Written by Juliana Thiessen, Creative Communications Student, RRC Polytech | Intern, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
4-minute read
Em Curry thought launching Winnipeg’s first punk rock flea market would be a slow burn.
It wasn’t.
On opening day at their local community centre, so many people showed up there was a line out the door.
The idea first came to them in 2020, when Curry was stuck inside searching for inspiration on what to do when restrictions were lifted. As a lifelong punk fan, they knew their next step would have something to do with the music – and scene – they loved.
“It’s important to reflect on your local scene,” says Curry. “Notice those underserved communities that you don’t see represented, which would benefit from more exposure.”
They recalled the first time they set foot in an eye-liner and combat boot-laden maker space in Trenton, NJ. Talented artists, artisans, and curators all under one roof, with shared values.
They saw the opportunity to build something of their own. To bring our city back to life with punk, but in a new way.
But Curry thought, if they were going to bring this to their city, they were going to do it right.
The Full Punk Experience
Their motto, “Shop Local, Shop Weird,” sums up the Winnipeg Punk Rock Flea Market experience. Built on the love of music, community, art, and DIY ethics, the market offers Winnipeggers no shortage of weirdo art and a space that unites local underground artists, indie businesses, and vintage enthusiasts all under one roof.
Stepping foot into the punk rock flea market is a “sensory experience” filled with crowds of people dressed in brightly coloured clothes, live DJs, and lots of peculiar crafts and vintage fashion to feast your eyes on.
“I really want it to feel like you are walking into a punk rock show, where you’re seeing all different kinds of people,” says Curry. “You’re all there to enjoy and experience something together.”
Punk rockers, families, and every one in between can’t get enough of the vibe. “It was truly a success since day one,” says Curry.
The reason, Curry says, comes down to their approach.
A People First Approach
“My vendors are my first customers, so I’m going to treat them well,” says Curry.
From the beginning, that meant taking care of the basics – water, snacks, and someone to watch over a booth so vendors can step away and take breaks.
Vendors now travel from Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Vancouver to sell for just a single day.
Even if you have a lower sales day, Curry says,“you still at least feel like somebody cared and was happy that you were there.”
Slowing Down and Overcoming Barriers to Accessibility
“My very first thing was, how can I make sure everyone can attend?” says Curry.
Accessibility has been fundamental in the market’s success. “Are there stairs? Can you get there by bus? Those were things that I wanted to build in at the very beginning,” says Curry.
But, the day one success took the WPRFM’s team by surprise. With it, came the pressure to expand, scale, and do more as quickly as possible to keep up with the expansive excitement.
Curry and their crew were faced with a choice: follow the buzz and adopt outside suggestions or drown out the noise and follow what they had built since the beginning.
The WPRFM decided to slow down, stay rooted in their values, and make sure they could grow sustainably without burning out.
The biggest hurdle the flea’s team faced was finding a location big enough to hold all of the guests and vendors, while sticking true to the WPRFM’s values. The most important aspect in a new venue was finding a space accessible to everyone.
This intentionality paid off. After graduating from the small community centre, Curry’s team found their home at the Victoria Inn.
“They’re really great to work with, they’ve been very generous with their time and advice, and really accommodating, and took a chance on this weird thing that we’re doing,” says Curry.
Their latest market on April 11, 2026, had the highest attendance and the busiest first hour on record since opening in fall 2022.
Reaching New Heights with the Chamber
“What we have right now is so special,” says Curry.
The WPRFM team is relishing in all they’ve accomplished, and in the same beat, they know there is potential to make this market even bigger, with the right partnerships backing the vision.
Curry says wanting to make these connections is what pulled the WPRFM to join the Chamber.
The next challenge for the flea is finding like-minded, grassroots business owners who share the market’s vision, values of inclusion and accessibility, and DIY spirit.
What started as inspiration from a New Jersey flea market has grown into something big for Winnipeg. Curry now has plans to amp it up into a three-day weekend event complete with live local bands.
For Curry, building the market and the success that followed came down to one thing.
”I didn’t let people come and find me, I found them.”
