Experience new acts, a brand-new exhibit
and a season packed with unforgettable special events
BARABOO, Wis. – Circus World is back and ready to delight guests with a vibrant spring, summer and fall season full of excitement! This year features a brand-new museum exhibit, a dynamic lineup of special events and a dazzling Big Top Show premiering this summer to deliver daring feats, thrilling stunts and big laughs for audiences of all ages. The spring season opens April 20, followed by the start of the summer performance season on May 15 with the debut of Jubilee 250—a star-spangled celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Live Big Top performances continue through the summer until the fall season begins Sept. 8.
“I’m truly grateful to return to Circus World—it feels like coming home—and to do so at a time when we’re preparing for a season filled with new experiences, remarkable talent and joy for all ages,” said Scott O’Donnell, Circus World attractions director. “There’s something deeply special about this place—the way it brings people together and creates lasting memories for families. We have an incredible year ahead, and I warmly invite guests to join us for a visit filled with laughter, wonder and truly one-of-a-kind circus experiences.”
Circus World’s 2026 Big Top Show is a patriotic celebration with new and talented returning performers featuring a thrilling selection of acts including aerial stunts, juggling, clown antics and animal acts with horses, goats, donkeys, and llamas—a fast-paced and star-spangled spectacle that keeps audiences on their toes from the moment the ringmaster steps into the ring. From the multi-generational Zsilak-Petrov circus family and the acclaimed Hanneford family to Circus World’s new clown, Sebastian “Pacusito” Videla, the performers pack in laughs and thrills to keep spectators on the edge of their seats throughout the show.
In addition to the Big Top Show, Circus World is offering an array of live and hands-on daily experiences to keep the excitement going. Visitors are invited to join juggling and animal trust building demonstrations, sporadic pop-up experiences and a clowning presentation led by International Clown Hall of Fame inductee and former director of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College Steve Smith. Circus World will also host the Kid’s World Circus where the site’s youngest guests can get a taste of circus magic while expressing their creativity. History buffs and circus lovers can join a daily guided tour of Circus World’s authentic wagon collection showcasing eye-catching selections from the world’s largest collection of 250+ historic circus wagons and vehicles, over 100 of which have been expertly restored.
Inside the museum, a new exhibit called “Masters of Mirth” celebrates the art of clowning and the performers who have brought joy to spectators for over 200 years. Explore dozens of costumes, shoes, props and trunks, and discover the many types of clowns, their unique jargon, and even what was taught at clown college. The exhibit is located in Exhibit Hall at the Feld Visitor Center.
Visitors are also invited to peruse a new selection of apparel for sale in the gift shop, enjoy expanded food and beverage options available at the Cookhouse Grill and see the newly restored 1901 Ringling Office building in historic Ringlingville, part of a collection of National Historic Landmark structures used by the Ringling Brothers for circus operations. Ongoing restoration work on historic Ringlingville is made possible in part by two $500,000 “Save America’s Treasures” grants awarded to Circus World through the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund.
Plan your 2026 visit to Circus World for an outing to remember at one of Wisconsin’s most beloved historic attractions. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free general admission to Circus World and a 10% discount on merchandise and ticketed events. Season passes, a great value priced at just $40 for adults and $28 for children, are also available and unlock unlimited visits from May 15 through Sept. 6. Visit circusworld.wisconsinhistory.org for tickets and more information.
Upcoming Events at Circus World:
Military Service Day – May 23, 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
All active military, reservists, veterans and their families are welcomed for free to attend a special morning program at 9:30 a.m. and stay for the day’s Big Top performances.
Baraboo’s Circus Parade & Celebration – June 13, 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Big Top Parade will return to the streets of downtown Baraboo with the main event, the Big Top Parade, kicking off at 11:00 a.m. Led by the grand marshal and themed around America’s 250th birthday celebration, the parade features traditional circus parade units and circus-themed entries created by community groups and businesses. Young and old will be enthralled by the historic circus wagons, marching bands, community floats, horses and of course, a cavalcade of clowns!
Circus World Anniversary Days – July 1-4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Circus World celebrates 67 years with an incredible deal! Just $6 will admit you to Circus World for any one of the four Anniversary Days.
Circus World Classic Car Show – Aug. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It’s time to start your engines and race down to Circus World this summer! Come see vintage hot rods, muscle cars, heavy-duty trucks, rare rides and more while enjoying the magic of classic circus performances across acres of exhibits.
Wagons & Wine – Aug. 15, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Join us for a historic pairing of wine and circus wagons during the afternoon and early evening hours. Twelve historic wagons will be located around our grounds with stations from local wineries offering samples of their signature wine. Explore our grounds in a new way with pop-up entertainment, food stations and music! Tickets are $45 per person or $15 for designated drivers.
About Circus World
Circus World is one of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s 12 historic sites and museums. Located at the site of the Ringling Bros. Circus Historic Winter Quarters in Baraboo, it was comprised of less than an acre of land and a collection of six circus wagons at its founding and has grown into an internationally respected institution encompassing 64 acres, 30 permanent structures and over 260 historic circus wagons. Visitors can enjoy live performances during the summer season and explore seven massive buildings highlighting the innovations, excitement and wonder of the American circus. Visit circusworld.wisconsinhistory.org for more information and a list of upcoming events. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission to this site during regular operating hours.
About the Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.
