A Fair Full of Oddities

Ten years in the making, Freaky Flea and Counterculture Craft Fair has become Pittsburgh’s premiere gathering for the odd and uncanny. Just in time for the holiday season, Freaky Flea is returning for a night of offbeat crafts, rare gifts, and live entertainment to boot.

Tara Kirkman, creator and organizer of Freaky Flea, first developed the concept for the event in 2005. While working as goth/industrial music DJ at the former Upstage Bar in Oakland, Kirkman found inspiration in her surroundings which led to the idea for an off-kilter flea market.

“I’m definitely not the only one out there with “odd” tastes who likes a good bargain.” -Tara Kirkman

A frequenter of thrift stores and flea markets, Kirkman felt that the scene focused too much of its attention on mainstream tastes and lacked options for those with obscure or dark sensibilities.

The first Freaky Flea took place in 2005 at The Upstage and was a resounding success. But despite an impressive turnout and praise from attendees, the flea took a hiatus.

But after landing a gig DJing at Lawrenceville’s Cattivo the Freaky Flea was reborn. In 2014, 22 vendors selling everything from vintage clothing to taxidermy occupied the two story space.

This year’s event has 25 local vendors, artisans, and crafters who will be slinging jewelry, rare books, burlesque costumes, handmade oddities and much more.

Come to Freaky Flea and Counterculture Fair on December 5th for live music, tarot card readings, and the chance to score unique and awe-inspiring gifts that you definitely won’t find elsewhere.