Attendee FAQ
What is the GAAM Holiday Nerd Market?
The GAAM Holiday Nerd Market is a crowdfunded holiday market event put together by the GAAM team, with a focus on vendors and artists . We plan on having over 40 businesses with nerdy stuff to sell right before the holidays!
We’ve gone this route to create a dedicated, financially inclusive market, that is put together by the people, for the people, with free general attendance tickets, and the option for vendors to achieve full refunds (or donate their fees to further good things like this happening in the community).
Hopefully, this will tradition to showcase all the creative entrepreneurs and artists in our community continue, and also live as a fun gathering of our nerdy family.
Wait, you said family (you should have said GAAM Fam)…does that mean I can bring my kids?
Yes, this is an all-ages GAAM event!
Hold on, but will there be drinking?
It’s GAAM…so yes, we talked to Aloft, and the bar will be open during the day.
What do I get with General Admission at the GAAM Holiday Nerd Market and how much does it cost?
General Admission at the GAAM Holiday Nerd Market depends on support. It includes scheduled entry to the market itself, and access to all the GAAM activities on the venue property. Tickets MIGHT be $10 at the door…but we’re hoping through community support this will continue to be a free event!
What is the “Do Good” part of the GAAM Market?
- The Toy Drive
Join us in spreading holiday cheer! Donate a toy and receive a raffle ticket for exciting nerdy prizes. Your support helps us continue creating events that foster a positive, inclusive community. - Putting Jacksonville First
This year, we’re even more dedicated to supporting local businesses. All vendors must have ties to Jacksonville, keeping the market truly Duval. It’s all about uplifting our families, communities, and city. - Feeding the Hungry
Food drive! We will also be collecting food for Feeding Northeast Florida. With your food donation, we will also give you a raffle ticket for even MOAR nerdy prizes! - Nurturing the Arts
We’re sparking creativity with family-friendly art projects. Kids can contribute to the “Legend of GAAM” book and engage in activities that inspire artistic passions. - Financially Inclusive to Small Businesses and EVERYBODY
The Holiday Nerd Market is uniquely designed to support small businesses. When crowdfunding goals are met, it’s free for attendees, and vendors receive full refunds—making it inclusive for everyone, regardless of economic circumstances.
When are the Market event hours?
Tentative Market hours are 12-5pm on Saturday, November 25th, and 12-5pm Sunday, November 26th.
How do these timeslot tickets work? I have a ticket for a timeslot…
You have access to the Market part of the Holiday Nerd Market during the time in your timeslot. The ticket also give you access to show up early to grab a drink, get some food, enjoy some activities or play some games.
Example: You have a ticket for the 12-1pm timeslot
- You can show up at 11:45am and park
- grab a quick boba tea
- walk into the Market Zone at 12:10pm.
- leave the Market Zone at 12:50pm
- Get some food and a drink at 1:05pm
- Leave Aloft at 1:20pm
When are the Mixer event hours?
Tentative Mixer hours are 6-7pm on Saturday, November 25th, and 5-6pm Sunday, November 26th.
Where is Aloft?
Aloft at Tapestry Park is located at 4812 W Deer Lake Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32246 (it’s pretty close to Tinseltown and right off Gate Parkway).
You can book a room there at https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/jaxtl-aloft-jacksonville-tapestry-park/.
What are the food options?
Food will be available for purchase from several local small businesses, so come through hungry!
You can find an updated list of on site and near-by food options here.
What about parking?
Aloft has it’s own parking lot, and there is additional parking throughout Tapestry Park and at the Movie Theatres across the street.
What is there to do for attendees?
The main draw is the vendors and artists; this is a nerd market! There will also be gaming stations, a costume contest, crafting for kids, family activities, holiday-themed selfie spots, lounge areas, food, a toy drive, and whatever else we can pull together with the community!
Check back as we’ll keep updating the FAQ as the event approaches!
