#72 – Boulevard Swap & Shop
1051 Merriam Ln, Kansas City, KS 66103
Cost: $
Features: Lots of vendors selling a variety of junk, concessions, restrooms.
Good for: Finding really, really hidden gems.
Tip: Bring cash.
Each Saturday and Sunday, the Boulevard Drive-In theater becomes the Boulevard Swap & Shop. Browse a variety of vendors selling everything from produce to old tools to home goods.
About the Boulevard Swap & Shop
Every Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting) from at 5am to 2pm, local vendors set up shop at the Boulevard Drive In. The outdoor venue is a huge gravel lot, so the vendors are organized in rows alongside visitors’ parking.
At just $1 to get in, the Boulevard Swap & Shop is an affordable way to spend a few hours.
We went on a chilly, breezy Sunday morning early in the season, so I don’t think the vendor selection was the greatest. A lot of vendors were selling laundry detergent, dish soap, tools and junk. There were a few vendors selling local produce, but being early March, there’s wasn’t a lot to choose from. My group did find one vendor that had good collection of used records, and I got an awesome Johnny Cash album.
The Boulevard Swap & Shop does have a market vibe, as you can barter with vendors to get a better price. Everyone is friendly and happy to chat about their goods.
I was hoping there would be a larger variety of antiques and furniture like at the West Bottoms Warehouses. But I do fully intend to go back later in the summer and probably on a Saturday to (hopefully) find better goods.
The Boulevard Swap & Shop is an interesting activity because of both the goods and the sellers. It might take some digging, but there are gems to be found. xx, Libbie.
