Key Takeaways:
- The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is getting a modern update, rebranded as "The Greatest Party on Earth"
- The 2026 tour will feature high-energy music, pop culture, and technology, including a musical collaboration with teen country singer Maddox Batson
- The show will include classic circus acts, such as high-flying aerial performances and daredevil trapeze artists, as well as new features like a live DJ and real-time video capture
- The tour will stop in New York state, with shows scheduled for Brooklyn, Belmont Park, and Albany
- Tickets are available for purchase via Ticketmaster
Introduction to the Modern Circus
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, one of the longest-running touring shows, is getting a modern update. The circus, now rebranded as "The Greatest Party on Earth," is set to embark on a 2026 tour that promises to bring high-energy music, pop culture, and technology to its classic circus acts. The changes are aimed at appealing to modern families who want to sing, dance, laugh, and create memories together. With a musical collaboration with teen country singer Maddox Batson, the show is expected to be a fast-paced, two-hour spectacle that moves at the speed of today’s world.
A New Era for the Circus
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has a rich history, dating back to 1871. Over the years, the circus has operated under various names, including the Ringling brothers, P.T. Barnum, and James Anthony Bailey. However, in 2017, the circus went on hiatus, only to make a comeback in 2023 as a reimagined spectacle without live animals. The circus is now operated by Feld Entertainment, which has updated the show to appeal to modern audiences. The 2026 tour promises to be an exciting experience, with a live DJ, real-time video capture, and a soundtrack spanning over ten genres.
New Acts and Features
This year’s show will feature familiar favorites, such as high-flying aerial acts, daredevil trapeze artists, and the teeterboard, a giant seesaw that launches performers high into the air. New highlights include Cam, a content creator and unicycle rider; a never-before-seen acrobatic bicycle act from China; Salsa Colombia, a Latin dance and acrobatics troupe; Bailey the Robo Pop; Ringling’s hype character PT (Party Time); and a live DJ mixing hip-hop, EDM, techno, Latin, country, pop, and mashups with live singing. The show will also feature a custom mashup by Maddox Batson, blending modern country with live, choreographed circus entertainment.
A Focus on Family Fun
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has always been about fun, celebration, and bringing families together. According to Juliette Feld Grossman, CEO of Feld Entertainment and Producer of "The Greatest Show On Earth," the new production takes something as universal as a party – music, color, laughter, and spontaneity – and builds it into the experience from the moment you arrive. The goal is for Ringling to live with families long after they leave the arena, when they’re talking about their favorite moments on the ride home, recreating the circus fun in their living rooms, and feeling inspired to play, move, and imagine together.
Tour Dates and Ticket Information
The 2026 tour will include stops in New York state, with shows scheduled for February 19-22 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, March 6-8 at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, and March 12-15 at the MVP Arena in Albany. Tickets for multiple performances are available for purchase via Ticketmaster. With its modern update and exciting new features, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the circus or just looking for a fun and memorable experience, "The Greatest Party on Earth" is an event not to be missed.
