Halloween is coming early to Northern California as Solano County prepares to host the Gothic Market, a Halloween-inspired event conjured by the folks at Grimoire Studios, a New England-based gothic market company.
Their third Northern California event will summon approximately 40 vendors for a one-day-only bazaar of bewitching crafts, oddities, and gothic-inspired fashion on May 24. It’s Halloween colliding with your favorite artisan market, and yes, costumes are encouraged.
“We’ll have oddities and unique Halloween-based crafts and creations all in one building, for people to explore and walk around to meet all types of like-minded weirdos and individuals,” said Kaylie Nora, Grimoire Studio’s West Coast event manager.
So-called “oddities and curiosity” markets have increased in popularity to meet the demand for unique, macabre, and sometimes downright bizarre goods.
Established in 2019, Grimoire Studios say these events draw inspiration from the great exhibitions of the 1800s, which were large-scale international fairs showcasing industrial, technological, and artistic achievements of nations during the Industrial Revolution. However, Grimoire’s markets focus on Halloween themes and folklore.
“The Market has always been inspired by Halloween and has been targeted for people who love the holiday and feel like they want to celebrate it all year round,” says Nora.
The event in Solano County is strictly a market — don’t expect any live performances or ghostly karaoke. And if you can’t make it on May 24th, Solano County’s market date is one of nine more Gothic Market events planned across the nation through the remainder of 2025.
The Gory Details:
The Gothic Market
Solano County Fairgrounds (Expo Hall)
900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo, CA 94589
Sat, May 24 12:00 pm-5:00 pm
Tickets: 7$-20$
Event organizers suggest purchasing your tickets soon,
prices will increase closer to the event date.
More info at grimoireacademy.com
