Thank you for an amazing 2024 market!

Our team is grateful for all the volunteers, vendors and attendees that helped make Ret-Con 2024 a welcoming experience for all. You can check out highlights from the market, vendor spotlights, and learn more about us in a great article from The Signal here!

Due to our core team pursuing other projects, there is no date for a 2025 market at this time. We hope to host Ret-Con again in the future, and hope you will join us on the journey. Stay tuned!

What's this all about?

Ret-Con is an artist-created community market dedicated to supporting Maritime creators and inspiring newcomers through a celebration of fandom and creativity. We are entirely volunteer-driven and all proceeds beyond our operation costs are donated to Feed NS.
Our primary focus is creating a supportive space for individuals who may encounter difficulties participating in larger markets, with a strong emphasis on promoting variety and diversity.

Small-time meets a good time.

Join us for a fun-filled day and beat the winter blues with free coffee, tea, and live performances. Be an artist for a day at our Creative Corner- all crafting materials provided to make unique valentines to show someone you care!We love to support all creative expression, including cosplay! If you have a costume you'd like to show off, the Courtyards at the Market are a lovely spot to take photos.In addition to our amazing vendors, we’re proud to host a community flea market. Browse our wide selection for your next treasure, you never know what you may find!

Great! Where is it?

Find us from 11am-5pm on Feb 11, 2024 at the Halifax Brewery Market conveniently located at 312-1496 Lower Water St. For accessibility and transportation info, check out their website here!

How much does it cost?

Admission is by donation, pay what you can. All proceeds go towards covering our events costs, and any extra will be donated to Feed NS. We will also be accepting non-perishable food and item donations. For a list of most needed items, please check here!

How can I get involved?

We are looking for volunteers to make Ret-Con the best possible experience! Click here to learn more.Interested in being a vendor? Check out our vendor policy and apply here.

Be inclusive.

Folks of ALL cultures, abilities, genders and orientations are welcome here!
Any kind of discrimination or harassment will not be tolerated. If you see something, say something to one of our volunteers.

Be respectful.

Please be respectful of others, and their personal space. Do not take anyone's photo without their permission. This rule extends to vendor's displays and their merchandise.If you aren't sure about handling a product, just ask!

Be safe.

For your safety, no weapons or hazardous materials are allowed on the premises. This rule extends to vendors, please make sure your products comply with with this rule. The following are NOT allowed:Sharp edged weapons (knives, swords, etc)
Functioning projectile weapons
Firearms or realistic replica firearms
ExplosivesWe welcome cosplay, but please make sure your props fall within these guidelines- blunt foam, paper, or plastic props are permitted. Ret-Con volunteers may inspect props and hold them if deemed unsafe. Props will be returned upon exiting the venue.

Be responsible.

Our volunteers do their best to make your experience a great one! Please help us by doing your part.Use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited on the premises and anyone found to be intoxicated will be asked to leave.Ret-Con is happy to welcome folks of all ages, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Meet the team behind the scenes.

At Ret-Con we're artists too! Our team is made of creatives, animation professionals and musicians, and more.

Credit to reelrollsweat for their avatar maker.

Erin "Tud" Tudball (she/they)

Event Organizer, Vendor and Volunteer Coordinator. I'm usually the one responsing to your messages! Point of contact for vendors, venue, and equipment rentals.

Courtney Janes (she/her)

Co-Organizer, Finance and Social Media Manager. Courtney helps all around to ensure things are running smoothly and is our point of contact for event marketing.

Kyle Stobener (he/him)

Our cafe host! Kyle will be providing free tea and coffee to attendees and vendors, as well as looking after the Flea Market and Creative Corner area.

Drew Janes (he/him)

Security, graphic designer and all around help for vendor setup and assistance. Drew is the man behind our posters!

Alex Dupuis (he/him)

Audio/tech coordinator, and additional security. Point of contact for live music and all-around setup assistance.

Miriam "Mrm" Williams /Toyoll Art (she/her)

A fellow vendor and volunteer! She is well-versed in the convention and market scene, and is able to help with vendor needs. Check out her work here!

Volunteers make this event possible.

If you'd like to volunteer, take a moment to review the roles below and let us know where you'd like to help out using our contact form.

Vendor Coordinator

  • Works closely with organizers to create a vendor floor plan.

  • Point of contact for vendor questions and payment information.

  • Attentive to vendor needs during event hours, and helps Floor Assistants.

  • Assists with floor plan setup and teardown.

Floor Assistants

  • Assists vendors, attendees, and volunteers with basic needs (ex: providing water, wi-fi, venue information) Water bottles will be available for distribution on site.

  • Available to cover for a vendor who may have to leave momentarily.

  • Assists with floor plan setup and teardown.

Greeters

  • Friendly and inviting!

  • Greets attendees and provides event information.

  • Accepts card and cash donations. Change and a card reader will be provided.

  • Accompanied by door security to ensure a safe event.

Security

  • Maintains a welcoming and safe space for all.

  • Upholds Ret-Con’s event policy by taking action where necessary.

  • De-escalates and communicates any conflict to event organizers.

Cafe

  • Maintains a clean seating area for attendees and vendors.

  • Keeps cups, paper towel, teabags, and coffee stocked.

  • Responsible for set-up and clean-up of the cafe area.

Flea Market

  • Assists in community outreach to gather item donations.

  • Creates an eye catching table display for donations.

  • Handles cash sales. Change and cash box will be provided.

  • Responsible for set-up and clean-up of the flea market area.

Marketing

We are always seeking talented artists to be a part of our marketing team! Please let us know which of the following roles appeals most to you:

Designer
Collaborates with our team to create illustrations and poster designs featuring our theme and event mascot.

Photographer \ Videographer

Captures Ret-Con on camera, to share on the web!

Advertiser

Are you social media savvy? Know some good bulletin boards in the city? Maybe some telephone poles? We need your help spreading the word! #RetconhfxLet us know if you can assist with advertising and we will provide you with our marketing materials.

Get involved in our Community Flea Market!

Looking to clean out your closet and support a good cause?

Ret-Con is accepting donations for our Community Flea Market! All proceeds from sales will be donated to Feed Nova Scotia. We are currently accepting the following items under 20lbs:

  • Gently used clothing and accessories

  • Toys/Games

  • Art supplies

  • Small housewares

  • Books

If you are interested in donating, here's some things to know:

To assist our volunteers, we ask that you please list each item with a suggested price point ranging from $2 to $25 (Ex: Shirt- $10, Book, $2, etc.)Finally, please let us know how you'd like to drop off your donations using our sign up form here.

Ret-Con thrives on community, and we'd love to hear from you. Your feedback helps us make a great event for all to enjoy!If you're applying to volunteer, please include the role you're interested in. If you are a vendor looking to apply for a table, you can find our vendor policy and application form here.

Vendor applications are now closed!

Thank you to all of our applicants! If you have submitted an application please take a moment to review our vendor policy:

Applications close Dec 1st. We will be sending confirmation emails during the 1st week of December.If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email from [email protected] including an invoice for a 20% table deposit.This deposit is due by Dec 15th in order to hold your spot.The remainder of the table fee is due Jan 12th.If funds have not been received in full by this date, your spot will be forfeit and your deposit will be refunded before Jan 26th.Deposits are non-refundable after Jan 26th with the exception of event date change or cancellation.In the case where the event must be rescheduled, you will be notified. If you cannot attend at the new date, please let us know and we will issue a refund within 5 business days. In the case of event cancellation outside of our control, a refund will be issued to all vendors.By applying, you agree to take responsibility for your own property and table space at all times during the event. Ret-Con shall not be liable for any damage or stolen goods. Our volunteers and security may be able to cover your table for short periods (less than 15 mins) if you need to step away from your space, please make us aware of your needs.4 ft, 6ft, and 8ft tables and chairs will be provided for vendors. Table coverings are not included.Up to 2 vendors may share a space, and are welcome to have additional assistants. When applying, please make us aware of who will be sharing your space. A vendor map will be publicly available Feb 1st.Doors will be open to the public at 11am and closed at 5pm.Set up is between the hours of 10am-11am.
Tear-down is between the hours of 5-6pm.Tables must be cleared by 6pm for volunteers to return them to venue storage.Load-in is at the front entrance of the Lower Courtyard on Lower Water St. Nearby parking is available at the following rates:Bishop’s Landing – 1475 Lower Water Street: $3/hour
Salter Lot – 1521 Lower Water Street: $3/hour / $16 daily rate(8am – 6pm) / $6 nightly rate (6pm to 8am)
Foundation Place – 1549 Lower Water Street: $3/hour / $16 daily rate (8am – 6pm) / $6 nightly rate (6pm to 8am)
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic – 1655 Lower Water Street: $3/hour