The "Greatest Show on Earth" is making a return and is set to arrive in Florida early next year. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents "The Greatest Show on Earth" will be touring arenas across the country, with several stops in Florida. This new production promises to bring a fresh and exciting experience to audiences.
“This new production moves at the speed of today’s world — fast-paced, dynamic, and full of energy,” said Juliette Feld Grossman, CEO of Florida-based Feld Entertainment. “We’re honoring the legacy of circus arts while inspiring everyone to move, play, and join the celebration.”
One of the most frequently asked questions about the new show is whether it still features animals. While the focus has shifted to emphasize human performance and innovation, the show continues to showcase a variety of animals in a responsible and ethical manner. The circus remains committed to ensuring the well-being of all animals involved, adhering to strict standards of care and treatment.
For those interested in attending the Florida shows, there are several key details to keep in mind:
Cities Visited by the Ringling Bros. Circus in Florida
The Ringling Bros. Circus will make stops in four cities in Florida during January 2026:
- Tampa – January 2 through January 4
- Miami – January 9 through January 11
- Jacksonville – January 16 through January 19
- Sunrise – January 23 through January 25
These dates provide ample opportunities for residents and visitors in these areas to experience the excitement of the circus firsthand.
How to Purchase Tickets
The presale for the Florida shows is currently underway. Fans can purchase tickets through the official website at ringling.com/tickets. This is the best place to secure tickets before they go on sale to the general public.
Additional Information
- Show Format: The new production incorporates modern elements, including high-energy performances, innovative acts, and interactive experiences for audiences of all ages.
- Family-Friendly: The show is designed to be engaging and entertaining for families, with acts that appeal to both children and adults.
- Community Engagement: Feld Entertainment has emphasized its commitment to community involvement, with plans to host events and activities in each city during the circus's stay.
Does Ringling Brothers Circus have animal acts anymore?
No lions, tigers or huge elephants, oh my! As of 2023, the Ringling Bros. Circus no longer has animals in its acts.
According to USA TODAY, declining sales and accusations of animal cruelty led the circus to shut down in 2017. A new version of the circus without animals was announced in 2021 and debuted in 2023.
What happened to the elephants, animals from Ringling Brothers?
Before its 2021 decision to no longer use any animals in its act, officials retired the elephants in 2016. According to CBS, the elephants were originally moved to a small preserve south of Orlando before being moved to the Walter Conservation to Florida's White Oak Conservation Center in 2021.
As for the tigers, several were relocated to a Tennessee sanctuary called Tiger Haven. Others owned by trainer Alexander Lacey would remain with him.
Feld Entertainment said in 2017 that they had found homes for all of the approximately 50 animals with the show, and while they couldn't publicly disclose where they were going, they said they met Feld's standards for a "high-level of care."
What changes have been made to Ringling Bros. Circus?
In place of the animals, Ringling Bros. now focuses entirely on human artistry — from acrobatic bike teams from China to Colombian acro-salsa dancers and a world-renowned contortionist making her U.S. debut.
Music drives the experience with live drumming, beat drops, and DJ-led moments, all set against a massive LED stage design that captures performers and audience reactions in real time. Before the show even begins, a live Ringling “Hype Crew” gets the audience dancing, turning every arena into a party.
See other changes and new acts:
- Acro-Salsa Troupe (Colombia): A seven-member group that will bring a dynamic blend of acrobatics and traditional salsa packed with passion, movement, and power.
- Contortion (United States): A world-renowned contortionist making her Ringling debut, redefining flexibility with artful, unbelievable control.
- Acrobatic Bikes & Hoop Diving (China): A group of performers who create human pyramids on moving bicycles and perform gravity-defying acrobatics with fearless flair.
- Bailey the Robo Pup: The beloved Bailey the Robo Pup returns to the spotlight with endless energy, new dance moves, and her signature mix of mischief and high-tech charm.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Ringling Bros. Circus is coming to 4 Florida cities. Do they still have animals?
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