Market Schedule
Know when First Monday starts.
First Monday Trade Days runs only on the Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before the first Monday of each month — never on Monday — so the exact market window matters if you want the best parking, route, and shopping plan.
Last updated May 26, 2026
First Monday Trade Days happens only on the four days before the first Monday of each month: Thursday through Sunday. Never open on Monday — that is the schtick.
How the Dates Work
The active market window is always the Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday right before the first Monday of the month. Never open on Monday, even though Monday is in the name. If you are traveling in, check the exact dates before you drive so you land inside the live market days.
Best days for most shoppers
Thursday through Saturday usually gives you the fullest market energy. Sunday can still be productive, but the pace tends to feel different as vendors prepare to wrap up.
Plan before you leave home
Use the map, parking tips, and category planning tools before you arrive. First Monday is big enough that a little prep saves real walking time.
Plan Your Visit
A good First Monday trip usually starts with three simple decisions: when to go, what to hunt for, and how you will navigate once you get there.
Timing
Pick Your Day
Thu-Sun / market window
If you want the broadest selection, plan around the four active market days right before the first Monday of the month: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Never Monday.
- Check the active monthly window
- Leave early for parking
- Give yourself more than a quick stop
Navigation
Use the Map
Smart / route first
Do not treat Canton like a quick strip mall. Use the map ahead of time so you can move with intent once you are on the grounds.
- Search vendors by keyword
- Spot likely target areas first
- Keep a live online backup ready
Strategy
Shop by Goal
Focused / beats random
The grounds are huge, so decide what you are looking for before you arrive instead of trying to wander everything blind.
- Pick categories ahead of time
- Save your must-see vendors
- Build a practical walking order
Before You Go
Check weather and walking conditions
First Monday covers a lot of ground. Wear for the weather and expect more walking than a typical shopping trip.
Arrive with a shortlist
If there are categories or vendors you care about most, start there and let the rest of the day expand from that anchor point.
Expect a real market day
This is not a tiny curated pop-up. Build in time for food, rest, and rerouting when you find something worth lingering over.
Use the map before parking
If you know which area you want first, you can make better parking and entry decisions before you ever start walking.
Ready to Plan?
Use the First Monday map and shopping pages together. Check the date window, open the map, and head in with a smarter route instead of starting blind.