Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 10/30/2024

(TRENTON, NJ) -- On Saturday, November 16, 2024, the New Jersey Expo and Convention Center will transform into a haven for the eerie, the unusual, and the downright bizarre, as Darkside New Jersey Art & Oddities Market makes its debut. With over 150 vendors, live performances, and interactive experiences, this one-of-a-kind event promises to lure attendees into a shadowy world of dark art, peculiar goods, and immersive entertainment.
Born from the founders of the renowned Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market (TPRFM), Darkside NJ brings the same energy and DIY spirit, now with an even darker twist. For over a decade, the TPRFM has been a cornerstone of New Jersey’s alternative scene, bringing punk culture to life with live music, unique vendors, and an unmissable market. Darkside NJ carries that legacy forward, but ventures deeper into the macabre with a focus on the strange, odd, and gothic.
Event Highlights
* Over 150 vendors offering oddities, taxidermy, dark art, original clothing, horror collectibles, and more
* Live tattooing and piercing stations with some of New Jersey’s top artists
* Zombie portraits by Alan Robert of NYC heavy metal band, Life of Agony
* Ghosthunters Steve Gonsalves and Dave Tango with a special Q&A session
* Weird NJ panels and mortician-led discussions on the strange, the dead, and the unknown
* Film festival headlined by cult film director and older brother of Hollywood Music Composer Danny Elfman, Richard Elfman, featuring the premiere of his new movie, Bloody Bridget
* Dark Wave Silent Rave—dance to goth, metal, and emo beats under a mesmerizing light show
* Jaw-dropping sideshow performances, including fire breathing, contortionists, and foot archery and appearances by America's Got Talent sensation, Jelly The Clown
* A lineup of food trucks to keep attendees fueled throughout the event
Darkside NJ offers a unique opportunity for attendees to explore the darker corners of art, music, and culture—providing immersive experiences and interactive performances unlike any other event in the region. Whether it's delving into strange tales with the editors of Weird NJ, dancing in silence at the Dark Wave Silent Rave, or meeting cult icons like Richard Elfman, there’s something for everyone who dares to step into the shadows.
Tickets are still available at njisodd.com, with $5 off the door price when purchased in advance. Don't wait—this event is expected to sell out, and time is running out to secure your spot!
The event takes place Saturday, November 16, 2024 with doors open at 10:00am. The New Jersey Convention and Expo Center is located at 97 Sunfield Avenue in Edison, New Jersey.
For more information, vendor listings, or to purchase tickets, visit www.njisodd.com.
Darkside New Jersey is the latest creation from the team behind the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market, known for its commitment to community, alternative culture, and the weird and wonderful. With over 10 years of experience organizing large-scale markets, Darkside NJ takes the spirit of the TPRFM and dives deeper into the **gothic, eerie, and odd, creating an event unlike any other in the Garden State.
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