Nov 21–22 2026 • Alameda
The Experience
Dive everything-first into two days of Bohemian Carnival-flavored absurdity! Saturday’s Main Event adventure runs from happy hour into the wee hours. Sunday’s Day Party winds it all down in tent-protected broad daylight. Here’s everything you need to show up ready to bumble.
Two days • one big top
The weekend lowdown
-
Nov 21
Saturday
- Doors
- 6p
- Show
- 9p–2a
The Main Event
Vau de Vire Society and Gooferman host the unusually usual bombastic circus and music madness, including Brunch Life, Jollichimp, the Smile High art car, and way more TBA
-
Nov 22
Sunday
- Hours
- 1pm–6pm
Day Party
Join the Bohemian Carnival cast & crew for an afternoon of vibrations, libations, and performances in the temple we call the Tortona Big Top, featuring Syd Gris & friends
Tortona Big Top at Radium Runway • Alameda • 21+ w ID • Per-day schedule coming soon
Where the pandemonium pops
Tortona Big Top
2151 Ferry Point
Alameda, CA
- Drive
Free onsite parking at the venue.
- Ferry
Ferry service to and from San Francisco and Oakland’s Jack London Square. Check sailing times before you go, especially the ride home.
- Every day
Both days take place within the Tortona Big Top complex.
Radium Runway • Alameda
Loads Google Maps
Dress for success
What to wear
Costumes are super-duper encouraged, but not required. Think circus, vaudeville, cabaret, burlesque, sideshow, rock star, pop star, porn star — whatever your inner freak needs to get freaky. Stop by the Klownification Station if you need help stepping up your game.
Prepare to flair
What to bring
- Valid photo ID, 21+, no exceptions
- Your ticket, via email or will-call
- Layers ... November on the Alameda waterfront
- A plan for getting home (check ferry times, seafarers)
Asked and answered
FAQ
What if I forget my ID?
Sad to say, but you’ll be SOOL. Best plan? Be over 21 years old and have your ID with you when you show up ... for all kinds of reasons, we can’t make any exceptions.
What are the hours?
Saturday: doors 6p, show 9p–2a. Sunday: 1pm–6pm.
Where is it?
Tortona Big Top at Radium Runway, 2151 Ferry Point, Alameda, CA. Both days happen in the same tent.
How do I get there?
Drive or rideshare, Uber/Lyft, ferry (walk to the big top from the pier and vice versa), boat of your own, helicopter, blimp, or UFO/UAP. If you fancy the ferry, be sure to check sailing times before you go, especially for the ride home.
Does parking cost extra?
Nope. Parking is free, onsite.
Is there a coat check?
There sure is.
What’s the ticket scenario?
Saturday: Happy Hour + Show ($69), The Main Event ($49), or a Micro-Lounge for up to 8 ($499). Sunday: Day Party ($39).
How do I get my tickets?
They’ll be emailed to you, or you can access them via Eventbrite or pick them up at will-call.
Who’s performing?
Vau de Vire Society, Gooferman, Syd Gris, Fou Fou Ha!, Brunch Life, DJ Icon, PRISCILLA, TikTak, Flux Vertical Theatre, Jamie DeWolf, Smile High Art Car, Shaina Violinista, Kingfish & Mini Hubba Hubba Revue, The Klown, Just Add Heather, Displayed Labors Sideshow, Circus Metropolus, Xzist, Jollichimp, Orion Fredericks, and Wabi Sabi Carnivali — plus food and drinks, midway games, and the usual unpredictable tricks up our sleeve. Schedule’s coming soon.
Do I have to wear a costume?
Nope — but any costume of your choosing will amplify everyone’s good time, including yours. We’ll have a Klownification Station at the ready in case you need a hand.
Is there food and a bar?
Indeed: hors d’oeuvres and appetizers, and a full, proper bar.
Can I bring my own food or drink?
Negative, Houston.
What happens if it rains?
Things tend to get wet. Fortunately, we’ve got a great big tent to hide (and party) under. In related news, bring an umbrella if rain looks probable.
Is the venue accessible?
Yea verily. We’re located on a retired Navy runway; flat’s flat and that’s that.
Can I take photos and video?
Yes, so long as you don’t compromise performances or your fellow humans’ enjoyment of them.
Can I leave and come back?
Re-entry’s cool.
Can I get a refund?
Refunds are available through Eventbrite up to 7 days before the event.
Read 'em before you need 'em
House rules
- Age
- 21+ w ID. Every guest, every day. No exceptions.
- Code of conduct
- Be cool. If we determine you’re not, out you go.
- Don’t bring
- Food, drink, weapons.
- Re-entry
- Re-entry’s cool.
- Refunds
- Refunds are available through Eventbrite up to 7 days before the event.