The free Durham Geek and Grub Market Holiday Nightmare Edition is Sunday, Dec. 6, noon to 4 p.m. at the Durham Armory, with 40-plus vendors and food trucks.

The Durham Geek and Grub Market holds its Holiday Nightmare Edition at the Durham Armory, 212 Foster St., from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. Entry is free, and the organizer bills it as the market “where Halloween meets Christmas,” with Krampus as the theme.

Last checked 2026-11-05.

The organizer promises more than 40 geek-themed vendors, food trucks, special guests and activities. It has said its full event schedule is “coming soon.”

Upcoming dates

  • Sun. Dec. 6, noon to 4 p.m.

The downtown calendar listing shows an 8 a.m. start; the organizer’s own page says noon to 4 p.m., and we go by the organizer.

Where it is and parking

The market fills the Durham Armory at 212 Foster St. in downtown Durham. Go in through the main entrance, where the check-in desk is.

The organizer says there is plenty of street parking, free on weekends, plus paid parking in nearby garages. Our getting around Durham guide lists the downtown garages.

Tickets and cost

Free. The organizer says no ticket is needed to get in; its online “general admission” ticket is $0 and optional. Vendors and food trucks set their own prices.

What to know

  • For kids: children can pick a free goodie from the treasure chest at the check-in desk.
  • Scavenger hunt: find eight of the market’s “Holiday Gambits” and bring them back to the HQ desk to win a prize. It is free.
  • Food and drink: food trucks, plus nonalcoholic themed mocktails at the indoor Geek Tavern.
  • Pets: only service dogs may attend.
  • Accessibility: the organizer says the event is fully accessible.
  • Vendor list: the organizer posts the vendor list and a floor map on its site about 10 days before the market.
  • Selling: vendor applications are on the Geek and Grub Market site.

For other gift markets in December, see our Black Friday and holiday shopping guide and things to do this month. The Durham Farmers’ Market is on Foster Street too, on Saturday mornings.

Dates and venues as listed on the Experience Downtown Durham, North Carolina calendar and confirmed on the organizer’s site.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Durham Geek and Grub Market?

The Holiday Nightmare Edition is Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026, noon to 4 p.m., at the Durham Armory, 212 Foster St.

Is the Geek and Grub Market free?

Yes. Entry is free and no ticket is required, according to the organizer.

Where do I park for the Geek and Grub Market at the Durham Armory?

The organizer points to street parking, which is free on weekends, and paid parking in nearby garages.

Can I bring my dog to the Geek and Grub Market?

No. Only service dogs may attend the Durham Armory event.