Date
Friday
Mar
28

March 28

Barnum & Bailey Day

Step right up and join the fun on Barnum & Bailey Day! Celebrate with thrilling circus acts, delicious treats, and unforgettable memories.

Yearly Date
March 28
Type
Day
Category
Fun

Introduction

Step right up and join the circus, because March 28 is Barnum & Bailey Day! This day celebrates the famous traveling circus created by P.T. Barnum and James A. Bailey in the late 1800s. With its daring acrobatics, exotic animals, and thrilling performances, the Barnum & Bailey Circus became a beloved form of entertainment for people all across America. Even after its closure in 2017, this legendary circus continues to inspire us with its legacy of excitement and wonder. So grab your popcorn and cotton candy, it's time to celebrate Barnum & Bailey Day under the big top!

Barnum & Bailey Day Timeline

1871
P.T. Barnum's Grand Traveling Museum
P.T. Barnum established "P.T. Barnum's Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan & Hippodrome," a predecessor to the famous circus.
1881
Formation of Barnum & Bailey Circus
P.T. Barnum partnered with James A. Bailey to form "Barnum & Bailey's Greatest Show On Earth," later known as Barnum & Bailey Circus.
1907
Ringling Brothers Take Over
After James Bailey's death, the Ringling Brothers bought the Barnum & Bailey Circus and continued to run it as a separate entity for a while.
1919
Formation of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
The two circuses were merged to form "Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus," often referred to as "The Greatest Show on Earth."
1956
End of Big Top Era
The circus holds its last "big top" tent performance in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the show moved to permanent venues.
2017
Barnum & Bailey Circus Closes
After facing declining ticket sales and backlash from animal rights groups, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus held their final performance.

How to Celebrate Barnum & Bailey Day

1

Host a circus-themed party

Invite your friends and family over for a fun-filled Barnum & Bailey themed party. Decorate with circus props, serve circus-inspired food, and play games like pin the tail on the elephant or a ring toss.

2

Watch a circus performance

Find a local circus or acrobatic performance and attend with your loved ones to celebrate Barnum & Bailey Day. You can also watch a recorded performance online if you can’t find one near you.

3

Visit an animal sanctuary

In honor of P.T. Barnum’s love for animals, visit a local animal sanctuary and donate to their cause. You can also volunteer at the sanctuary and help take care of the animals.

4

Dress up as a circus performer

Get into the spirit of Barnum & Bailey Day by dressing up as a circus performer. You can be a clown, a ringmaster, or even an acrobat – the possibilities are endless!

5

Make your own circus treats

Get creative in the kitchen and make some delicious circus-themed treats like cotton candy cupcakes or popcorn balls. You can even have a bake-off competition with your friends to see who can make the most creative treat.

Why We Love Barnum & Bailey Day

A

It's a celebration of circus history

Barnum & Bailey Day is a tribute to the famous traveling circus that was founded in the late 1800s. On this day, we remember the performances, animals, and larger-than-life characters that captivated audiences for decades.

B

It's a chance to relive childhood memories

Many people have fond memories of attending Barnum & Bailey circus shows as children. National Barnum & Bailey Day gives us an opportunity to reminisce about those exciting experiences and feel like kids again, even if just for a day.

C

It showcases incredible talent and skills

The performers in Barnum & Bailey were some of the most highly skilled individuals in their respective fields - from acrobats to animal trainers. This holiday pays tribute to their hard work and dedication, reminding us of the amazing feats that humans are capable of.

Barnum & Bailey Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Mar 27
Monday
2024
Mar 27
Wednesday
2025
Mar 27
Thursday
2026
Mar 27
Friday
2027
Mar 27
Saturday