Today we’d like to introduce you to Rene Thayer.
Hi Rene, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Macabre Mysterium started from my love for the strange, spooky, and offbeat. I began as a maker myself, sewing bags under the name Pythoness Fox Creations, vending at horror events in Orange County and Inland Empire. I enjoyed connecting with customers in those areas but had a feeling something was missing in San Diego’s market scene—something for the weirdos like me. After attending quite a few events in the OC and IE and local events that didn’t quite fit the vibe I was looking for, I decided to create that space myself.
What started as one spooky pop-up quickly turned into a growing community of alternative makers and supporters. I’ve now hosted several themed markets at Black Plague Brewery, collaborating with live bands, artists, and small businesses to bring a fully immersive experience to life. I recently stepped away from bag-making to focus fully on event planning and building Macabre Mysterium into something sustainable, inclusive, and exciting. It’s become more than just markets—it’s become a space where people can show up as their true selves and feel celebrated for it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been weather—hosting outdoor markets always comes with that risk, and we’ve had to adapt quickly when things didn’t go as planned. Another tough spot has been standing out in a scene that’s already thriving up north. The horror community is huge in areas like the Inland Empire, Orange County, and LA, so carving out space for something similar in San Diego has taken time and persistence. We’re still working to grow that same kind of love and support for horror down here, and while it’s not always easy, the community we’re building makes it worth it. Every market feels like a step closer to that vision.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Macabre Mysterium specializes in alternative makers markets with a spooky twist. I curate themed events that highlight horror, macabre, and dark aesthetics, while creating a welcoming space for small businesses and artists who don’t always fit into traditional market spaces. Each event is more than just vendors—it’s an experience with live music, raffles, photo ops, and a strong focus on community.
In my personal life, I work full time as a patient coordinator at an orthodontics office and I’m a mom to two teenage girls. Balancing everything hasn’t always been easy, but it’s important to me to show my daughters that they can make time for their passions, be part of a supportive community, and still stay true to their responsibilities. That message of balance, authenticity, and support is something I try to reflect in every event I host.
What really sets us apart is the vibe—we keep things weird, authentic, and interactive, while still being super organized and vendor-focused. I’ve been on the vendor side, so I know how important it is to feel seen, heard, and supported. That’s something I carry with me into every market. At the end of the day, Macabre Mysterium isn’t just about spooky shopping—it’s about building a space where people feel like they belong.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about San Diego is the incredible support for small businesses. There’s a real sense of community here—local makers, artists, and entrepreneurs uplifting each other and working together to build something stronger. The craft beer scene is also amazing, and pairing that with the coastal lifestyle? It’s hard to beat living in a place where you can enjoy a cold local brew and be at the ocean within minutes.
What I like least is seeing long-standing, family-owned businesses forced to close their doors. It’s heartbreaking to watch places that have been staples in the community disappear, often due to the expansion of high-rise buildings or rapid development. That loss of history and local identity is something I think many of us feel deeply.
Pricing:
- Markets are FREE to attend
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @themacabremysterium
- Facebook: @themacabremysterium
Image Credits
Rene Thayer
