Exotikon Festival Welcomes Bozo the Clown and Troupe

A Clown-filled Extravaganza

Exotikon Festival took over downtown LA last weekend with a kaleidoscopic carnival of performance art. Fans crowded the open-air venue to catch Bozo the Clown—played by actor David Arquette—leading a gaggle of costumed entertainers. In footage shared on Instagram by @exotikonfestival, Arquette’s crimson wig and oversized polka-dot suit stood out among a sea of painted faces and neon outfits.

The original post read, “Totally loving Clowning around with @realbozotheclown and his pals‼️🤡‼️🎶‼️🤡‼️ @grahamwheelerz @davidarquette @realnunubozotheclown @realjozobozotheclown @clownvis @captaintalltale @orange_u_gladd @laffypants.” The tagged names represent a who’s who of modern clowning, including Jozo and Nunu Bozo, Captain Tall Tale, and Laffypants. Each performer brought their own spin—from Captain Tall Tale’s slapstick sketches to Laffypants’s interactive balloon art.

David Arquette’s Bozo Revival

David Arquette first donned the Bozo hat at this year’s LA Pride Parade, handing out Trejo’s Donuts alongside Clownvis Presley and Graham Wheeler. Last month, Arquette thanked followers for embracing his stage persona: “Thanks to @davidarquette who carries the torch as the World’s Most Famous Bozo the Clown 😝 … Cheers to decades of Bozo history.” He even shared autographs from original Bozo actor Bob Bell, highlighting a legacy that dates back to the 1960s.

A graduate of prestigious acting roles—most notably the cult classic Scream series—Arquette has blended his Hollywood background with underground performance art. According to his Wikipedia profile, he is an award-winning actor and producer whose recent projects span comedy podcasts and improv tours. His turn as Bozo underscores a passion for bringing joy in unexpected forms.

Spotlight On Clownvis Presley

Perhaps the breakout star of the weekend was Graham Wheeler, better known as Clownvis Presley. His Elvis-inspired jumpsuit and pompadour—plus a harmonica solo—drew cheers from the crowd. Wheeler’s act fuses rock ’n’ roll nostalgia with circus theatrics; earlier this month he posted, “There is only one king and that’s the King of Clowns @clownvis #sendingthegoodclowns #nomorescaryclowns.”

Clownvis brought a carnival stage to life with guitar riffs and offbeat humor, often trading playful jabs with Bozo himself. Together, the duo showcased a camaraderie that bridges generational humor—from vintage slapstick to modern musical parodies.

A host of other performers rounded out the lineup. Captain Tall Tale staged a mock rescue skit, while Orange U Glad led a duet of campy jingles. Nunu and Jozo Bozo coordinated a synchronized dance routine that ended in a cascade of confetti. Laffypants closed the show with an audience participation challenge, awarding lucky guests custom-designed red noses.

Art installations and food stalls framed the central stage, making Exotikon a multi-sensory playground. Attendees explored face paint stations, neon hair braiding booths, and a retro photo wall that echoed Bozo memorabilia. One vendor sold limited-edition prints featuring Bob Bell’s autograph alongside Arquette’s modern-day clown incarnation.

The festival’s Instagram, known for highlighting LA’s underground creative scene, drew thousands of likes for its vibrant snapshots. While many festival-goers came for the music and food, social media lit up around the clown brigade. Clips of Bozo juggling and Clownvis belting “Love Me Tender” went viral on TikTok within hours.

Exotikon’s founders describe it as “a collision of music, art, and performance” that “reimagines the carnival for a new generation.” Their next pop-up is scheduled for later this summer, promising even more immersive experiments in costume, sound, and spectacle.

Fans who missed out can catch highlights through Exotikon’s Instagram Reels and an upcoming YouTube livestream. As David Arquette wrote in his latest post, “What a wild and wonderful weekend I had w/ Bozo the Clown in Los Angeles! Hear all about it tonight on Clownvis to the Rescue on YouTube 9pm ET, 6pm PT.”

The Exotikon Festival’s clown showcase proved that classic characters and underground artists can share a spotlight, bridging decades of performance history with fresh, experimental flair.

Trivia

David Arquette starred in the 2002 film 'Eight Legged Freaks', which was a box office success.

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Ratika Pai

 

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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