Sideshow

A sideshow is a secondary entertainment attraction at a circus, fair, or carnival, typically housed in a separate tent or annex and presented as a curiosity or novelty to complement the main performance. Historically, sideshows often featured unusual people or talents and were sometimes grouped under the umbrella term “freak show,” a label now regarded as pejorative and controversial.

The concept arose in 18th- and 19th-century traveling shows in Europe and North America as promoters sought low-cost, high-appeal attractions to draw crowds between main acts. Sideshows offered a mix of human oddities, demonstrations, and exotic curiosities, expanding revenue streams and extending a show's footprint beyond the big top. In the United States, promoters such as P. T. Barnum helped popularize the format during the 19th century.

Act types vary, but common elements include human curiosities (such as performers with unusual features), feats of skill such as strongman routines, sword swallowing, and fire eating, and other demonstrations or illusions. In many modern venues, sideshows emphasize voluntary participation, informed consent, and ethical presentation, with an emphasis on artistry or entertainment rather than exploitation. The format has evolved to prioritize respectful portrayal and audience boundaries.

In contemporary usage, the term can also denote a peripheral or secondary aspect of a larger event, organization, or narrative, not necessarily tied to live entertainment. The historical association with exploitation has sparked ongoing debates about ethics, representation, and consent in sideshow display and performance.