‘Bizarre Bazaar’ Halloween Market Returns With More Than 80 Local Makers

This story originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.

BELLEFONTE — The Bizarre Bazaar, Smith + Front’s annual Halloween market, returns to Bellefonte on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Now in its third year, the open-air market brings together more than 80 local makers and artists for a day of shopping and live music.

This year, the Bazaar moves to a new home at Talleyrand Park in the heart of downtown Bellefonte. According to Smith + Front owner Staci Smith, the event was previously held on the green next to the Gamble Mill, where site work for the Bellefonte Waterfront project recently got underway.  

“We had to relocate due to the possibility of construction beginning on the planned boutique hotel,” Smith explained.

The new space will accommodate even more vendors and food trucks, plus craft drinks from Central PA Tasting Trail members. Attendees can also stroll historic Bellefonte and see why so many people love spending a fall Saturday there.

For Smith, the move reflects how much the market has grown.

“The Bizarre Bazaar started with our friend Amanda Jones of Teaberry Design Co., who hosted a ‘Spooky Sip and Shop’,” she said, adding that Jones remains an active partner. “The response was so much bigger than (Amanda) anticipated, and she asked me to partner with her. Now, thousands of people come out every year, and the new location will allow visitors to enjoy everything Downtown Bellefonte has to offer.”

While the market leans into its spooky Halloween theme, it’s also a great opportunity to get ahead on holiday shopping. Makers from Central Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas will offer unique handmade pieces, from hand-thrown pottery and glasswork to witchy candles and tarot. With so many vendors gathered in one spot, shoppers can find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on their list in a single visit.

Live music will entertain crowds throughout the afternoon. The Clearys is set to perform from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by Anchor & Arrow from 2 to 4 p.m.

Food trucks on site will include Bonnie Blues Smokey’s and Sweets, Bailey’s Waffle Licious, Fatema’s Kitchen, Sips and Giggles, and Bar-Bees Lunchbox.

The Bizarre Bazaar is presented in partnership with the Central PA Tasting Trail. Trail members Axemann Brewery, Big Spring Spirits, Barrel 21, Otto’s Brewery, University Wine Club, and Laurel Spring Cidery will be on hand serving local beer, wine, spirits and cider. Guests 21 and older will receive a wristband.

Smith said there is no charge for the wristband.

“The designated area ‘The Graveyard Tavern’ will feature Central PA Tasting Trail vendors,” Smith explained. “Attendees are welcome to walk around the event with their beverages.”

While the event is free for the public to attend, it does come at a cost for Smith.

“We don’t receive any assistance or funding, and make it all happen on a shoestring budget,” Smith said. “We have approximately 20 volunteers helping on the day of the event. Celesta [Powell] from the Central PA Tasting Trail is an invaluable resource, bringing a wealth of knowledge and connections. Stephanie Calderon of La Vida Local and Amanda of Teaberry Design Co. are also essential members of our team who help make it all happen.”

Talleyrand Park is wheelchair accessible.

For more information, visit the Bizarre Bazaar event page on Facebook.