Overview of the Market

The Catskills Halloween Vendor & Oddities Market, now in its 12th year, is a three-day festival held at the Blackthorne Resort in East Durham, New York. Created by Jeff Mach and organized by Cog and Crown Events in collaboration with the Blackthorne Resort and The Steampunk World’s Fair, we lay out our carefully-planned Halloween market throughout Blackthorne’s sprawling campus, strategizing to try to send traffic to every vendor area.

Operating rain or shine, our market has brought in an increasingly diverse crowd since we became free in Year 11. Our entire market is all-ages, but we have both our family lighter side and our somewhat older/darker crowd atmosphere; you can find a lot in our seven acres!

We welcome people of all varieties, and even (leashed) dogs! Our goal is fostering a festive atmosphere with a peculiar charm that appeals to enthusiasts of Halloween, Steampunk, Renaissance, Goth, and alternative subcultures. The market runs on the following schedule, (Please be aware that vendors are permitted to close between 8 and 10. We don’t expect you to vend until one a.m. – and if you do, please make sure that you can do so without disturbing your neighbor vendors.)

Here’s the core information for vendor setup:

Vendor setup begins Thursday afternoon. We run until dark. We start again at 9 a.m. on Friday. We may be able to be there sooner; while we like to be exact, we have an interesting layout this year. Because we’re going to be taking advantage of the arge number of additional tents this year, we’re doing a particularly custom setup because we believe we can get even better traffic flow, as well as protection in the case of inclement conditions.

Blackthorne has kindly left up a significant number of tents from Maker’s Camp, and, as we’ve done ever year for the last 12 years, we’ll be designing some of our layout in advance and some of it on the spot. While this is a little more work for us and sometimes means vendors might have to wait while we put spaces together. But the object is the same as every year: to try to get better and better at getting our patrons to find and love our vendors!

Yes! You can bring your vehicle to where you load-in.
Yes! You can remain setup overnight.
Yes! There’s electricity on request in most areas.
No! There’s terrible wifi service. It’s 10,000 people in a field. It’s not a bad time to speak to your cell provider and ask them to boost your hotspot. Dale said they’d have wifi by now. If you see him, kid him about it.

• Friday, October 24, 2025: 3:00 PM–1:00 AM
• Saturday, October 25, 2025: 10:00 AM–1:00 AM
• Sunday, October 26, 2025: 10:00 AM–6:30 PM

This guide provides comprehensive information for vendors participating in the 2025 market.

How to Apply as a Vendor

Vendor applications are available on catskillshalloween.com and are processed individually. Most of our applicants are well-qualifies; we accept the majority of our early applications.

As we get closer to the event, we begin curating more carefully to avoid duplication and try to offer the most interesting market in the best space we can.

The more unique your wares are, the more likely you are to be accepted, even late in the process. Especially if you have more unique or more possibilities.

Vendor Space Costs

A standard 10×10-foot vendor space costs $150-$175 for the weekend. Additional space may be requested during application, subject to availability and extra fees. The fee covers the allocated space within the communal tent but excludes tables, chairs, electricity, internet, or accommodations. Confirm exact 2025 fees upon application.

Permitted Items for Sale

Vendors are encouraged to offer unique, handcrafted, or specialty items aligned with Halloween, Steampunk, Renaissance, Goth, or alternative themes (e.g., artisanal jewelry, gothic apparel, Halloween decorations, or oddities).

We’re looking for art, craft, creation, and small business. In general, if you make, curate, or are a part of something interesting or unique, we’d like to know!  (But we make exceptions for some ‘normal’ businesses. Bath Fitters show up every year with a bathtub and costumes and Halloween candy, and they’re a great fit.)

Vendor Space Locations

All of our spots are 10′ x 10′ unless you have special space needs; you can get as many 10′ x 10′ spaces as you would like, depending on availability.

All of our spaces are located in area strategized around traffic; we at least make an attempt to make sure all vendor areas will get good to great traffic.

Booth Equipment and Preparation

Vendors must provide their own tables and chairs or arrange rentals through the Blackthorne Resort, subject to availability. A 10×10-foot canopy is recommended for weather protection, as the event operates rain or shine. Evening hours require lighting (e.g., battery-powered lamps or extension-cord-compatible fixtures). Electricity and internet are available for a nominal fee, but WiFi may be limited in the tent area—plan for offline payment processing (e.g., Square for digital payments, sufficient change for cash). Optional booth decorations (e.g., cobwebs, pumpkins, Victorian props) or costumes may enhance visibility and could be featured on the event website. Providing candy for trick-or-treaters is optional but may boost engagement, especially with families.

Setup and Breakdown Schedule

Setup is available Thursday evening, October 23, or Friday morning, October 24, before the 3:00 PM opening. Exact times will be provided in the confirmation email. Vendors may drive to the tent for unloading but must relocate vehicles to designated parking afterward. Breakdown begins after the market closes at 4:00 PM on Sunday, October 26, with spaces cleared by Sunday evening.

Accommodations at Blackthorne Resort

The Blackthorne Resort offers hotel rooms, RV hookups, and campsites, requiring a deposit ($50–$100). Book early via 518-634-2541 or [email protected], as spaces fill quickly. Alternative accommodations are available in East Durham or Greene County if the resort is fully booked.

Dining and Amenities

Vendor fees exclude meals. The Blackthorne Resort’s dining room offers breakfast and dinner, with optional meal packages for on-site guests. The Phoenix Pub serves drinks and hosts live music. Food trucks may provide additional options. WiFi is reliable in the main lobby and available in the tent for a fee. Vendors may access event activities (e.g., haunted house, costume contests) during non-vending hours, though some may require separate tickets. Recreational facilities, like the pool, may have limited availability in late October.

Optimizing Your Vendor Experience

Enhance visibility with themed booth decorations or costumes, which may be featured on catskillshalloween.com. Offering candy to trick-or-treaters can attract families. Prepare for 40–60°F weather and potential rain with warm clothing and weather-resistant setups. Support both cash and digital payments. Free general admission in past years has driven high attendance, boosting sales potential. Engage in off-hour event activities (some may require tickets) and promote your participation on the Catskills Halloween Market Facebook page.

Contacting the Organizers

For inquiries, use the contact form on catskillshalloween.com, email [email protected], or call 518-634-2541. Follow updates on the Catskills Halloween Market Facebook page.