintage Market Events
- Wear comfortable shoes and comfy clothes. There aren’t many seating options around the event center. You will be on your feet a lot.
- Stop for a fun photo at the photo backdrop – usually right at the entrance of the facility. The selfie you take at this entrance area will also serve as your “ticket” back inside in case you go outside to eat, take items to your car, or leave and come back later.
- Bella Rustina is not necessarily a “get it for cheap” type of event. There are many quality handmade items at this event, and they are marked as one might expect. Other items are true vintage pieces that carry the price of a well-cared for vintage piece. Do not arrive thinking you are coming for discounted “garage sale” merchandise.
- Arrive early! This place fills up fast. The more it fills up, the more difficult it is to weave in and out of the booths.
- Take a small rolling cart or easy-carry shopping bag to hold purchases. I usually take one of those large tote bags that folds up easily into my cross-body bag or my backpack. However, for future events, I really am thinking I may order a small rolling cart – one of those tall, narrow ones that don’t take up much space.
- Measure spaces in your home before you go (a note on your phone comes in handy!). Take a light-weight measuring tape in your bag so you know for sure when you’ve found the perfect statement piece!
Tips for Browsing at Bella Rustina Vintage Market in Arkansas
- Although the event has “vintage” in the name, some of the merchandise is not vintage at all (although a lot of it is). Go in expecting to see a mix of vintage and new! (You need both when styling spaces anyway…always!)
- Don’t sleep on the fried pies! One of the booths often sells a variety of hand pies – chocolate, peach, apple, blueberry! They are the best!
- There are many kitchen and food-inspired booths. If you are a foodie, keep your eyes peeled!
More more information on dates and markets in various states, visit the Bella Rustina website.
I hope you have fun on your adventure to Bella Rustina Little Rock or Bella Rustina Conway. This event lends itself to the perfect ladies day out outing!
Check Out Our Other Shopping Event Guides and Gift Guides
If you enjoy visiting local shopping events, you will want to explore some of our other guides and tips for other shopping events around Arkansas and in nearby states. We also have lots of fun gift guides if you are looking for certain theme gifts for people in your life.
A Trip to Guess and Company Christmas Warehouse in Des Arc
Inspirational Christmas Displays from Guess and Company
What to Expect at Vintage Market Days Little Rock
Teacher Must Haves from Amazon
Back to School Teacher Gift Baskets
Dirty Santa Ideas for the Classroom
Explore our Home Decor Inspo
Turquoise and White Kitchen Table Redo
Plants for a Dark Classroom, Office or Home
Best Christmas Plants for Gifts and Decor
Spring Decor with Bunnies and Plants
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Front Porch Spring Ideas with Ferns
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