The carnival is described as a grotesque and ominous place, full of unsettling attractions and shady characters. It travels from town to town, leaving a trail of misfortune and mystery in its wake.
The Baudelaires encounter the carnival in a small town called Paltryville, where they hope to find a librarian who can help them with their research on VFD. However, the carnival is more than just a place of entertainment. It is a hub for the nefarious organization known as *VFD*, and it holds many secrets that are tied to the Baudelaires' past and present.