Ithaca Night Bazaar opens its doors for creatives

The sun set over Cayuga Lake and casted a warm glow over the Ithaca Farmers Market pavilion. The parking lot begins to fill as people start making their way to the Ithaca Night Bazaar.

While some people came bundled up for one of the first chilly nights of fall, others went all out and dressed to fit the vibe of the bazaar — eclectic and outgoing. The sounds of the bands tuning up and laughter filled the pavilion as the night went on. Once the sun fully set and the bazaar was mainly lit by the overhead string lights, the bazaar truly came to life.

The Ithaca Night Bazaar is relatively new to the Ithaca community, with the first event held in May 2022, and is held once per month at the Ithaca Farmers Market from 6–11 p.m. While on weekends, the Farmers Market is free for all visitors, the Night Bazaar requires tickets bought either ahead of time online or in person at the event.

Patrons attending the Ithaca Night Bazaar Sept. 15 | Source: Caitlin Holtzman

In addition to the vendors, there is a rotating group of bands that perform as well as burlesque performances and local food vendors. Attendees over 21-years-old can try drinks from Lucky Hare Brewery.

“Come explore a world of music, art, food, drinks, craft, performance, weirdness and wonderfulness,” the bazaar’s website states.

Joan Kump is the owner of Rhinestone Lifestyle and was holding her booth for the second time at the Night Bazaar on Sept. 15. Kump’s business is based in Syracuse and she said she started the business in 2020 when the New York state plastic bag ban went into effect. She transforms used fabrics into new items that she then sells in her store.

“I started with tote bags based off of a design my mom made back in the 90s and those bags are still going strong,” Kump said. “My personal motto has become ‘friends don’t let friends have ugly bags.’”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Kump said that she transitioned to making things like masks. During the very beginning of the pandemic and quarantining across the globe, people resorted to making DIY masks rather than buying surgical masks, which at the time were more needed by healthcare workers.

In addition to masks, Kump said she started making other items like hair scrunchies and accessories with the reclaimed fabric.

“So we’re keeping it out of landfills and trying to be eco-friendly with our products,” Kump said.

Kim Desmond, owner of Midas Menagerie, said the September bazaar was her first time as a vendor, however, she attended as a patron in August. She sells vintage home decor through Etsy and also at Found in Ithaca.

“I started on a small scale reselling some of the items I would find in my treasure hunt travels and it naturally grew over time into my full-time job,” Desmond said.

Nicole Costa, who owns Route 414 Vintage, said she has been to each of the Night Bazaars this year and was excited when she heard about the event.

She said she started selling vintage clothing two years ago and has a physical store in Burdett, New York.

“It’s this great little vintage shop in an old 1930s garage,” Costa said. “Seneca Lake is kind of like a different world than Ithaca so it’s really cool to meet Ithaca people and tell them there’s a store and try to cross-pollinate fashion in the two zones.”

Costa said she has enjoyed the vibes of the Night Bazaar and seeing people come dressed up to the event.

“It feels like an artistic crowd,” Costa said.