all things bright and shiny

In Florida, you can go to the Goblin Market and turn your trash into treasure

Two forest sprites smile at the camera showing off their adorable bags, pointy ears and faerie accessories. 
Photographer: Jordan Macaulay
Photographer: Jordan Macaulay | Jordan Macaulay

If you’re a fan of outdoor markets, Renaissance fairs, cosplay, food trucks, artists, baked goods, or just plain fun, the Goblin Market is the place for you. The traveling monthly market allows locals and visitors alike to buy directly from artists from the central Florida area.

A smiling server stands under a tent wearing a black shirt with the words "The gnarly Cuban" on it. They are also wearing sunglasses and a black bandana. Photographer: Tyler Karon
Photographer: Tyler Karon

The event features a plethora of food and drink options provided by local food trucks, and usually, a nearby restaurant will also get in on the fun. Establishments previously connected to the market include Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company, Tamale Co. Mexican Street Food, and Enzian Theatre, which screened Trolls 2 during the event. How’s that for complementary programming? 

Artful trading: how the Goblin Market shapes transactions

A large patchwork sign reading 'Trading Tent' with a large crowd in front of it. Photographer: Tyler Karon
Photographer: Tyler Karon

But wait, there’s more! The popular trading tent, a staple of every market, is a magical place where vendors and visitors can barter with their own unwanted goods for pretty much everything. The only rule: one must seek the approval of the Goblin King before making a trade. The entire event is run by volunteers, all of whom believe in the goblin creed of connecting those whose trash could become one another’s treasure.

A neon green sign attached to a tent pole reads 'All trades must be approved by ye Goblin King!'
Photographer: Tyler Koran
Photographer: Tyler Karon

Courtney Ring, Goblin King and mastermind of the event, kicked off the first market in March 2024 and saw a response they couldn’t have predicted.

“I’ve been so overwhelmed and honored. For the first market, I thought, ‘If 100 people turn out, I’ll be happy.’ We probably had 500.”

Building bonds: the role of community in the Goblin Market’s success

Two people sit at a booth table with their wares in front of them as a few people peruse. 
Photographer: Jordan Macaulay
Photographer: Jordan Macaulay

The turnout continues to amaze. “People are really leaning into it,” Ring says, from the goblin theme to benefits inherent for artists and visitors both. “You only have so much space as a vendor. Stuff that’s misprinted or stained gets moved to the back burner.”

Allowing people to purchase these items at a discount not only helps more people buy art who otherwise might not have been able to afford it, but it also strengthens the arts community in The City Beautiful.” 

A brightly dressed person smiles broadly while standing behind their wares. They are wearing rainbow sunglasses, a jelly bean print long sleeve shirt and rainbow bucket hat
Photographer: Tyler Karon
Photographer: Tyler Karon

For Ring, the “implicit queerness” of the event has been part of what makes it so successful.

“Most vendors, volunteers, and artists at the event are queer people. Even the goblin-theming is very queer-coded. We’re an accepting, nonchalant community. When you’re young and trans or gender nonconforming, there are all these people who you’re excited to see, and you can also see yourself in their art.”

Two young musicians sit in front of microphones smiling out. One holds a guitar, the other a tambourine. They are both wearing black tank tops and have black hair. 
Photographer: Tyler Karon
Photographer: Tyler Karon

Community spirit: events and gatherings that enrich the market experience

The markets and summer swaps (smaller, trade-focused meetups) are already wildly successful, but Ring isn’t stopping here. “We’re going bigger and better!”

This means a live goblin character carousing at the event performed by local drag artist Davi Oddity with special effects by Emmett Wagner, miniature trading quests, and possibly performances or live music.

A drag performer in black and white clown make-up strikes a graceful pose. 
Photographer: Tyler Karon
Special effects: Emmett Wagner
Photographer: Tyler Karon, Special Effects: Emmett Wagner (@alt.sfx)

“It’s a five-hour event,” Ring says. “If you’re coming from out of town, it’s something you can make a day of.”

A person stands with a small wagon full of Squismallows and holding a small fan. Their hair is dyed bright orange and red, and they are wearing a bright red skirt and fishnet tights. 
Photographer: Jordan Macaulay
Photographer: Jordan Macaulay

The next market will occur on Sunday, September 1st, 2024 at Park Ave CDs in Audubon Park. Visitors can expect all the goblin shenanigans they know and love as well as new and exciting additions.

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