If you’re a fan of outdoor markets, Renaissance fairs, cosplay, food trucks, artists, baked goods, or just plain fun, Goblin Market is the place for you. The monthly traveling market offers locals and visitors the opportunity to shop directly from Central Florida artists.
The event features a plethora of food and drink provided by local food trucks, and usually a nearby restaurant joins in as well. Establishments previously associated with the market include Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company, Tamale Co. Mexican Street Food and the Enzian Theater, which Trolls 2 during the event. How about a supplementary program?
Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the best LGBTQ+ travel guides, stories, and more.
Artful Trading: How the Goblin Market Shapes Transactions
But wait, there’s more! The popular trade tent, a staple of every market, is a magical place where traders and visitors can trade their own unwanted goods for just about anything. The only rule: you must get the Goblin King’s approval before making a trade. The entire event is organized by volunteers, all of whom believe in the goblin faith of bringing together those whose trash could become each other’s treasure.
Courtney Ring, Goblin King and mastermind of the event, opened the first market in March 2024 and experienced a response he could not have predicted.
“I was so overwhelmed and honored. At the first market, I thought, ‘If 100 people come, I’ll be happy.’ We probably had 500.”
Building Bonds: The Role of Community in Goblin Market Success
The turnout continues to be astonishing. “People are really excited,” says Ring, from the leprechaun theme to the benefits it brings to both artists and visitors. “As a vendor, you have limited space. Things that are misprinted or stained get put on the back burner.”
By allowing people to purchase these items at a reduced price, we are not only helping more people buy art that they might not otherwise have been able to afford, but we are also strengthening the art scene in the “Beautiful City”.
For Ring, the “implicit queerness” of the event is part of its success.
“Most of the vendors, volunteers and artists at the event are queer people. Even the leprechaun theme is very queer-coded. We’re a tolerant, nonchalant community. When you’re young and trans or gender nonconforming, there are all these people you love to see, and you can also see yourself in their art.”
Sense of community: events and gatherings that enrich the market experience
The markets and Summer Swaps (smaller, trade-focused meetings) are already a huge success, but Ring isn’t giving up. “We’re getting bigger and better!”
This means the event will feature a live goblin character portrayed by local drag artist Davi Oddity, with special effects by Emmett Wagner, miniature trade quests, and possibly performances or live music.
“It’s a five-hour event,” Ring says. “If you’re from out of town, you can make a whole day out of it.”
The next market will be held on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at Park Ave CDs in Audubon Park. Visitors can look forward to all the leprechaun shenanigans they know and love, as well as new and exciting additions.
Don’t forget to share:
