Send in the clowns, an animal-free Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey comes to Tampa this weekend

Amalie Arena hosts six performances between Friday-Sunday.

By Kyla Fields on Wed, Jan 3, 2024 at 12:01 pm

Photo via Feld Entertainment

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida Jan. 5-7, 2024.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey hosted its last animal circus show in May of 2017, and took a several-year hiatus after that. In 2022, the joint company announced the long-awaited return of traveling circus performances—without any animals, of course—and a new and improved show finally makes its way to Tampa this weekend.

The new “multi-platform entertainment franchise” features all of the classic trapeze and tightrope acts, special effects, stunt bikes, acrobats, world dance and comedy from 75 performers representing 18 different countries around the globe.

Amalie Arena hosts six different performances throughout the circus’ three-day stint in Tampa.

The oldest Barnum & Bailey and Ringling Bros. shows date back to the late 19th century, and you can always head down to Sarasota’s circus museum if you’d like to learn more about the historic show.

Tickets to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey coming to Tampa's Amalie Arena Friday-Sunday, Jan. 5-7 are still available and start at $20. Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.

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About The Author

Kyla Fields

Email Kyla Fields

Kyla Fields is the Managing Editor of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay who started their journey at CL as summer 2019 intern. They are the proud owner of a charming, sausage-shaped, four-year-old rescue mutt named Piña.

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