A conversation with one of the founders of the new NH Alt Market

This Memorial Day weekend, there’s a new pop-up event coming to coastal New Hampshire. 

The first New Hampshire Alt Market is being organized by the couple behind B McCormick Art. I sat down with Kathleen McDermott to discuss how she and her husband Brendan started this. 

Me: What inspired the Alt Market? 

Kathleen: We felt a void in the region for markets that are really funky, unusual, and different. 

For some background, in our B McCormick Art business, we travel a lot looking for those kinds of places. We go to the Boston area, southern New England, or Portland, looking for those fun and unusual markets. 

Since we live in New Hampshire, we wanted to bring some of that energy up here for our home customers. And we get to share some of our favorite art and artisans that we’ve met with a New Hampshire audience. 

Me: How did you choose Newmarket as the first venue for NH Alt Market? 

K: We had a few things we wanted when we were looking for venues. Firstly, it needed to match the vibe of who we are and who our customers are. It needed to be a good location for people to find or to happen upon by chance. And price was a factor, so we could keep participating accessible for our vendors. 

When we found out about the Newmarket Millspace, it checked all our boxes. We liked the energy of the people running it, the space is really cool, they have arts and community in their mission. It just worked out as a perfect fit, and we’re really excited to have it there. 

Me: Tell me more about the vibe of this market!

K: We worked really hard on curating a good group of artists and vendors who do something unusual or a bit funky. There are going to be things I don’t really see so much in New Hampshire. 

Everything there is going to be unique and fun, a little witchy, maybe a bit spooky, and harkening back to the name–it’s going to feel alternative.

At the same time, we wanted it to feel really inclusive and bring lots of different people together. 

It’s going to be a fun, cool kind of day! 

 

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My takeaways

This is a first-time event, which can bring fresh energy and excitement to visitors and vendors alike. I expect future events will have even more refined curation, so you’ll likely see the most variety in terms of aesthetic at this first one. 

I know this is going to be a really inclusive event, too. You might not feel like the most alternative person in the world–I certainly don’t feel like I am–but if you’re interested to see what it’s like, you should go. Gatekeeping isn’t their style. 

You might even find this is the community you didn’t know you needed. 

 

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What to expect at the NH Alt Market

20+ carefully-curated alternative vendors will be selling their goods. A full list of vendors can be found here. All ages are welcome and admission is free. 

There’ll be lots of other fun to be had, too:

• Tarot readings
• Free temporary tattoos 
• A killer playlist
• A cash bar provided by the millspace
• Lots of local restaurants nearby

Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026

Time: 11 am - 4 pm

Location: The Newmarket Millspace

55 Main Street, Suite 132, in Newmarket, New Hampshire

nhaltmarket.com

Final Tips

• Make sure to bring cash–most vendors take cards or digital payments, but cash is still king.
• Park on the street or in the parking lot across Main Street. 
• There is a handicap-accessible entrance in the back of the building, on the river side. 
• Come as you are or don some extra black–just be comfortable! 
• Share your plans to attend via the EventBrite page. 

I’ll see you at the first ever NH Alt Market!