side shows
Circus fringe attractions
Side shows are secondary attractions at a carnival, circus, or fair—smaller entertainments separate from the main event.
Historically, these featured human oddities, unusual performers, or strange exhibits for an extra fee.
Figuratively, a side show is any distracting spectacle that draws attention from something more important: The scandal became a side show to the actual policy debate.
Usually spelled as one word: sideshow.
- fairgroundOutdoor amusement venue
- human cannonballArtillery-launched circus act
- boothTemporary enclosed compartment
- attractionPull toward something
- carnivalTraveling amusement attraction
sideshow · oddities · amusement · barkers · ticket booth · exhibition · fire eating · sword swallower · spectacle · variety · circus acts · performance · tents · novelty acts · entertainment · merry-go-round · hall of mirrors · cotton candy
side showsmain event
Featured performance or contest
main attraction · big top · center ring · headliner · main act
side, show, sides, sided, siding, sidelong, sideways, beside, alongside