Pickers Hullabaloo is a vintage revolution born from friendship and funk.
By Caley Smith, Photography by Mack Mars and Elizabeth Fay
It all started with a campfire and a conversation. When Katie Roberts and Theresa Dulken first met, it wasn’t at a bu conference or networking event—it was at a bar, followed by a campfire gathering. Both had recently relocated to Charleston (Katie from Boston, Theresa from Charlotte), and like so many good stories, their connection sparked over
shared creative energy and a dream to do something different.
Now, years later, that flicker has turned into a fullblown blaze: Pickers Hulabaloo, Charleston’s vibrant and wildly popular vintage and handmade market that draws thousands of shoppers and over a hundred vendors from across the Southeast, will return Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Firefly Distillery.
But before it became a market buzzed about across state lines, Pickers Hulabaloo was simply an idea to shine more light on the co-founders’ first business, The French Eclectic—a women-owned specialty décor and vintage furniture rental company they launched in 2016.
“We had this beautiful collection of funky furniture for events,” Katie explained. “But sourcing became harder, and people started asking to buy what we used for rentals. So we thought—why not host a small market to share our style and tell our story?”
That small market? It started in a warehouse with about 20 vendors. “The idea came from a real need,” said Theresa. “We love vintage, and Charleston didn’t have a cool, curated flea market like other cities. So, we created it.”
And Charleston showed up. Experience, Not Just a Market Pickers Hulabaloo isn’t your average flea market. “We’re more like a high-end, curated treasure hunt,” Katie said. “This isn’t a mall experience. It’s a vibe.”
The event now caps at around 125–130 vendors, carefully selected from 300+ applications per event. Think vintage fashion, funky furniture, secondhand goods, retro glassware, vinyl records, and handmade artisan goods—mixed with live music, food trucks, tarot readers, tinsel hair stylists, and even face painting for the kids.
“This is a full-on mini festival,” said Theresa. “People bring their families, their dogs—it’s a community day with a twist. It’s become a culture, with guests dressing up just for the occasion. They come to hunt, to
connect, and to be part of something unique.”
In addition to the shopping extravaganza, there are food trucks, face painting, live music featuring multiple local bands, tinsel hair, and so much more. Admission is tiered: $20 Early Bird tickets from 10 a.m.-11 a.m., $10 Lazy Bird tickets from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., and admission is free from noon to 4 p.m. Kids always enter free. The early hours offer a more exclusive shopping window— “for the hardcore pickers,” Katie laughed.
From Side Hustle to Cultural Movement Both Katie and Theresa were running a side hustle selling vintage clothing at pop-up markets when they realized Charleston was hungry for something more curated, more connected. The Hullabaloo was
born out of that passion, fueled by the desire to build a creative, inclusive space for small business owners to thrive.
“It’s grown legs,” Katie said. “What started as a way to bring people into our warehouse to discover French Eclectic has become its own business entirely. Pickers is our baby—and now, it’s a full-blown teenager.”
And like any proud parent, they’re dreaming big. “We’ve had vendors and shoppers drive and fly in from all over,” Theresa said. “Eventually, we’d love to branch out into other states. There’s a huge picking culture out there—we just tapped into the need at the right time.”
The OGs and the Standouts Some vendors have been with Pickers since the beginning—now dubbed “the OGs”—bringing unique, fanfavoritecollections every time. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind 1970s armchairs or mid-century
glassware, there’s always a standout story behind the booth.
“It fills our hearts to know we’re helping small businesses grow,” Theresa shared. “The feedback we get is incredible. People come to shop, but they leave with an experience.
” What’s Next for Pickers Hullabaloo The next Hullabaloo takes place Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at Firefly Distillery, one of the event’s rotating homes. “We’re always looking for venues that match our vibe,” Katie said. “We’ve outgrown some of our previous spaces, and weather is a real challenge in Charleston. So we always have a rain date and keep the community updated on our website and socials.”
As working moms of young children, Katie and Theresa understand hustle and heart like few others—and they’ve poured both into building something that not only supports other creatives but strengthens the community.
“Women are badass,” Katie said, smiling. “We’re proof that if you can’t find what you’re looking for—create it.” Follow Pickers Hullabaloo online to stay up to date on vendor lineups, tickets, and weather announcements. Whether you’re a seasoned vintage treasure hunter or a first-time visitor, one thing’s for sure: once you’ve been to a Hullabaloo, you’ll never look at flea markets the same way again.
Mark your calendars, Charleston. September 7 is going to be a vibe. AM
Admission is tiered: $20 Early Bird tickets from 10 a.m.-11 a.m., $10 Lazy Bird tickets from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., and admission is free from noon to 4 p.m. Kids always enter free.
