The Oddities & Curiosities Expo returns to Indianapolis April 25–26, 2026, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. If your family enjoys unusual experiences, this is one Indianapolis with kids event that truly stands out. I’ve visited the expo with my kids, and it’s fascinating, strange, and memorable. Imagine a giant marketplace filled with artists, collectors, and creators showcasing unusual artifacts, natural history pieces, dark art, and handmade curiosities you won’t see anywhere else.
At first glance, it might not seem like your typical family activity. However, if you have curious kids who love science, museums, Halloween, or unusual collections, this event can be incredibly engaging. My kids were wide-eyed the entire time because there was always something surprising at the next table or as a part of the next entertaining show. Here’s where you can get tickets.
What You’ll See at the Oddities & Curiosities Expo in Indianapolis
Walking into the expo feels a little like stepping inside a real-life curiosity museum. Booth after booth is filled with fascinating items created or collected by artists and vendors from all over the country.
When we went, we saw everything from intricate insect displays to beautifully arranged animal skulls and antique artifacts that looked like they belonged in a science museum. Some artists turn natural specimens into jewelry or artwork, while others specialize in restoring vintage medical instruments or creating sculptures using bones and natural materials.
One of the things I loved most was that the vendors were eager to talk with visitors about their work. My kids asked questions about how insects are preserved and where certain specimens come from, and the artists were happy to explain the science and artistry behind what they create.
You’ll likely encounter things like preserved butterflies and insects displayed as art, taxidermy pieces, unusual jewelry, antique oddities, and dark or Halloween-inspired artwork. Every booth is full of new discoveries.
For other fun and interesting outings in Indianapolis, check out my book, Where to Take the Kids Indianapolis.
Why I Recommend the Oddities & Curiosities Expo for Families
The biggest reason I recommend this event is that it sparks curiosity. Kids naturally gravitate toward things that feel mysterious or unusual, and the expo taps into that curiosity in a way that is interactive and memorable.
Instead of simply walking through a museum, families can talk directly with artists and collectors. That personal interaction turns the experience into something much more engaging for kids.
My children were especially fascinated by the science behind many of the displays. Seeing skeletal structures, preserved specimens, and insect collections up close opened the door to conversations about biology, ecosystems, and how artists find beauty in the natural world.
The event is particularly great for older kids and teens. If your child enjoys science museums, Halloween aesthetics, unique art, or anything a little unusual, this expo will absolutely capture their attention.
What Makes the Oddities & Curiosities Expo So Cool and So Weird
Part of what makes the Oddities & Curiosities Expo so interesting is that it celebrates creativity that doesn’t fit neatly into traditional categories. One booth might showcase antique medical artifacts, while the next features elaborate moth artwork or sculptures made from natural materials, or even home decor from second-hand doll parts.
When I visited, I kept saying, “You’re not going to believe what’s at the next table.” That sense of discovery is a huge part of the fun. Every aisle reveals something different, unexpected, and sometimes a little bizarre.
And the entertainment is totally bizarre. I’ve never seen anything like it. We saw a sword swallower, a woman swinging around by her skin, and many other oddities…but hey, who am I to say what’s odd?
For families who enjoy museums like Ripley’s Believe It or Not or natural history exhibits, the expo has a similar sense of curiosity and surprise.
What Parents Should Know Before Bringing Kids to the Oddities & Curiosities Expo
Even though I enjoyed bringing my kids, there are a few things parents should know before attending.
The event does feature real animal specimens, taxidermy, bones, and occasionally macabre or horror-themed artwork. Most displays are artistic or educational, but the overall theme leans toward the strange and spooky. Some younger or sensitive kids might find certain items unsettling.
A few things parents should keep in mind:
- Some displays include taxidermy, bones, or preserved animals
- Certain booths feature spooky or horror-inspired artwork
- Vendor content varies widely since each booth is independently run
- The event tends to be best suited for older kids and teens who enjoy unusual art or science
I found it helpful to walk a few steps ahead of my kids occasionally, just to preview what was on each table.
Why the Oddities & Curiosities Expo Is One of the Most Unique Events in Indianapolis
Indianapolis has plenty of great family events, but the Oddities & Curiosities Expo is easily one of the most unique experiences you can have here. It’s creative, educational, a little spooky, and completely different from the usual festivals and markets.
When we left, my kids were still talking about the strange artifacts and unusual performances we had seen.
If your family enjoys discovering new things and exploring the unusual side of art and science, the Oddities & Curiosities Expo in Indianapolis is absolutely worth adding to your calendar. Sometimes the weirdest adventures end up being the ones your kids remember the most.
