originally published: 01/07/2025
(TRENTON, NJ) -- The iconic Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market (TPRFM), a celebrated institution in New Jersey's independent arts, music and food scene, has officially rebranded as the New Jersey Punk Rock Flea Market (NJPRFM), reflecting its growth and expanded reach across the Garden State and beyond.
What began as a grassroots movement in Trenton, in 2013, has blossomed into a nationwide phenomenon which has inspired dozens of other punk rock flea markets to develop throughout the country. While the event’s heart and soul remain deeply rooted in Trenton, the updated name better represents its evolution into a convention that now hosts expo's in cities throughout New Jersey including Edison (at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center) as well as another venue TBA later in 2025, the NJPRFM brings its signature mix of alternative and DIY culture, the arts, unique vendors, food trucks, live tattooing and piercing and more to a broader audience than ever before.
Founded in November 2012, the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market quickly became a beloved staple for lovers of DIY culture, vintage finds, and punk rock. Its origins trace back to the vision of Joseph Kuzemka, a driving force in Trenton’s cultural renaissance. A former Trentonian Person of the Year, Kuzemka is no stranger to championing the arts. He served as the Executive Producer and was a founding member of the legendary Art All Night - Trenton for an impressive 15 years, solidifying his reputation as a leader in fostering community engagement through creativity throughout the State of New Jersey. Throughout the years Joseph has created or managed many other celebrated events such as the Capital City Food Truck Battle, Activate Trenton! Live Music Series, Levitt AMP Trenton Music Series and PorkChop Express Booking which focused on bringing national and local talent to Trenton’s DIY music venues. The State’s most electric new event which debuted in November 2024, Darkside New Jersey Art & Oddities Market, is also a product of Joseph’s team.
This rebrand marks an exciting new phase for the Punk Rock Flea Market. Fans can expect the same eclectic mix of vendors offering everything from taxidermy, local foods, handmade jewelry and rare records, along with celebrity guests, food trucks, live tattooing and piercing, and the vibrant atmosphere that has made the event a must-visit for over 12 years. By embracing its expanded geographic footprint, the NJPRFM aims to bring its unique energy to new audiences while staying true to its roots.
“The decision to rebrand was a long but natural progression for us,” said Joseph Kuzemka, founder of the NJPRFM. “I grew up in Trenton and I live in Trenton. I am a wildly proud Trentonian, and while we’ll always be proud of our Trenton roots, where we got our start, our journey over the past 12 years has taken us far beyond the city limits, now with events all over the State of NJ as well as the occasional event in Pennsylvania. This new name reflects our commitment to DIY culture, Arts, Food and Music across the entire state of New Jersey. We’re thrilled to see what the future holds.”
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To celebrate the rebrand, the NJPRFM is planning a series of events throughout New Jersey in 2025, starting with their annual SPRING FLING expo featuring 100’s of makers from across the country, dozens of food trucks, celebrity guests and more at the Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton on April 12-13, 2025 followed by several events in Edison, NJ, and a new venue that is just coming online that they hope to announce soon, in another untapped part of the State. These gatherings will showcase the market’s signature vibe while introducing its unique offerings to new communities.
The next upcoming event is the New Jersey Punk Rock Flea Market Spring Fling, which takes place April 12-13, 2025 at Cure Arena in Trenton. For more information, vendor listings, or to purchase advance tickets, visit www.punkmarket.com.
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