Art by tittybats
The Punk Rock Flea Market (known locally as “PRFM”), founded by Ashley Caruso in 2009, has become an iconic event in Knoxville—a celebration of individuality, creativity and inclusivity—and as both Ashley and co-organizer Chris Rusk emphasize, a space for those who don’t always feel they fit in elsewhere.
For the past several years, the PRFM has been held at the Mill & Mine in Downtown Knoxville, and this year events last from 12PM - 9PM Saturday, September 7th.
(You can find the bands and set times below at the bottom of the article)
The market has grown exponentially from its humble beginnings, largely due to Ashley and Chris’ passionate commitment to showcasing unique artists and makers, curating live performances by local and national bands and fostering a fun, safe and welcoming environment.
“When I first moved here from San Diego, there wasn’t really anything like it in Knoxville,” Ashley says, reflecting on the early days of the event. “There were punk rock flea markets in cities like Seattle and Mexico City, but Knoxville was missing something like that. I would meet all these creative introverts while bartending, and I wanted to give them a space to show off their talents.”
Chris Rusk and Ashley Caruso / Photo by Eli Johnson
She started the event with a simple post on Facebook and encouraged her maker friends to sign up as vendors.
Chris joined in 2016, after attending his first PRFM when it was held in the yard of a local tattoo shop.
2015 / Photo from Punk Rock Flea Market Knoxville Facebook Page
“By that point, the event was starting to grow, but it didn’t have a real stage or out-of-town bands,” Chris explains. “I wanted to get involved and help Ashley bring in a bigger music element.”
Since then, Chris has taken on the role of booking the bands and acting as a logistical liaison, parsing through the red tape that comes with facilitating an event with thousands of attendees.
Ashley continues to focus on curating the vendors. She ensures that all participants are true creators, “You have to be a maker. We don’t allow resellers.”
This dedication to authenticity sets the Punk Rock Flea Market apart from other markets, and spreading the word via Facebook posts is no longer necessary, as Ashley now receives hundreds of emails from artists and makers hoping to make the cut.
After reviewing applications year-round, she handpicks a final list of registered vendors, and a grand total of 150 will be showcasing their work at this weekend’s event.
Photo by Eli Johnson
Along with being a space where genuine artistry thrives, another key aspect of Punk Rock Flea Market is its emphasis on inclusivity.
“We take pride in showcasing POC, LGBTQ+ and women-fronted bands,” Ashley says. “We don’t want it to be just another event with all-white male acts. We consciously make an effort to highlight those voices that aren’t always heard.”
For Chris, one of the highlights of Punk Rock Flea Market is the blend of local and out-of-town talent.
“Most of the bands this year are new,” Chris says, adding that he’s excited to bring back some favorites as well.
“DANA is playing again. They’re from Ohio and last played in 2019. We’ve also got Shrudd from Louisville, who are playing Knoxville for the first time, and a local band called Serial Baby, which I’m really excited about. They’re young, in their early 20s, and they’ve got a lot of energy.”
Photo by Eli Johnson
“One of the best things about PRFM is it’s a healthy mix of people from Knoxville and from outside the area,” he says. “It exposes people from other cities to what Knoxville has to offer, and it gives locals a chance to see new bands and vendors.”
The event has seen more attendees with each year. This weekend, they expect more than 5,000 people in total throughout the day.
“It’s all ages, and tickets are just $5 at the door, with kids 12 and under getting in free,” Chris adds.
The market has been known for its wild moments.
Chris recalls one in particular when the band Snooper played: “Conner, the guitarist, climbed on a hanging speaker during the last song and jumped off. It’s not encouraged or condoned,” he adds, “but it was definitely memorable!”
The event’s chaotic energy has long been part of its charm, but safety remains a priority.
Ring of Fire 2019 / Photo from Punk Rock Flea Market Knoxville Facebook
The famous "Ring of Fire" skate park, held at a previous venue, was a crowd favorite until a motorcycle stunt captured on video caused issues with insurance. “2019 was the last year we were able to have the Ring of Fire,” Chris explains.
For Ashley, the magic of the market lies in seeing people express themselves freely.
“The most punk rock thing ever is being able to be authentically yourself,” she declares. “Seeing so many people dressing how they want, being who they are—it’s what keeps me doing this every year. I’m on a high for days after, just thinking about all the amazing people.”
In addition to supporting creative vendors and musicians, PRFM also highlights local initiatives with a cause, and many vendors are involved in important social causes, such as harm reduction and human rights.
The standout organization featured at this year’s event is BreastStrokes, a breast cancer awareness group that holds a special place in Ashley’s heart.
“BreastStrokes has been around for 15 years,” Ashley shares. “One of the first events I ever threw was actually combined with their first event.”
Ashley’s relationship with BreastStrokes was born out of a deeply personal experience.
“My mom died of breast cancer several years ago, and I later heard about a young woman in the community also battling the disease, so I felt compelled to help,” she explains.
She gathered friends, created clothing and art and held a silent auction to raise money for the woman.
Ashley explains that her friend, Bekki, painted and photographed herself and then auctioned those photos, thus sparking the idea of what BreastStrokes has become today.
This year, the organization will be hosting a unique experience at the flea market. “They’ll be upstairs in a green room, where people can get body-painted and take part in their advocacy,” Ashley explains.
“It’s such a special way to support the cause, and I’m so excited to promote their mission,” Ashley adds.
Looking to the future, both Ashley and Chris are excited about continuing to grow the event while staying true to its roots.
Ashley is focused on bringing back old favorites like the skate park, while Chris looks forward to seeing how the market continues to bring together people from all walks of life.
“It’s about making sure everyone feels like they belong,” Ashley reflects. “This is a space for the misfits.”
Artists Performing:
1:00PM - Glad I Didn't Get My Stupid Wish: https://www.instagram.com/stupidwishgirls/
1:45PM - Serial Baby: https://www.instagram.com/serialbabyb/
2:30PM - Good Vibes Only: https://www.instagram.com/goodvibesonly666/
3:15PM - Realm: https://www.instagram.com/realmknox/
4:00PM - Delta 8: https://www.instagram.com/delta8.band/
4:45PM - PAL: https://www.instagram.com/pal.band.ohio/
5:30PM - Shrudd: https://www.instagram.com/shrudd.co/
6:15PM - Cel Ray: https://www.instagram.com/celraychi/
7:00PM - CDSM: https://www.instagram.com/cdsm_worldwide/
7:45PM - DANA: https://www.instagram.com/danabandohio/
8:30PM - Innerpeace: https://www.instagram.com/innerpeaceforever/
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