Ringling Bros. Circus in Atlanta, GA: What to Expect, Where to Go, and How to Plan Your Visit

If you’re searching for “Ringling Bros Circus in Atlanta GA”, you’re probably trying to figure out when the circus is coming to town, what the new show is like, and how to plan your visit in and around Atlanta. This guide walks you through how the modern Ringling Bros. show works, how it typically fits into Atlanta’s event landscape, and what locals and visitors should know before buying tickets.

Is Ringling Bros. Circus Coming to Atlanta?

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey has been relaunched as a modern, animal-free circus experience that tours major arenas across the United States. When it comes to Atlanta, Georgia, the show typically appears at large indoor venues that can handle big productions, such as:

• State Farm Arena (Downtown Atlanta)
  1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Gas South Arena (Duluth / Gwinnett County, metro Atlanta)
  6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097

The exact venue and dates change from year to year, so the best approach for Atlanta-area residents is to:

1. Check the current Ringling Bros. tour schedule (by searching their official site).
2. Look at State Farm Arena and Gas South Arena event calendars.
3. Be flexible with metro Atlanta locations, since big touring shows sometimes route through Duluth, Lawrenceville, or other nearby cities instead of downtown.

If you’re planning travel specifically to see the circus in Atlanta, it’s wise to confirm dates and showtimes first, then build your trip around that.

What Is the New Ringling Bros. Show Like?

The “new” Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is designed more like a high-energy live stunt and performance show than the traditional three-ring circus many remember from childhood.

Common elements you can expect when it comes through the Atlanta area include:

• Acrobats and aerialists performing high above the arena floor
• BMX and stunt-style acts using ramps and tracks
• Juggling, balancing, and tumbling acts with a modern twist
• Music, lighting, and digital effects designed to feel like a live concert
• Interactive and high-pace segments that keep kids engaged

Importantly, the touring show is now animal-free, so there are no elephants, tigers, or other performing animals. For many Atlanta families, that’s an important factor in deciding whether to attend.

Typical Atlanta-Area Venues and Neighborhood Tips

1. State Farm Arena (Downtown Atlanta)

Address: 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303

Why Ringling might play here:

• It’s a major NBA arena and a common stop for big touring shows.
• Located beside Mercedes-Benz Stadium and CNN Center in the heart of downtown.

Parking & transportation:

• Multiple parking decks and surface lots surround the arena.
• Easy access from MARTA:
  • Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (West Line) is the closest stop.
• For families, many find it easier to take MARTA or pre-book a parking spot when available.

Nearby food & activities:

• CNN Center food court (when open), plus restaurants in the Centennial Olympic Park area.
• Walking distance to Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park, which can turn circus day into a full downtown outing.

2. Gas South Arena (Duluth, Metro Atlanta)

Address: 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097

Why the circus might play here:

• Popular for touring family shows, concerts, and ice shows.
• Located just off I-85, often easier to reach for families in Gwinnett, Hall, Barrow, and northeast metro.

Parking & transportation:

• Large on-site parking lots with event parking rates.
• No heavy reliance on MARTA here; most attendees drive and park.

Nearby food & activities:

• Numerous chain restaurants and local spots along Sugarloaf Parkway.
• Shops and eateries in the nearby Duluth and Lawrenceville areas.

How to Find and Choose Ringling Bros. Tickets in Atlanta

Where to look for tickets

When the circus visits the Atlanta area, tickets are typically sold through:

• The arena box office (in person or via official ticketing platforms)
• Official tour pages for Ringling Bros.

To avoid scams or inflated prices, Atlanta residents often:

• Start from the venue’s official website (State Farm Arena or Gas South Arena).
• Navigate to the specific event page from there.
• Confirm that the ticket vendor is the official partner of the venue.

Choosing your seats

A few practical pointers for Atlanta families and visitors:

• Lower bowl vs. upper level:
  • Lower bowl seats bring you closer to the action.
  • Upper level often offers a full view of the performance and can be more budget-friendly.
• Side vs. end seating:
  • Side sections frequently have the most balanced view of aerial rigs and center-stage stunts.
• Families with small children:
  • Consider seats a bit higher up for a wider, less obstructed view, especially for kids.

If you’re sensitive to sound or bright lights, you may prefer seats a little farther from the speakers and main lighting rigs, which are commonly clustered near one side or end of the arena.

When Does Ringling Bros. Usually Come Through Atlanta?

Tour schedules change year to year, but when Ringling Bros. includes Atlanta on its route, it often:

• Comes during a touring season that aligns with other major shows visiting the Southeast.
• Appears for a limited run, such as a long weekend or a handful of days with multiple performances.

To stay ahead:

1. Check tour dates early in the year if you want to plan far in advance.
2. Sign up for event alerts from State Farm Arena or Gas South Arena if you frequently attend shows.
3. If you live in the metro area, also watch listings for other large arenas in nearby cities (like Augusta, Macon, or Birmingham) if you’re willing to drive.

What to Expect for Families Attending in Atlanta

Show length and pacing

While exact timing can vary, families can usually expect:

• Around 2 hours of performance time, often with a short intermission.
• High-energy pacing, with quick transitions between acts to keep kids interested.

Plan for time to park, go through security, and find your seats. In downtown Atlanta, that can easily add 30–60 minutes to your schedule, especially for weekend or evening shows.

Food, drinks, and souvenirs

At Atlanta-area arenas, you’ll typically find:

• Concession stands selling snacks, drinks, and quick bites.
• Souvenir stands with themed items, toys, and apparel related to the circus.

Food and souvenirs can be more expensive than standard restaurant prices, so many families:

• Eat before arriving or immediately after the show.
• Set a souvenir budget ahead of time with kids.

Note that outside food and drinks are usually restricted by arena policies, with exceptions sometimes made for medical or infant needs. Check the venue’s rules in advance.

Getting to the Circus: Atlanta Transportation Tips

If you’re driving downtown (State Farm Arena)

• Plan for heavy traffic around event start and end times, especially if there are sports games or other events nearby.
• Many locals use:
  • I-20, I-75, or I-85 to access the downtown area.
  • Northside Drive and Marietta Street routes to reach surface lots and garages.
• Consider using MARTA from a park-and-ride station (such as Doraville, Sandy Springs, or Decatur) to avoid downtown parking.

If you’re driving to Gas South Arena

• Take I-85 to the Sugarloaf Parkway exit.
• Allow extra time for parking lot entry, especially for weekend matinee shows popular with families.
• Review the arena’s parking map and entry points so you know which lot best matches your assigned entrance.

Accessibility and Special Considerations

Both State Farm Arena and Gas South Arena generally offer:

• Accessible seating options for guests with mobility limitations.
• Access to elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms.
• Designated drop-off areas close to entrances.

If anyone in your party has accessibility needs:

• Contact the box office or guest services at the chosen venue before purchasing tickets.
• Ask about:
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Companion seating
  • Assistive listening devices (where available)
  • Early entry or specific gate suggestions

Quick Planning Checklist for Atlanta-Area Circus-Goers

Below is a simple snapshot to help you organize your visit when Ringling Bros. announces Atlanta dates:

Alternatives and Related Experiences in Atlanta

If you’re exploring circus-style entertainment more broadly in the Atlanta area, you may also consider:

• Other touring shows (acrobatic, stunt, or ice shows) that regularly use the same arenas.
• Local performing arts schools or youth circus programs in and around Atlanta that occasionally host showcases or themed events.
• Seasonal events at major Atlanta attractions that incorporate aerial or stunt-style performances.

These can be good options if Ringling Bros. isn’t scheduled in Atlanta during your preferred dates but you still want a circus-like experience.

How Atlanta Residents Can Stay Updated

Because touring schedules evolve, the most reliable strategy for Atlanta-area residents and visitors is to:

• Periodically search for “Ringling Bros Atlanta” along with the upcoming year.
• Check the event calendars of:
  • State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
  • Gas South Arena, Duluth, GA
• Sign up for email or text alerts from these venues if you attend shows regularly.

By keeping an eye on these sources, you’ll know quickly when Ringling Bros. Circus announces dates in Atlanta, GA, and you’ll be in a good position to select the best showtime, seats, and transportation plan for you or your family.