Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Circus

[Sunny]

From the daredevil hilarity of Bello (named America's Best Clown by TIME Magazine!) to the breathtaking majesty and magnificence of our amazing animals, the 135th Edition of The Greatest Show On Earth® is your ticket to thrills, laughter, and lifetime memories! Step out of the ordinary and into the world of the circus!

[AMJNBJ]

We had a fabulous time at the circus! All ages would love this show! The clowns were entertaining, the skits funny, the motorcycles racing in the iron cage kept you at the edge of your seat! We went early and got to go down on the circus floor and meet the clowns and animals before hand. We all got our own clown noses and posed for pictures with real clowns! The kids got to try on the colorful jackets the performers wear and stand and pose on the center ring where the Ring Master stands. The kids got to sit on the cool motorcycle and watch the animals including dogs, elephants and llamas. Kids even got to perform with some of the clowns. My two year old clapped the entire time – in total awe the entire evening. The older kids laughed and played along with all the skits. It is certainly a family event you shouldn’t miss!

[family4]

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

I took my husband and four children (10, 9, 6, and 2) to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus on Thursday night (October 9th). In my opinion, this year's circus was much better than when we went two years ago. It has more to offer entertainment seekers of all ages under a new theme, “Over the Top.” It's an entirely new show with new performers, more song-and-dance numbers, and less appearances from clowns and animals. There is still; however, the hallmarks of the circus – a ringmaster, trouble-causing clowns, trapeze artists, and contortionists.

Some of the most enticing parts of the circus include: seven daredevil motorcyclists who ride inside a 16-foot-wide steel sphere barely missing eachother with every buzz, an acrobatic Inner Tube Troupe who bounce and somersault from circular rubber wheels, and a group of individuals who propel from swinging poles rather than horizontal bars.

There is a pre-show that begins one hour before the actual circus and is open to all ticket holders. Individuals get to mix and mingle with acrobats, aerialists, and animals. We even got to peruse the circus closet and try on costumes.

The only downside of this event is that ticket prices start around $15 and a bag of cotton candy runs you around $12. But when all is said and done it was worth taking the kids who simply thought it was the Greatest Show on Earth. And to that I say, “ditto.”

[Lindley]

I have always loved the circus and we take my son every year. Barnum & Bailey really does a fantastic job of introducing new, creative entertainment every year. They have a great mix of classic favorites along with some really mind-boggling feats of strength, flexibility and beauty (and don't forget courage!).

I really enjoyed the pre-show, especially listening to the animal trainers taking about their positive reinforcement training methods and the conservation centers where the animals are bred. I was on the edge of my seat for the daredevil motorcycle riders and enjoyed the unique updated versions of trapeze artists and tightrope walkers. This show also had a live band, which gave the circus more of a fun concert feel. My son was a big fan of the bubbles and the adorable tiny dogs (with BIG tricks!) and my husband thought the performers who bent themselves into pretzels were pretty amazing.

Once again, this show proved that if your imagination can dream it up, the circus can make it a reality.

[J&D's Mom]

I hadn't been to the circus since I was a little girl and this version exceeded my expectations by a mile. My husband and I took our two boys (9 & 2.5) and they had the time of their lives. We also got there early for the pre-show. Our 9 yr old liked goofing around with the clowns and trying on some of the circus costumes. While our little one was awe-struck by all the animals like the mini horses and frisbee dogs.

My husband is a sucker for snacks and bought the boys a box of popcorn before we took our seats. The popcorn box was nearly as big as our toddler.

Then it was time for the greatest show on earth. We also liked the orchestra and all the song/dance numbers. Our 9 year old loved the rebel riders zooming around the steel cage. And our toddler was able to see his favorite animals...the elephants. He is still carrying around his elephant shaped cup days later. But he also loved the dogs and the horses.

We ended up leaving about 15 minutes early because our toddler was literally falling asleep in his seat and it was a school night for our older son. But the show was indeed "Over the Top" and the Greatest Show on Earth! I can't wait to take the kids again next year.

[astro_girl]

I attended the circus with my husband and 3 children - 4, 2, and an infant. I'm sure my parents took me to a circus as a little girl, but I cannot recall - and certainly it wasn't of the magnitude of the real Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. We did arrive early to enjoy the pre-show, and were able to interact with some of the animals. My girls were entertained by the multitude of clowns, contortionists, and stilt-walkers milling about.

The professionalism and smooth voice of the ringmaster assured the attendees immediately that this was going to be a great show. The mischievous clowns, dancers, top-notch stage-setting and scenery did not dissapoint. My daughters were particularly enthralled by the giant elephants parading through and performing tricks. They loved the tigers, and my oldest is still joking at the silliness of the Queen of the Clouds scene. If I had to pick a favorite part, I'd have a difficult time, but I was impressed with the animals (horses and ponies, too), the motorcycle stunts in the steel cage, and the times when multiple circus performers were on stage performing...it was a true smorgasboard for the eyes. I especially like the jungle scene toward the end, as well as the trapeze artists and rope climbers.

I was a bit shocked at the cost of the cotton candy, but did not complain and willingly purchased a bag for our daughters, given we were lucky enough to get a nice night out with the whole family. It was a truly memorable night that our whole family enjoyed.