Under the Big Top

Celebrate World Circus Day on Saturday

From free admission to The Ringling's Circus Museum to a circus-themed trolley tour, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Sarasota's circus history.

04/11/2023 By Staff

Tiny big tops

Check Out Some Teeny-Tiny Circuses at This Year's National Circus Model Builders' Convention

Experience the circus in miniature format at this year's convention April 13 - 15 at Showfolks of Sarasota.

04/10/2023 By Kim Doleatto

The Greatest Show on Earth

The Circus Ring of Fame Will Induct New Honorees This Saturday

They include Peggy Williams, the first female graduate of Clown College, and "circus chaplain" Father Jerry Hogan.

02/02/2023 By Yasi Bahmanabadi

Fast Track

Kelley Lavin Named Interim Director of Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

Plus, the Sarasota County Public Hospital Board names new officers and the Circus Ring of Fame Foundation announces four new inductees.

12/05/2022 By Staff

Cirque Chic

Circus Collector Howard Tibbals' Former Condo Is on the Market

Tibbals passed away last year. Now his former waterfront condo Longboat Key is on the market for just under $8 million.

05/26/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Ballyhoo Days

The Unsettling World of Circus Freakshows Once Flourished in Sarasota

The world of sideshows was once part of the culture of Sarasota and Manatee counties. Robert Plunket reveals their unsettling history.

03/01/2022 By Robert Plunket

Circus Arts Conservatory Opens Season on December 26

Tickets are on sale now for Sailor Circus Academy's "Let It Snow," and the lineup for all 2022 CAC circus shows in their new Sarasota venue awaits!

12/07/2021

Treetops to Big Top

Selby Gardens Partners With Ringling to Celebrate Orchid Show

The annual show will highlight both flowers and circus aerialists.

10/05/2021 By Dedriana Perry

spectacular shows

Circuses Are Back

Circuses are finally back in Sarasota after Covid-19 prevented shows last year. Kick off August by checking out two circuses this weekend.

08/04/2021 By Emma Lichtenstein

Memories of a Clown

Former Clown Peggy Williams Looks Back on Her Decade in the Ringling Bros. Circus

There were no tears of a clown for this lady.

07/29/2021 By Stacey Altherr

Real Estate

A Glamorous Home With a Ringling Family Connection Comes on the Market Again

This 1924 home in the Sapphire Shores neighborhood blends modern updates with original 1920s glam.

05/20/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Sailor Circus Offers ‘A Night at the Movies’

The youth circus arts program will explore the world of blockbusters, premieres, and red carpets with the 2021 spring show.

04/22/2021

Circus Arts Conservatory to Hold Benefit Performance ‘PREVAIL’

Ten performances in March will support the CAC and help keep the circus arts alive and thriving.

02/19/2021

The Elephant Polka

The Strange, Spectacular, Sad Story of The Ringling Bros.' Elephant Polka

In 1942, the Ringling Bros. circus convinced Balanchine and Stravinsky to produce a ballet—for elephants.

12/30/2020 By Robert Plunket

Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota: Dec. 24-30

Sailor Circus presents its holiday show, Van Wezel salutes the music of Budapest and Vienna, and more.

12/23/2020 By Kay Kipling

Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota: Oct. 22-28

The Sarasota Ballet kicks off its digital fall season, concerts of all kinds and a fiesta or two.

10/22/2020 By Kay Kipling

Grants

Ringling Museum Receives $30,000 NEA Grant

The grant will be used to support a two-year-long multidisciplinary program dedicated to the role of women in the circus arts.

06/11/2020 By Staff

High Wire

Nik Wallenda Brings New Drive-In Show, 'Daredevil Rally,' to Nathan Benderson Park

Watch Nik Wallenda and crew perform death-defying stunts at his thrilling drive-in show at Nathan Benderson Park.

06/03/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Flashback

Flashback: Acrobats at the Circus Hall of Fame, 1973

Filled with circus memorabilia and daily live performances, the privately-owned museum operated from 1956 till 1980.

05/26/2020 By Ilene Denton

Let's start the bidding!

Circus Auction Includes Vintage Posters, Rare Costumes and Much-Sought-After Photos

Valuable items from more than 100 different circuses will be up for sale this Saturday.

01/09/2020 By Rachel Suwak