Get Ready to Get Weird at the Oddities and Curiosities Expo
The traveling showcase promises will grace Providence with taxidermy lessons, horror-inspired artwork, tarot readings and more in June.
Michelle & Tony Cozzaglio. Photo courtesy of the Oddities and Curiosities Expo
Who doesn’t like to get a little weird every once in a while? Well, the Oddities and Curiosities Expo will let Rhode Islanders fulfill that urge with its first visit to the Rhode Island Convention Center on June 22nd and 23rd.
Dry-Preserved Lizard Fortune Teller Diorama by Toddities Animal Preservation. Photo courtesy of the Oddities and Curiosities Expo
For the unfamiliar, the traveling showcase is a celebration of all things peculiar and extraordinary. Featuring more than 150 vendors and artists from across the country, it’s a playground for those who are deeply appreciative of the strange, unusual, spooky and alternative. Visitors can expect to peruse all sorts of unique and rare items, from taxidermy and original horror-inspired artwork to metaphysical accoutrements and funeral collectibles.
“We are the first and largest traveling expo that features oddities businesses and dark artists worldwide,” says co-founder Michelle Cozzaglio. “We have a deep passion for supporting odd small businesses and artists worldwide. We started this expo to provide a safe place for anyone to be themselves surrounded by a community of like-minded people.”
The expo is also so much more than just its retail offerings — it’s an immersive experience. Think: photo ops, tarot readings, sideshow performances and day-long taxidermy and insect pinning classes (note: the latter two require additional tickets). Plus, of course, delicious concessions.
Taxidermy Ducklings in Cowboy Hats by Wing and Marrow. Photo courtesy of the Oddities and Curiosities Expo.
“Our event is so successful because we have strong DIY ethics and have evolved to provide the best expo possible for our exhibitors and attendees,” Cozzaglio adds. “We work with the best exhibitors in the world and curate our show to highlight exactly what our wonderful attendees hope to see.”
The Oddities and Curiosities Expo will take place Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. For advance tickets and to learn more, visit odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com.
