side·show 
/ˈsaɪdˌʃoʊ/ noun
plural side·shows /ˈsaɪdˌʃoʊ/ noun [count] 1 : a smaller show that is performed in addition to a main show
▪ a circus sideshow 2 : an activity or event that is less important than the main activity or event
▪ Their disagreement is just a political sideshow when compared to the real issues at hand.
▪ a circus sideshow
▪ Their disagreement is just a political sideshow when compared to the real issues at hand.
