New human cannonball act and enthralling exhibits dazzle and excite for Circus World’s 65^th Anniversary

BARABOO, Wis. – Enter a spectacular world of amazing feats – from a rarely witnessed human cannonball act to the beauty of aerial artistry – at Wisconsin’s Circus World, the original home of the Ringling Bros. Circus where five brothers built their dream of delivering entertaining thrills and remarkable pageantry under the big top. With new acts and out-of-this-world performances planned for the May 17 season opening, Circus World Blasts Off to mark 65 years of excitement and family fun.

“We are opening this season with some firsts for Circus World – including a daily human cannonball shot – an entertainment wonder featuring one America’s premiere female human cannonball performers,” said Circus World Director Scott O’Donnell. “Our big top soars with aerialists, cuddly poodles, acrobats to master jugglers and so much more will continue to surprise and delight. And as a special anniversary treat, we’re offering a $6 admission price from June 28 to July 1, the equivalent of our 1959 opening price of 60 cents. We look forward to a great year of celebrating the circus arts.”

At Circus World, visitors can explore an unparalleled collection of authentic wood-carved parade wagons, historic circus railroad cars, and captivating circus memorabilia—all included in the cost of general admission! The large buildings on site house the time-honored heritage of more than 100 Wisconsin-based circuses and other shows from throughout the world. Exhibits illuminate legendary lives, engaging ephemera and the unforgettable uniqueness of the circus—and while visiting check out the NEW “Circus Ministry” exhibit for 2024!

Live daily performances highlight the summer season taking place from May 17 – Sept. 1, 2024, and are included with general admission. The cost is $23 for adults, $20 for teens (13-17), $15 for children (5-12), $20 for seniors (65+), and free for children five and under. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive a 10% discount on ticketed events and free general admission to Wisconsin Historical Society sites and museums including Circus World. Go to circusworld.wisconsinhistory.org or click here for further information.

Circus World’s summer season passes, available May 17 to Sept. 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., allow guests unlimited admission during the 2024 summer performance season. This year's theme is "Blast Off! Big Top Show," an out-of-this-world extravaganza. The twice-daily performance instills joy, laughter and a sense of wonder—all of the hallmarks of the American circus. The cost is $40 for adults and $28 for children.

Click here to purchase season passes.

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Upcoming Events at Circus World:

Military Service Day – May 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In honor of Military Service Day, Circus World will celebrate the service and sacrifices of veterans, active military, reservists and the families who support them. Enjoy a memorable program at 9:30 a.m. honoring all branches of the military, with patriotic-themed wagons on display, guest speakers and vocalists. The program will be followed by a full day of circus acts and campy cosmic circus performances for all to enjoy. On this day, all veterans, active-duty personnel, reservists and their families receive free admission.

Baraboo’s Circus Parade & Celebration – June 8, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate Circus City’s heritage in a stunning salute to Baraboo’s brilliant big top history! Baraboo’s Tenth Annual Circus Parade & Celebration navigates the streets of downtown Baraboo in a spectacular procession featuring glorious and gilded wagons from Circus World’s colossal collection of antique carriages and circus artifacts. The event honors Baraboo’s rich circus heritage as the home of seven different circuses. In addition to the parade there will be live performances, hot food vendors and activities for children on Baraboo Square. The parade begins at 11 a.m., with separate ticketed performances to follow at Circus World at 1:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The Circus Parade & Celebration is a free experience.

Circus World Anniversary Days – June 28 – July 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate Circus World Anniversary Days, a four-day long, 65th anniversary event—all for an out-of-this-world admission rate of only $6. Circus World opened in 1959 with just two buildings on less than an acre of property and included six circus wagons at an admission price of 60 cents, which is the equivalent of $6 today. Over the past 65 years, Circus World has added over 200 wagons and historic vehicles, several new and historic buildings, and more than 60 acres of exhibits to explore. Come witness the timeless traditions of the circus during this special anniversary celebration!

Circus World Classic Car Show – Aug. 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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. This is a chance to explore two timeless American summer traditions at once: classic car shows and the circus. This automotive adventure includes general admission to Circus World, where guests can explore the rich and deep history of Wisconsin circus heritage through countless acts and artifacts.

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.