Does Coney Island still have their freakshow?

Answer 1

Yes, they do. The last time I went to it was 5 years ago (summer of 2005), but according to Coney Island's official website, the Coney Island Circus Sideshow is still running this year, 2010.

Be warned, though: it's not a particularly exciting freak show. It's definitely nothing like the freak shows in the old days. They only have a couple of performers, and none of them are "real" freaks (you know, like, the bearded lady, Siamese twins, the mermaid lady). None of them are deformed.

Instead, they do tricks. There's one guy who swallows fire and escapes from a straightjacket in 2 minutes. There's a guy who lays on a bed of nails while people jump up and down on him, or put heavy blocks of concrete on him. Then there's a tattooed lady, and this really weird old guy from Brooklyn who acts as an MC (Master of Ceremonies).

It only costs $5, so, it's not like you get ripped off. But it's not like, something you just CAN'T miss.

When I was there, the freak show was located just inside the main entrance to the park, on the right side. But according to the second Related Link (see below) the freak show has moved this year.