Things to Do in Canton, Texas
Canton is a shopping-and-getaway destination built around one of the most famous markets in the country. First Monday Trade Days draws huge crowds each month, but there's plenty more to do — an antique-filled downtown square, a popular ranch resort, a family farm, and easy access to both Dallas and Tyler.
Here's what to do in and around Canton.
First Monday Trade Days
Canton's headline attraction is First Monday Trade Days, billed as the largest and oldest continually operated flea market in the United States. Held Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of each month, it sprawls across hundreds of acres of vendor lots and pavilions and can draw up to 100,000 shoppers on a single weekend.
You'll find virtually everything — antiques, collectibles, furniture, crafts, clothing, tools, food, and the famous Dog Alley for animal lovers. It's a treasure-hunting marathon that has made Canton a monthly pilgrimage for shoppers from across Texas and beyond. If you go, wear comfortable shoes and plan to spend the day.
The Downtown Square
Even when the market isn't running, downtown Canton is a shopper's delight. The historic square is lined with shops offering antiques, boutique clothing, jewelry, collectibles, gifts, and home decor, along with cafes, a museum, and seasonal festivals. On the square, the Texas Roadhouse Winery pours Texas wines and hosts live entertainment on Thursday and Saturday nights.
It's a pleasant, walkable destination for an afternoon of browsing and a meal — the everyday complement to the monthly mega-market just up the road.
Resorts, Farms, and Day Trips
Canton has grown a tourism scene to match its market. Mill Creek Ranch Resort spreads across 200 acres of Texas woodlands with cottages, RV sites, and amenities, plus live music on Friday nights at The Creek in its Grand Lodge — a relaxing base whether or not you're shopping. Families love YesterLand Farm, a nostalgic farm attraction with old-fashioned fun, fall festivities, and a holiday Christmas wonderland.
And because Canton sits right on Interstate 20 about halfway between Dallas and Tyler, it makes an easy day trip or weekend from the metroplex — and a convenient base for exploring the lakes and attractions of the surrounding region, including big-cat refuge Tiger Creek over toward Tyler.
Highlights
- Wander First Monday Trade Days — hundreds of acres of vendors selling everything from handmade furniture to cast iron to vintage clothes
- Walk the Van Zandt County Courthouse square and browse the local shops around it
- Catch a Canton Eagles football game on a fall Friday night — the whole town turns out
- Drive the back roads of Van Zandt County in spring when the wildflowers are ridiculous
- Fish or boat on Lake Tawakoni, about 25 minutes north of town
- Hit up Mill Creek Ranch Resort for a round of golf or a weekend stay
- Explore the historic downtown buildings around the square — some date back to the late 1800s
- Make a day trip to Lake Fork, one of the best bass fishing lakes in the state
Signature Annual Events
Marquee yearly events in Canton, linked to the official organizers.
Monthly — Thursday–Sunday before the first Monday
FAQ: Things to Do in Canton
Canton's top draw is First Monday Trade Days, the largest U.S. flea market, held monthly. You can also explore the antique-filled downtown square and Texas Roadhouse Winery, stay or play at Mill Creek Ranch Resort, and visit YesterLand Farm — all about an hour east of Dallas.
First Monday Trade Days is held monthly, Thursday through Sunday preceding the first Monday of each month, in Canton. It's billed as the largest and oldest continually operated flea market in the United States, drawing up to 100,000 shoppers a weekend.
Just about everything — antiques, collectibles, furniture, crafts, clothing, tools, jewelry, home decor, and food — spread across hundreds of acres of vendor lots and pavilions. There's even a famous Dog Alley section for animal lovers.
Yes. Canton's downtown square is full of antique shops, boutiques, cafes, and a winery, and attractions like Mill Creek Ranch Resort and YesterLand Farm draw visitors year-round. Canton's spot on Interstate 20 also makes it an easy base between Dallas and Tyler.
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