Step Into the Strange: The Oddities and Curiosities Expo Takes Over San Diego

If your idea of weekend fun leans more toward taxidermy than typical San Diego beach vibes, we’ve got something special headed our way. The Oddities and Curiosities Expo is making its return to Del Mar Fairgrounds, bringing together all things macabre, mysterious, and utterly fascinating.

A Marketplace for the Unusual

This isn’t your average craft fair. We’re talking rows of vendors selling preserved specimens, vintage taxidermy, original horror artwork, antiques with history, metaphysical tools, handcrafted curiosities, bones, and funeral collectibles.

It’s the kind of place where you might leave with a Victorian mourning wreath or a jar of ethically sourced wet specimens, and honestly, that’s exactly the appeal.

For those concerned about ethics, all animals featured in taxidermy and preserved specimens are sustainably sourced and died of natural causes. The expo takes this seriously, working with The Sleeping Sirens to ensure everything meets high standards.

More Than Just Shopping

Beyond the marketplace, the expo creates an immersive atmosphere with photo opportunities scattered throughout, tarot readings for those seeking guidance, sideshow performances that bring old-school carnival energy, and various food and drink options to keep us fueled while we explore.

Get Hands-On With Workshops

What sets this expo apart are the ticketed workshops available throughout the weekend. These aren’t quick demos but substantial classes where we can actually learn traditional techniques.

Options include an all-day Opossum Taxidermy Class ($325), an Octopus & Tentacle Globe Wet Specimen Class, and a Ratalope Coffin Taxidermy Class (both $175). There are also Sunset Moth and Scorpion Habitat Entomology Classes happening with morning and afternoon sessions available ($150 each).

All workshops include materials, tools, built-in breaks for lunch and expo exploration, and admission to the show itself.

Plan Your Visit

General admission tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, and kids 12 and under get in free. While the event welcomes all ages, parents should consider whether the content suits their children, as the subject matter leans decidedly dark and unusual.

See you there!

Whether you’re a longtime collector or simply curious about the stranger side of life, this weekend promises plenty of discoveries.

📆 Saturday, January 10 & Sunday, January 11, 10 AM – 5 PM
🎟️ Get your tickets here
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!