Atlanta Circus Guide: Big Tops, Small Troupes, and Where to See the Show

Atlanta doesn’t have a permanent “big top” circus downtown, but the city has a surprisingly active circus scene—from touring big-name shows to local circus schools, aerial arts studios, and family-friendly performances.

If you’re searching for “Atlanta circus”, you’re usually looking for one of three things:

• A touring circus or Cirque-style show coming through town
• Local circus classes (aerial silks, trapeze, juggling, clowning)
• A circus-themed event for kids, parties, or a night out

This guide walks through the main options in and around Atlanta, Georgia, what to expect, and how to pick the right kind of circus experience for you.

Big Circus Shows in Atlanta

Most large-scale circuses and contemporary circus shows come to Atlanta on tour, often for limited runs. They don’t operate year-round in the city, so planning ahead matters.

Common venues for touring circuses

When major circus productions visit Atlanta, they often perform at:

• State Farm Arena
  1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Hosts large-scale touring shows and family events.

• Gas South Arena (in Duluth, part of Metro Atlanta)
  6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth, GA 30097
  A frequent stop for traveling circuses and ice shows.

• The Fox Theatre
  660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  Occasionally hosts Cirque-style or theatrical circus productions.

• Pullman Yards
  225 Rogers St NE, Atlanta, GA 30317
  Sometimes used for immersive or pop-up style circus and variety shows.

👉 Tip: For touring circuses in Atlanta, check the upcoming events calendar at these venues or search by date plus “circus” (for example, “Atlanta circus shows March”).

Local Circus Schools and Training in Atlanta

Atlanta has a growing circus arts community, where adults, teens, and even kids learn skills like aerial silks, trapeze, handstands, and acrobatics. These spaces regularly host student showcases that feel like small, intimate circus performances.

Aerial and circus training spaces

While offerings can change over time, Atlanta is typically home to:

• Aerial arts studios – teaching aerial silks, lyra (aerial hoop), sling, and trapeze
• Circus schools – combining aerial, acro, juggling, clowning, and performance
• Acrobatics and handbalancing classes – sometimes offered inside gymnastics or circus studios
• Youth circus programs – after-school or weekend training for kids

Common features you’ll see:

• Intro/beginner classes that require no experience
• Drop-in classes plus series-based courses
• Showcases where students perform for the public (often ticketed but affordable)
• Private lessons for people building skills more intensively or creating acts

If you’re in Atlanta and curious about circus:

• Search for “Atlanta aerial silks classes”, “Atlanta circus school”, or “Atlanta aerial studio”
• Filter by neighborhood (e.g., Midtown, West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Decatur) to reduce commute time
• Check photos of the space to confirm ceiling height, rigging points, and crash mats are clearly in place

Family-Friendly “Circus” Experiences Around Atlanta

If you’re trying to entertain kids, Atlanta offers several circus-flavored experiences, even when a touring circus isn’t in town.

1. Zoo Atlanta & animal-free circus trends

Traditional circuses with exotic animals have become less common in and around Atlanta. Families who want to see animals often pair a day at Zoo Atlanta with other performance-based activities instead of seeking out animal acts.

• Zoo Atlanta
  800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

You may see circus-style performers at festivals near Grant Park, at neighborhood events, or at special attractions—but large-scale animal circuses are now relatively rare.

2. Festivals, parades, and neighborhood events

Throughout the year, Atlanta hosts festivals and community events where you might catch:

• Stilt walkers
• Fire spinners (often in controlled, permitted settings)
• Jugglers and flow artists
• Acrobatic troupes and aerial rigs (especially at arts festivals)

Common places to look:

• Atlanta BeltLine events (around the Eastside and Westside Trails)
• Little Five Points festivals and parades
• Grant Park, Piedmont Park, and Old Fourth Ward festivals

These performers may not advertise as a “circus,” but they bring a circus-style atmosphere to outdoor events.

Circus Classes for Kids in Atlanta

Parents searching “Atlanta circus” are often looking for something active and creative for children.

What kids’ circus programs often include

In Metro Atlanta, youth circus or circus-inspired classes may feature:

• Aerial hammocks or low silks (adapted for kids’ safety and size)
• Basic tumbling and acro (rolls, cartwheels, partner balances)
• Juggling, hoops, and prop skills
• Clowning and performance games to build confidence

Typical age ranges:

• Ages 5–7: Play-based movement, simple balance, and games
• Ages 8–12: More structured aerial or acrobatics skills
• Teens: Skills that are close to adult-level circus training

When evaluating a kids’ circus or aerial program in Atlanta:

• Ask about instructor-to-student ratios
• Confirm safety measures (crash mats, spotting, warm-ups, progressive skills)
• Check whether they run camps during Atlanta Public Schools breaks or summer

Search terms like “Atlanta kids circus camp”, “Atlanta aerial camp for kids,” or “youth aerial classes Atlanta” to find current programs.

Circus for Adults: Fitness, Fun, and Performance

Atlanta has become a regional spot for adult aerial and circus fitness, especially for people looking for something different from a standard gym.

Common adult circus options in Atlanta

You can usually find:

• Beginner aerial silks or lyra classes
• Intro to trapeze (static or dance trapeze)
• Handstands, flexibility, and contortion-inspired mobility classes
• Partner acrobatics or acro-yoga (often in parks or studios)
• Clowning/physical theatre workshops in arts-focused spaces

Things to consider before signing up:

• Location & parking – some studios are in industrial areas; check parking options ahead of time
• Level requirements – some classes truly start at zero, others expect core strength or prior training
• Show opportunities – many Atlanta studios host student showcases you can perform in after some time

Circus-Themed Parties and Private Events

If your interest in “Atlanta circus” is about planning an event—a birthday, corporate party, or festival—there are usually two main routes:

1. Hiring circus performers in Atlanta

You can often book:

• Aerialists (when the venue allows safe rigging or when performers bring freestanding rigs)
• Jugglers, stilt walkers, and hoop performers
• Fire dancers (only in settings with proper permits and outdoor space)
• Clowns or themed characters for kids’ parties

When booking circus performers in Metro Atlanta:

• Ask for video of past performances
• Confirm insurance coverage and any needed permits (especially for fire or rigging)
• Discuss ceiling height, structural beams, and weight limits with your venue if aerial acts are involved

2. Booking at a circus or aerial studio

Some Atlanta circus and aerial spaces offer:

• Birthday party packages (kids or adults)
• Team-building workshops for companies
• Bachelorette or special-occasion events with introductory aerial or circus skills

These can be easier logistically because:

• The rigging is already installed and tested
• The staff is used to hosting first-timers
• The space is designed around movement and safety

Quick Comparison: Ways to Experience “Circus” in Atlanta

Safety and Practical Tips for Atlanta Circus Activities

Whether you’re booking tickets or taking your first class, a bit of due diligence goes a long way.

For shows and events

• Check the venue: In Atlanta, traffic and parking can be challenging near downtown and Midtown venues. Plan extra time for State Farm Arena, Fox Theatre, and other high-traffic spots.
• Family considerations: Look for age recommendations and show length if bringing young children.
• Weather: For outdoor circus-style performers at festivals, expect possible weather-related schedule changes.

For classes and training

Before committing to a circus or aerial program in Atlanta:

• Verify instructor qualifications and years of teaching experience
• Look for clear studio policies on safety, warm-up, and progression
• Confirm parking, MARTA access, and nearby areas feel comfortable at the times you’ll be attending
• Ask whether you can observe a class or attend a trial session

How to Start Your Circus Journey in Atlanta

If you’re not sure where to begin:

1. Decide your goal

   • Watching a large circus show
   • Learning a new skill (aerial, juggling, acro)
   • Planning an event or party
   • Entertaining kids

2. Narrow down by neighborhood

   • Intown areas like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, West Midtown often host studios and arts spaces.
   • Suburban cities like Decatur, Sandy Springs, and Duluth may have easier parking and family-focused programs.

3. Search with specific terms

   • “Atlanta aerial silks beginner class”
   • “Atlanta circus show this weekend”
   • “Atlanta circus birthday party for kids”

4. Contact directly

   • Call or email studios or venues to confirm current schedules, age requirements, and any special rules (like waiver forms or dress codes).

Atlanta’s circus scene is spread out but vibrant. Whether you want to sit under the lights and watch the show or climb an aerial silk yourself, you can usually find an Atlanta-area option that fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level.