Date
Thursday
Apr
17

April 17

World Circus Day

Celebrate World Circus Day with a fun-filled day of clowns, acrobats, and amazing animal performances - get ready for the show of your life!

Yearly Date
April 17
Type
Day

Introduction

It's time to celebrate the amazing and captivating World Circus Day on April 17! This day has been celebrated since the 1800s and marks the anniversary of the first modern circus which was created in London by Philip Astley in 1768. Since then, circus acts have become a beloved form of entertainment all around the world, delighting both young and old with its unique blend of artistry, skill, and humor. So get ready for some extraordinary fun as you join us in celebrating World Circus Day!

World Circus Day Timeline

1768
First Modern Circus Introduced
Philip Astley in London, England, created the first modern circus, providing a model for future circus shows.
1825
Invention of the Circus Tent
The circus tent, or "big top," was first used by Joshua Purdy Brown, allowing circuses to travel and perform anywhere.
1884
Birth of "The Greatest Show on Earth"
P.T. Barnum and J.A. Bailey founded the Barnum & Bailey Circus which later merged with Ringling Bros. to become "The Greatest Show on Earth".
1956
End of Big-Top Era, Start of Arena Shows
For financial reasons, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey moved their shows from tents to permanent venues, essentially ending the traditional big-top circus era.
1984
Cirque du Soleil Founded
The start of contemporary circus era with the founding of Cirque du Soleil, introducing a new artistic and story-driven approach to circus performance.
2010
First World Circus Day Celebrated
Lead by the Federation Mondiale du Cirque, the first World Circus Day was celebrated on April 17th, to honor and promote the art of circus globally.

How to Celebrate World Circus Day

1

Visit a Circus

Nothing can beat the experience of being in an actual circus. Whether it is a local circus or you plan a trip to an international one, a visit to the circus can be exciting, entertaining, and educational!

2

Throw your own circus

Invite your friends and family over for a fun day of clowning around. Put on your own show with juggling, tightrope walking, face painting, and more.

3

Take a Circus Class

A great way to celebrate World Circus Day is to take a circus class. Juggling, trapeze, acrobatics - there are all sorts of classes available for people of all ages.

4

Watch Circus Movies

Pop some popcorn, curl up on the couch and enjoy watching some classic films about the circus. From classics like The Greatest Showman to modern films like Paddington 2, there are enough circus films to watch for days.

5

Make Circus Snacks

Bake some circus themed treats and snacks such as cake pops shaped like clowns, cupcakes decorated with animal crackers, or peanut butter elephants.

Why We Love World Circus Day

A

Circus performers are talented

From acrobats to clowns, the circus is full of incredibly talented performers who will make you laugh and gasp in awe. The stunts they can do, and the feats they can manage, are sure to keep your eyes glued to the ring!

B

It's family friendly entertainment

The circus is a great way to create memories with your family. Kids of all ages can appreciate the bright colors and daring stunts that fill each show. Plus, it's a fun way for adults to take a trip down memory lane and relive their own childhood memories of enjoying circus acts!

C

It promotes creativity & imagination

The circus encourages people of all ages to use their imaginations and explore their creative side. It provides an opportunity for kids to learn about different cultures, music genres, animals, and art forms from around the world. Taking time away from screens to experience something new and exciting is always a great learning experience!

World Circus Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 16
Sunday
2024
Apr 16
Tuesday
2025
Apr 16
Wednesday
2026
Apr 16
Thursday
2027
Apr 16
Friday