I went to a popular Stanislaus County flea market on a $25 budget. It was a vibe
If you grew up in a Latino household in Modesto, you already know that when someone says “the flea market,” there’s no need to ask which one.
El Rematito — also known as the Crows Landing Flea Market — has gained a huge following since it opened in 1989.
El Rematito has an average rating of 4.3 stars on Google, with more than 4,500 reviews praising everything from the variety of foods to the affordable prices.
In comparison, the Modesto Livestock Auction and Flea Market holds a 4.1-star rating on Google with about 1,800 reviews.
Recently, El Rematito relaunched its Artisanal Night Market, held every Friday at 3113 Crows Landing Road in Modesto.
From 6 to 11 p.m., the market comes alive with food, drinks, handcrafted goods and more.
While I’ve been to El Rematito several times during the day, I checked out the popular Stanislaus County night market for the first time — and it was definitely a vibe. Here’s what I got for less than $25:
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MOREWhy we did this story
Let’s face it, living in Modesto and going out can be expensive. That’s why Modesto Bee service journalism reporter Angela Rodriguez is bringing you along on her budget-friendly adventures. Born and raised in the Central Valley, Angela wants to help her fellow residents navigate life in the region (and have fun) without breaking the bank.
What is El Rematito flea market in Ceres like?
When I first got to El Rematito Artisinal Night Market on a recent Friday, I was a little disappointed to see so few people there.
Based on what I had seen online, I was prepared for big crowds, loud music and rows of busy vendors.
I had even hyped the market up to my toddler and sister-in-law, promising a lively night out.
Although a few families were wandering through the market, it wasn’t quite the scene that social media had painted it out to be.
Admission was free, so we entered the market with open minds, hoping the experience would be worth it.
What’s for sale at Stanislaus County night market?
Before making any purchases, my sister-in-law and I agreed to scope out the vendors to see what everyone had to offer.
There was a little bit of everything, from hair accessories and handmade jewelry to custom-printed Stanley cups and children’s toys.
Some booths showcased popular collectible items, including Sonny Angels — tiny angel figurines with quirky hats — and collectible Labubu dolls, furry figures known for their pointed ears and serrated teeth.
Standout food items for sale included Casa De Mac’s birria pizza — a crispy, cheesy creation topped with savory stewed beef — and Fragole’s Dubai chocolate strawberries, featuring fresh berries dipped in rich, imported chocolate.
We also drooled over churros stuffed with creamy cajeta, a Mexican caramel sauce, from La Vecindad del Chavo.
How I spent my $25 budget at Ceres flea market
By the time we made it through the market, the crowd had started to pick up.
Groups of families and friends filled the walkways as the lines for vendors grew. A DJ brought the atmosphere to life with upbeat Latin music.
As soon as I spotted the Dubai chocolate strawberries, I knew they were a must-have — and a worthy splurge given my $25 budget.
First, I went in search of a satisfying yet budget-friendly bite.
That’s when I found Taqueria Toritos, a taco truck offering three beef chalupas for only $6.
Three crisp corn tortillas were layered with melted cheese, juicy carne asada, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sour cream, crumbled queso fresco and a slice of avocado on top. The chalupas were small, simple and surprisingly delicious.
Then my sweet tooth kicked in.
We circled back to the Fragole booth and ordered their Dubai strawberries — a 20-ounce cup packed with juicy, ripe strawberries dipped in silky milk chocolate for $14.
The berries were topped with crispy kataifi — shredded phyllo dough that adds a delicate crunch — and drizzled with creamy pistachio butter for a sweet, nutty finish.
The dish was rich, messy and completely worth it.
We shared the cup, and within 10 minutes, it was scraped clean.
With full bellies, we strolled around the market one more time, soaking in the music and energy.
The DJ spun songs by some of our favorite artists — including Bad Bunny, Los Tigres del Norte and Pitbull — and my toddler couldn’t resist dancing.
Soon, my sister-in-law and I joined her. Two little girls we’d never met before jumped in to dance beside us.
For a moment, it felt like a block party — and honestly, it was a vibe.
Once we were danced out, we wandered back to the vendor booths and stumbled on one selling hair accessories for just $1 apiece.
I grabbed two cute claw clips for myself, while my daughter picked out a hair kit with tiny clips, elastics and a big bow for herself.
Is Stanislaus County flea market affordable?
The vendors at El Rematito’s Artisanal Night Market offered a bit of everything — from handmade accessories and trendy collectibles to a varitey of sweet and savory bites.
Prices varied by booth, but there were options for every budget.
My sister-in-law picked up a blended coffee for $13, a necklace for $15, a custom-printed Stanley cup for $25 and five hair accessories for just $5.
I kept to my $25 budget, spending $6 on three beef chalupas, $14 on a 20-ounce cup of Dubai chocolate strawberries and $4 on four cute hair accessories.
Altogether, I spent $24 — and it was worth every penny.
Between the music, the shopping and the laid-back energy, we had a blast. We’ll definitely be back.
Where should I go next?
Have any ideas for where I should go next in or around Modesto?
I’m exploring the area on a $25 budget.
Send your suggestions to arodriguez@modbee.com or fill out the form below.
Can’t see the form? Go to tinyurl.com/3euwab47.
