All Things Odd & Curious at EXPO New Mexico

Billed as appealing to “lovers of the strange and unusual,” the Oddities & Curiosities Expo is returning to EXPO New Mexico this month and features a fascinating array of curious and intriguing oddities. The show takes over the Manuel Lujan Jr. complex starting Saturday, March 9 and running through Sunday, March 10.

The expo includes presentations and displays, creepy creatures and collectibles, dark art, and a community of fellow fans of the morbid and unusual. Last year the expo was such a hit that show organizers added an additional day for this year’s Albuquerque event. In this week’s blog, we’re breaking down the reasons it is so popular and what attendees to the Oddities & Curiosities Expo can expect.

1. All are Welcome!

One of the coolest things about the expo is the sense of community created and the open invitation for participants to immerse themselves in the experience. The creative masterminds behind the show foster an environment where “you can feel at home surrounded by others that share the same interests.”

2. Taxidermy Displays & Presentations

If you’re a taxidermy aficionado, you’ll appreciate the large selection of pieces, many of which can be purchased for display in your own home. An additional bonus is the option to take a class to learn the practice for yourself, with classes offered by skilled and experienced taxidermists.

If you’re interested in this “taxidermy training” of sorts, check out the rat taxidermy class on Saturday or either one of two bug pinning/entomology classes on Sunday, presented by Heather Clark of The Sleeping Sirens Arts and Oddities. The classes are sold separately from admission, so you’ll want to visit the O & C site for more details and to purchase tickets for these unique classes.

3. Cosplay Among Thousands of Your Closest Friends

We already mentioned the culture of acceptance at the shows for which people of all interests, persuasions and personalities are encouraged to be themselves. That includes cosplay and attendees are invited to express themselves through their attire. Though many fans prefer horror genre costumes and other dark character depictions, there are no rules when it comes to cosplay, so whether you’re feeling more campy than creepy or more merry than macabre, you are only limited by the boundaries of your imagination.

4. Engaging Entertainment

In addition to the exhibits and vendors, the expo features sideshow performances throughout the day. Spectators will be mesmerized by the death-defying feats and one-of-a-kind acts in the form of stage acts as well as roving performers, all included in the cost of entry!

5. Original Dark Art

While the O & C Expo isn’t your typical art fair, it promises to be a great opportunity to witness exceptional art by truly talented artists, for which there is a variety of dark themes and original works.

Examples include bone décor, creative taxidermy pieces, adorned skulls, and unique paintings and sculptures.

Art is available for purchase across a range of price points and mediums.

6. Charming Oddities

Looking to procure some creative rarities for yourself or a gift for the hard to please friend? You’ve come to the right place! If you’re in the market for irreverent items or macabre merchandise, the O & C Expo has it all. You can peruse a diverse cross section of interesting wares including eerie preserved specimens, diaphonized creatures, casket inspired creations, occult candles, unique rings, earrings, and other far from ordinary jewelry.

Intrigued and want to learn more? Find all the important details below, including costs and show times:

DATE: Saturday, 3/9 AND Sunday 3/10 2024
TIME: Saturday 10AM - 6PM and Sunday 10AM - 4PM
LOCATION: Expo New Mexico - Lujan Building
ENTRY COST: $10 advance / $15 days of
Kids 12 and under free (no ticket needed)

Purchase tickets now!