Vendor FAQ

Saturday July 26, 2025 from 10am-4pm (load in begins at 7am)

Saturday August 30, 2025 from 10am-4pm (load in begins at 7am)

Saturday September 27, 2025 from 10am-4pm (load in begins at 7am)

Sunday October 12, 2025 from 11am-3pm (load in begins at 9am)

Sunday December 14, 2025 from 11am-3pm (load in begins at 9am)

The Freak Out Flea is in Genesee Gateway Park in the South Wedge (151 Mt. Hope Ave 14620) and indoor markets are at Water Street Music Hall (204 N Water St 14604).

Flea markets are $45 pre-registration, or $50 day of. Indoor markets are $50.

Payment can be sent via Venmo or CashApp after approval. Spaces are not officially reserved until payment is received. Fees and deadlines vary for each event.

All kinds! Handmade goods, vintage & secondhand, food & drinks (with permits), artists, resellers, weird stuff, hobbyists, side hustlers, and first timers. Everyone is welcome at Freak Out Parties!

Applications are reviewed at least weekly. If you don’t hear back within one week, feel free to reach out to Fiona at freakoutparties@gmail.com. All applications are processed by Fiona at Freak Out Parties & Events, from the email freakoutparties@gmail.com. Avoid fraud and do not send money or information to anyone but Fiona.

Vendor approval is based on variety and order of application. Space is limited for indoor events, and some applicants may be placed on a waitlist. The flea market is open to anyone and has plenty of space for everyone. If you are not selected for an event, PLEASE continue applying for future markets! The theme is always changing, and vendors are always rotating.

We LOVE food trucks. We have parking spaces available at The Freak Out Flea, and are open to collaborations for our indoor markets as well!

NO. Vendors must bring their own tables, tents, weights, chairs, and displays. Outdoor vendors MUST use adequate tent weights. If you don’t have weights, you will be required to take down your tent or leave. This is for everyone’s safety. Indoor vendors cannot use tables longer than 6’. If you need help with your set up, reach out to Freak Out well in advance of the event.

Vendors must remain set up for the entirety of the event. There is an early departure fee of $5 per hour left early. For example, if you leave at 2pm, 2 hours before the end time of 4pm, you will be charged $10. While we understand emergencies happen, if you know you cannot attend at least 4 hours of the flea market or the entirety of the indoor markets, please do not apply. Food trucks are required to stay until official market end time in order to ensure no shoppers get in the way of loading out. Vendors who leave early without prior approval may not be invited back.

Freak Out Parties isn’t a normal event organizer, they’re a cool event organizer. All of Freak Out’s events have a fun theme to bring out the little kid in all of us, because nostalgia  > real life. Selling products within the theme is not required, but is encouraged. Please dress up and decorate your table and have fun! If you have ideas on how we can incorporate the theme into the event, share your ideas with Fiona at freakoutparties@gmail.com. See each event for more details!

July – Rochester’s LGBT Pride Month

August – Clown Carnival

September – Dungeons & Drag Queens

October – Halloween

December – Voter’s Choice

Freak Out Parties & Events asks all vendors to help promote the event online and irl so we have an amazing turn out and lots of fun! Promotional materials will be shared electronically and in person.

• Let your customers know where to find you
• Tag us on social media @freakoutparties
• Use the event hashtags #freakoutparties and #freakoutflea

Vendors can use the park’s parking lot to unload, but all vendor vehicles must be moved to street parking by 930am (there’s a lot, I promise it’s not that bad). Additional load in and parking information will be shared ahead of the event.

Flea Market spaces are assigned the morning of, based on arrival time and vendor category. Pre-registration does not guarantee a specific space, just that you are guaranteed to have a space, so get there early for the best selection.

Flea market vendor spaces are 10×10, on grass. Tents will be “leg to leg” to ensure no one cuts through, as well as to help battle any wind. Past Flea Markets have had additional space, but as we grow we will be sticking to a stricter sitemap to make sure everyone, vendors and shoppers, has the best experience possible.

Booth sharing is allowed for no additional cost, but please let Freak Out know so both businesses can be included in emails and promotions.

No electricity or Wi-Fi is available at outdoor events. Generators are not allowed, except for food trucks.

This is a rain or shine event. Be sure to bring your tent and weights but a little rain doesn’t stop the fun. If there is a weather emergency, vendors will be contacted via email and updates will be posted on social media.

No refunds are issued for The Freak Out Flea due cancellations or inclement weather. If you’re unsure you can attend, you’re welcome to decide as late as the morning of the event.

There will be port-a-potties on site – and they are dropped off that morning so they will be nice and clean!

Vendors will load in through Water Street’s back door, and can park in the adjacent lot. Maps and additional information will be shared ahead of the event.

A floorplan will be sent out no later than 24 hours in advance, though we try to send them earlier in case of questions. Fiona puts a lot of thought into her floorplans and while space requests will be considered, they may not always be honored depending on the variety of vendors and activities for that event.

Indoor market spaces are for a 6’ table. Many tables will be end to end (there will be escape routes, you won’t be trapped) and please do not go beyond your 6’ table space to ensure accessibility for everyone. More vendors = more fun, so be prepared to get cozy with your neighbors!

Limited electricity is available at indoor events on a first-come basis.

We ask each vendor to donate one small item for mystery bags that will be raffled, sold, or used as a giveaway to raise funds for future events. This way people get to take home treasures from multiple local businesses while supporting future markets. Please plan to bring your donation the morning of the event. If you would prefer not to participate, or do not have items that would work for this, you can choose to pay an extra $5 instead.

Refunds are available up to 14 days before the event. No refunds will be given after that point. Even if it’s last minute, please notify Fiona if you’re unable to attend (she promises not to be mad and would really appreciate the heads-up). Failure to pay by the deadline will result in the forfeiture of your spot.

If you arrive less than 30 minutes before start, your space may be reassigned. If you anticipate delays the day of an event, please contact Fiona directly.

Definitely cash, and we recommend some form of digital payment as well (Venmo, CashApp, Square, etc.)

If you want to be protected, we recommend obtaining event insurance. We are not asking for proof of insurance; however, by participating without insurance, you waive your right to hold Freak Out Parties & Events, the City of Rochester, Water Street Music Hall, and any of their employees, volunteers, or contractors liable.

At this time, cannabis, alcohol, weapon, and direct sales vendors are not accepted. No illegal, prohibited, or counterfeit goods are allowed. All food vendors must obtain a Monroe County Dept. of Health Permit and comply with all health and safety regulations.

Indoor markets have limited space available for niche vendors (such as crochet, baked goods, etc.) – this is to keep it fair and avoid unnecessary competition.

The Freak Out Flea and all Freak Out Markets do not recommend ’boutique’ market pricing at this event. The goal is an affordable event for both vendors and shoppers, and the majority of your prices should reflect that.

Send ‘em our way! They can sign up for our Busker’s Open Mic, or learn more about becoming a performer at Water Street when we move inside.

We’re always looking for volunteers, street team help, fresh ideas, and collaborators. Reach out to freakoutparties@gmail.com or @freakoutparties on instagram to get involved!

We always put people before profit. Freak Out was created to be a safe, inclusive, and FUN space for everyone. You’re not just a booth, you’re part of the family.

Fiona! Reach her on @freakoutparties on Instagram, freakoutparties@gmail.com. Her cell phone number will be provided in vendor update emails in case of emergencies. For all things day of, please text or call.

Please be mindful of your space, don’t leave any trash behind, be kind to your neighbors, and HAVE FUN! Before, during, or after the event, don’t hesitate to reach out to Freak Out with any and all questions or concerns.