The Sideshow Hootneanny & Coney Island USA present
Congress of Curious Peoples
April 24-26, 2026
Friday, April 24
-
7:00pm
Hall Of Fame Induction CeremonyBorn Different
Self Inflicted
Working Acts
Show Folk
Attractions
Living LegendsScreening of Gary Beeber’s BALLY MASTER, a film about Scott Baker, legendary bally master.
-Intermission-
8:30pm -ish
Screening of Tod Browning’s FREAKS!
Saturday, April 25
-
Full details and registration here! - $175
In this beginners class, students will learn everything about basic insect/ arachnid preparation. You will be learning proven, professional techniques I’ve developed and modified over the past 10 years, with close guidance and individual attention.
Students will also learn how to put together and maintain their own rehydration chamber, things to check for during all stages of the process to ensure a clean and successful end product, and tips for gentle handling. Students will also build their very own spreading boards for use in class and beyond.
*A simple shadowbox will be provided for all students. As always, all specimens are legally and sustainably sourced. We will be reviewing the origins of the arachnids used in this class, how students can safely source their own specimens, and suggested, reputable suppliers. Students go home with their own prepared beetle, a display case for their finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future.
-
Free Admission!
-
Full details and registration here! - $20
Unlock your inner Clown with Coney Island Clown Skool founder Glen Heroy. Learn through play as you discover the fundamentals of developing your very own Clown persona. All levels of goofiness are welcome! Wear comfortable clothes and get ready to move, and don't forget to bring your silly.
-
Step right up for a star studded night of Sideshow, Burlesque & Drag featuring the most wonderfully weird royalty of Night Life! A bizarre bevvy of former Miss Coney Island's will join our reigning Queen Queerly Femmetastic. We're also conjuring up the most spectacularly strange Sideshow Drag Queens! Dress to express and join us for this one of a kind explosion of radical royalty!
Sunday, April 26
-
Registration fee- $20
Come learn a variety of odd little tricks perfect for the professional performer or a beginner wishing to add a little magic to daily life. Students will be encouraged to learn in a light hearted and loose way, as we explore new skills and tricks while embracing being silly. We will go through things suitable for a dinner table, for a bar, an elevator, small venues or street performance. Some slapstick, some magic, and some easy to do juggling. Feel free to bring an object to work with that is of interest to you!
Full details and registration here!
-
Registration fee- $150
In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore the bold visual language of traditional sideshow banner painting. The workshop will cover canvas prep, techniques, image transfer options, color choices, and storytelling through spectacle. All supplier contact info will be shared along with how I have modified my techniques depending on space and climate. Participants will leave with their own gessoed small banner, a color sketch for their banner to paint, and an understanding of how this historic form of American folk advertising blends illustration, typography, and performance.
*Students will go home with their own prepped mini banner, the design sketch laid out, painting begun and the knowledge of how to prep and complete full size banner projects. Mini canvas, gesso, brushes, colored pencils and paints provided.
Full details and registration here!
-
$1 minimum donation, $5 suggested donation per craft
Are you a curious crafter? Join Miss Jay in congregating around the craft table where your children will have the option of creating three different masterpieces.
Maybe you make a crown fit for a curious kid or concoct your own collage insect to display in a decorated shadow box. Or you can look ahead, and paint a seashell necklace for the Mermaid Parade. We can't wait to see your quirky creations!
Miss Jay will be hosting donation based kids workshops throughout the day - $5 suggested donation per craft.
-
Free Admission!
-
Performers coming soon!
-
Performers coming soon!
Since the 1860's, Coney Island has been a beacon for interesting performances. For generations, it has attracted the curious and the enlightened in both the onlooker and the performer. This long-standing tradition continues with this gathering of unique individuals at Sideshows by the Seashore and the Freak Bar as we celebrate Coney Island's exciting place in American popular culture and explore its artistic and spectacular possibilities through performances, talks, and discussions.
