Dark Shadow Events runs the Erotik Szene Markt — the ESM — which it bills as the original: a market rather than a trade fair, where private and commercial traders sell scene goods at ordinary retail prices.

Stalls cover erotica, sex toys, BDSM and fetish gear, fantasy, gothic, steampunk and cosplay, along with clothing, jewellery, accessories, furniture and art. There are indoor and outdoor food and drink areas, and the organiser sets aside room for dates, group meet-ups and meet-and-greets.

The markets run in hired halls in North Rhine-Westphalia — the Kulttempel in Oberhausen and, from 2027, the Festhalle Birkesdorf in Düren. The organiser also takes bookings to bring the format to other people's venues.

Admission is five euros and nobody under 18 is admitted.