Renninger’s Extravaganza: The Magic, The Madness, and the Finds

If you love vintage, Renninger’s Extravaganza is one of those places that feels a little bit like Disneyland and a little bit like a treasure hunt… with a lot of walking in between.

I went on the second day, excited, caffeinated, and ready to dig.

If you’ve never been, Renninger’s is massive. Rows and rows of vendors, everything from true antiques to vintage to collectibles to things you didn’t even know you were looking for. It’s the kind of place where you have to go in with a plan… and still expect to get distracted.

The Good

There is no shortage of beautiful things.

So much vintage. So much variety. So many booths where you stop and think, “Okay, this person has a great eye.” If you’re shopping for yourself, it’s a dream. You can find everything from small decorative pieces to big statement furniture, and you can really spend hours just wandering and discovering.

I also love that you get to see pieces in person — touch them, turn them over, notice the details. That’s something that will always matter to me in vintage.

And of course, there are great finds. You just have to be patient and willing to look.

The Not-So-Good (Especially for Resellers)

It’s definitely gotten pricey.

Many vendors know exactly what they have — which is great — but it also means a lot of pieces are priced more for collectors than for resellers. For someone like me, who wants to bring special things back to the shop at fair, approachable prices, that can make sourcing harder.

There were quite a few times I loved something… and then saw the price and had to gently put it back and walk away.

It’s also a lot. A lot of people, a lot of walking, a lot of visual noise. You really have to pace yourself and stay focused, or you’ll get overwhelmed fast.

My Honest Take

Renninger’s is absolutely worth going — especially if you’re shopping for yourself or just love being around beautiful old things.

For resellers, it’s more about being selective, patient, and realistic. The gems are there, but you have to work for them, and you have to know your numbers.

I didn’t come home with a car full of things… but I did come home inspired. And sometimes that’s just as important.

Seeing what’s out there, what people are collecting, what styles are trending — it all feeds into how I curate the shop and what I look for next.

And honestly? Even on the days you don’t buy much, being surrounded by history, craftsmanship, and stories is never a waste.

The Bottom Line

If you love vintage: go. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring water. Give yourself time.

If you’re a reseller: go with a plan, a budget, and patience.

And if you’re like me — someone who just genuinely loves the hunt — you’ll still leave happy, even if your wallet stays a little fuller than expected.