- Categories:
- Fun
- Tags:
- Obscure
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every March 28
- Holiday emoji:
- 🎪
Barnum & Bailey Day celebrates the enduring legacy of the iconic circus every March 28. This day honors the thrilling entertainment that captivated audiences for over a century, from its founding by Phineas Barnum and James Bailey to its final acts. Explore its history, share your favorite circus memories, and appreciate the spectacle.
Want to sponsor Barnum & Bailey Day? Learn how
Expected Barnum & Bailey Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that entertainment venues and family attractions often roll out special deals. Look for discounts at local circuses, amusement parks, or even themed restaurants. Brands like Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey may offer merchandise sales, while streaming services could feature classic circus documentaries. Keep an eye out for special offers from toy companies like Melissa & Doug or costume retailers like Spirit Halloween, who might lean into the theatricality. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as March 28 approaches.
Platform Guide for Barnum & Bailey Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #BarnumBaileyDay. Share short videos of circus-inspired acts, costume reveals, or historical facts.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #BarnumBaileyDay. Post vibrant photos of vintage circus posters, behind-the-scenes looks at modern circuses, or creative fan art.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BarnumBaileyDay. Share memories of attending the circus, discuss its cultural impact, or organize a themed watch party.
Barnum & Bailey Day Hero
P.T. Barnum
History of Barnum & Bailey Day
If you’ve never heard about this day before, by now you should have an idea of what this entertaining day is all about. Today we are focusing the spotlight, literally and figuratively, on circuses. Not just any circus, one of the greatest of all time.
The Barnum & Bailey Circus, later known as The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, was first established in 1881 and has a long history that has contributed to its tremendous popularity. The circus ran for over a century, until 2017, and became self-proclaimed as the “Greatest Show on Earth.”
The origin of modern circuses began in the 1700s in England with Philip Astley. He was the first person to create a one-stop show for horseriding tricks, acrobats, clowns, and other forms of entertainment. The Royal Circus was opened later in the same century and was the first time the term circus was ever used.
John Bill Ricketts brought the circus to the United States for the first time in 1792, and over 30 years later, the first canvas tent was used thanks to Joshuah Purdy Brown. A complete revolution of the circus, however, was seen with the launch of the first-ever freak show by P. T. Barnum.
After his retirement, Barnum partnered with William Cameron Coup to create The P. T. Barnum’s Museum, Menagerie & Circus, which was dubbed the “Greatest Show on Earth,” and was also the first show to make use of circus trains for transportation. A decade after, James Anthony Bailey convinced Barnum to merge their independent circus acts to create Barnum and Bailey’s Circus. Following the death of both partners, the circus was sold to the Ringling Bros. World’s Greatest Shows and was run separately until eventually being merged as The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Barnum & Bailey Day timeline
Charles Dibdin establishes The Royal Circus, and was the inventor of the term ‘circus.’
John Bill Ricketts brings the first circus to America, located in Philadelphia.
P. T. Barnum partners with Dan Castello and William Cameron Coup to create P.T. Barnum's Great Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan, and Hippodrome.
Barnum and Bailey merge their circuses to create Barnum and Bailey's Circus.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Barnum & Bailey Day
Local businesses can tap into the nostalgic charm of Barnum & Bailey Day by creating circus-themed promotions. Restaurants could offer ‘Big Top Burgers’ or ‘Clown Car Cocktails.’ Retailers might decorate their windows with vintage circus imagery and host a ‘Ringmaster’s Raffle.’ Partner with local performers for a small, family-friendly show or offer discounts to customers who share their favorite circus memories on social media, tagging #BarnumBaileyDay.
Barnum & Bailey Day FAQs
When is Barnum & Bailey Day?
In 2027, Barnum & Bailey Day is observed on Sunday, March 28. This annual date provides a consistent moment to appreciate the enduring legacy of ‘The Greatest Show on Earth.’
Who founded the Barnum & Bailey Circus?
Phineas T. Barnum first launched his own show in 1871, later partnering with James A. Bailey in 1881 to form the Barnum & Bailey Circus. This collaboration brought together their unique talents to create an unparalleled spectacle.
How long did the Barnum & Bailey Circus run?
From its founding by P.T. Barnum in the 1870s to its merger with the Ringling Bros. in 1919, the circus continued under the combined name for decades. Its legacy of thrilling shows spanned well over a century, cementing its place in entertainment history.
What was 'The Greatest Show on Earth'?
More than just a slogan, ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ represented the ultimate in live entertainment, featuring acrobats, clowns, animal acts, and daring feats. It became synonymous with the magic and wonder of the American circus experience.
Barnum & Bailey Day Activities
Visit the circus
Yes, circuses still exist to date! There are several animal and performance circuses scattered across the world. Today provides the best opportunity to try something new by visiting the circus. Pick the one closest to you, and head out with friends and family for an entertainment-filled day.
Watch performances online
If you do not have the opportunity to visit a circus in person, that’s okay. Thanks to the internet, you can watch live circus performances like acrobats, tightrope walkers, and jugglers, right from the comfort of your bed. Go online and see what you can find.
Learn more about circuses
We have only given a very brief introduction to circuses and their evolution over time. Take some time out to learn more about the Barnum & Bailey Circus, and the history of circuses in general. Don’t forget to share your findings and spread the word about this day!
5 Interesting Facts About The Circus
It had a different meaning
Before the evolution of modern circuses, the term was used to describe horse rings in ancient Rome.
Tightrope is not a straight line
There are eight different variations of tightrope walking.
They have superstitions
Circus performers consider whistling and eating peanuts backstage a cause of bad luck, and carry hair from an elephant’s tail as good luck.
There was a floating one
The Floating Circus Palace was an over 3,000-capacity circus floating on a barge from the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.
Leotards are named after someone
The gymnastic leotard costumes were named after the first flying trapeze star, Jules Leotard.
Why We Love Barnum & Bailey Day
It’s a fun day
What’s more fun than a circus? This day is all about having a good time in one of the most entertaining ways known in human history. We love a good opportunity to take a break, let loose, and have a little fun, and that’s what today is all about.
We learn about the circus
Circuses are often seen as dated forms of entertainment, and their history isn’t exactly common knowledge. This day gives us a good way to learn all about the circus and its contribution to the entertainment industry.
It gives due recognition
Barnum & Bailey Day was created to recognize the “Greatest Show on Earth,” and although this title was initially self-proclaimed, it grew into its relevance with a proven track record of over a century long. We love giving recognition when it’s due and this day creates that platform.
Social Media Tips for Barnum & Bailey Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands