World Circus Day!

The Ringling will be observing World Circus Day this Saturday, April 15^th.

Admission will be free to the Circus Museum, including the historic galleries, Tibbals Learning Center, and Bayfront Gardens.  (The Museum of Art and Ca’ d’Zan aren’t included in the free admission benefit.)

Come one, come all to World Circus Day at The Ringling as we join with communities around the globe to celebrate the rich history and extraordinary artistry of the circus arts. Enjoy Free Admission to the Circus Museum and the Bayfront Gardens.

In addition to free admission to our circus galleries, visitors can engage with circus history and the circus arts from traditions around the world throughout The Ringling campus.

Engage with circus performances and film, make your own circus-inspired art, and learn about the rich history of the American circus.

• Juggling Party in the Bayfront Gardens: 11:00 am

• Family Art Making in the Education Building, 10:30 am – 3:00 pm

• Film @ The HAT | Buster Bailey archival film footage of the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

• The Queen’s Influence: The Vanishing Culture of Hiko in Tonga: 4:00 pm. Watch this documentary screening in the Historic Asolo Theater followed by a “Talk Back” with Director Paprika Leaverton

‘The Queen’s Influence – The Vanishing Culture of Hiko in Tonga” is an award-winning documentary about a Polynesian Island Group of women jugglers in Tonga.  Paprika as the host, will take you on an adventure through these amazing Islands of Tonga located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with many insights into the women’s lives told through the artform of the hiko or juggling.  This tropical and isolated lifestyle where all women juggle (and no men) is highly unusual in a male dominated world of juggling.  Queen Salote of Tonga helped save the cultural dance/hiko and put Tonga on the map at Queen Elizabeth’s 1953 Coronation with a very unusual story complete with never before seen historical footage. www.hikofilm.com  Please note: This program will require (free) tickets due to limited space.

Tickets