Submitted by Streetz Artz Alliance

This Saturday, October 11, Wolfden Brewing in Bloomingdale once again opens its haunted gates for the second annual Merchants of the Macabre Market. From 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., more than fifty artists, makers, and oddity dealers will transform Wolfden’s front lot, side yard, and beer garden into a marketplace of the macabre. Admission is free, the event is family-friendly, and leashed pets are welcome in the outdoor areas.

A Brewery with Spirits Beyond the Beer

What makes this Halloween market stand apart? The venue itself is haunted.

Wolfden Brewing’s historic building dates back to 1851, long before its days as a taproom. Historical records suggest a woman once fell to her death in a backyard well, and a man named “Jack” may have perished on the property during the Civil or Blackhawk Wars. Paranormal researchers and mediums alike have reported “Jack’s” presence-along with a mysterious upstairs “portal area” believed to bridge the living and the supernatural.

The brewery has documented countless eerie happenings: drained batteries, magnets flying off walls, shadowy cellar figures, coughing and footsteps after close, and even construction barrels flying off the highway-events tied to a Civil War marble co-owner Katie Wolf once removed (and quickly returned). While unnerving, staff insist the spirits lean mischievous rather than malicious.

“There’s only one way to experience it for yourself,” the brewery teases. “Come visit our famously haunted taproom and see if Jack says ‘hi.’”

A Marketplace of the Strange and Spectacular

From bone art to resin-encased insects, from spooky crochet cryptids to custom dice for tabletop gamers, Merchants of the Macabre is a curated celebration of horror, oddities, and handmade curiosities.

Featured artists include:

• The Hooked Leviathan (Cam Best): Sea witch siren meets pastel goth jewelry, from shark tooth necklaces to bone candle holders.
• BlackCraft Arts (Danii): Creator of colorful glass eyeball jewelry and keychains, offering hundreds of options and custom designs.
• Scary Terri’s Crafts: Spooky sewist from Villa Park, sewing up bags, wallets, patches, and more.
• Clay Urn Publishing (S. & E. Black): Local authors debuting their dark fantasy series The Chimera Snare, alongside exclusive artisan-made swag.
• Bea-Hooked: Crocheted containers shaped like cryptids, pastries, and flora-practical and cute.
• Magic Sasquatch Studio: Spooky sticker shop specializing in monsters and myths.
• Custom Dice by Alyssa: One-of-a-kind resin dice crafted for Dungeons & Dragons fans.

Dozens more artists will debut eerie creations ranging from candles to woodworking, embroidery to fossils, ensuring every corner of the lot holds a surprise.

Giving Back Through the Macabre

Many participating artists are donating proceeds to local and national charities, extending the spirit of the season. Beneficiaries include:

The Trevor Project

• Cancer Research (Reflections with Kate)
• Brave Space Alliance
• Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Michigan Cat Rescue (Clay Urn Publishing)
• Alzheimer’s Association and The Brigid Alliance (None of This is Cake)
• Planned Parenthood, PAWS, NPR, and gun reform organizations (ScarabSanctuary)

“Patrons often discover that when they shop local, they’re also supporting vital causes,” said curator John Streetz, who runs the Streetz Artz Alliance. “This year’s curation balances returning favorites with brand-new debuts, and many artists have created work specifically for the macabre theme. It’s exciting to see the spooky spirit tied to meaningful impact.”

Brewing Up Spirits and Snacks

Inside Wolfden’s taproom, guests can sip on ten rotating beers including fan favorites like Foggy Thoughts and Highlander, along with cider, seltzers, and cocktails. Pub-style food-cheese curds, pretzels, and fries-will be available for hungry wanderers in need of a break from the booths.

Event Details

What: Merchants of the Macabre Market

Where: Wolfden Brewing, 112 W. Lake St., Bloomingdale, IL

When: Saturday, October 11, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Cost: Free admission, family-friendly. Pets allowed outdoors.

Full vendor list and updates are available on the Facebook Event Page linked here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1098445088985785

Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a paranormal thrill-seeker, or simply someone who loves unique handmade art, Merchants of the Macabre Market at Wolfden Brewing promises a chillingly good time.