Circus in Atlanta: Your Guide to Big Tops, Aerial Arts, and Family-Friendly Fun

Looking for circus in Atlanta—whether that means a touring big-top show, local circus schools, or places to learn aerial silks and trapeze? Atlanta has a surprisingly rich circus scene that blends entertainment, fitness, and performing arts.

This guide walks you through what “Circus Atlanta” can mean, where to find shows and classes, and how to choose the right option for you or your family.

The Circus Scene in Atlanta: What You’ll Find

In Atlanta, “circus” usually falls into three main categories:

1. Touring & big-top circus shows – large productions that visit the metro area.
2. Local circus schools & training studios – year-round classes and workshops.
3. Community & youth circus programs – camps, after-school programs, and performance groups.

Understanding which category you’re interested in makes it easier to know where to look and what to expect.

Touring Circus Shows in the Atlanta Area

Atlanta regularly hosts touring circus productions that set up in major venues or pop-up big tops. These shows are usually:

• In town for a limited run (days to a couple of weeks).
• Held at large venues such as:
  • State Farm Arena – 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Gas South Arena – 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth, GA 30097
  • Ameris Bank Amphitheatre – 2200 Encore Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30009
• Ticketed events with assigned seating and varied price levels.

How to find circus tours when you’re in Atlanta

Because touring schedules change often, locals typically:

• Check major venue calendars (arena, amphitheater, or large fairgrounds).
• Watch for big-top tents going up near malls or large parking areas around the metro.
• Look at county fair and festival lineups (e.g., Gwinnett, Cobb, or North Georgia events).

If you live in Atlanta, it can be useful to:

• Sign up for venue email lists for State Farm Arena or Gas South Arena.
• Watch local news event roundups, especially around spring, summer, and holiday seasons, when many touring shows visit.

Learning Circus Arts in Atlanta: Classes & Training

If “Circus Atlanta” to you means doing circus—like aerial silks, trapeze, handstands, or acrobatics—Atlanta has several studios focused on circus-inspired fitness and performance training.

Common types of circus classes offered in Atlanta

Most Atlanta-area circus or aerial studios offer:

• Aerial silks / fabric – climbing, wraps, and drops on long hanging fabric.
• Lyra (aerial hoop) – a suspended steel hoop for poses and transitions.
• Static or flying trapeze – bar-based aerial work; sometimes outdoors in good weather.
• Acrobatics & tumbling – floor skills, handstands, partner acro.
• Contortion & flexibility – focused stretching and mobility.
• Youth circus classes – child- or teen-focused programs that mix multiple skills.

You’ll often find:

• Beginner-friendly intro classes (no experience needed).
• Session-based series that build skills over several weeks.
• Open gym / practice time for independent training once you’ve met prerequisites.

What to ask when choosing a circus or aerial studio

When comparing Atlanta studios, it’s useful to ask:

• Age limits: Minimum ages for kids’ classes and whether adults can start as complete beginners.
• Safety policies: Matting, spotting practices, and instructor training.
• Schedule & traffic: Class times that realistically fit your commute through Atlanta traffic.
• Performance opportunities: Student showcases or local events if you want to perform.
• Drop-in vs. series: Whether you can try one class before committing to a full session.

Youth & Family Circus Options in Atlanta

Parents in Atlanta often look for circus as an alternative to traditional sports or dance, especially for kids who enjoy creative movement.

What youth circus programs typically offer

Youth circus programs around Atlanta may include:

• Multi-discipline classes – kids rotate through aerial, juggling, balance, and acro.
• Summer camps & school-break camps – week-long daytime sessions.
• After-school programs – recurring weekly classes during the school year.
• Showcases – end-of-session performances for family and friends.

Benefits families commonly look for include:

• Building strength and coordination in a playful way.
• Improving focus, confidence, and teamwork.
• Providing a unique creative outlet beyond standard sports.

Tips for Atlanta parents

When evaluating a circus camp or class for your child in the metro area:

• Confirm pick-up/drop-off logistics given Atlanta’s rush-hour patterns.
• Ask about class size and instructor-to-student ratios.
• Check if they offer trial classes to see if your child enjoys the environment.
• Note parking and access (especially intown spaces where street parking may be limited).

How to Find Circus Studios and Programs Near You

Because specific studio lineups can change, the most reliable approach in Atlanta is to combine online searching with local arts community resources.

Helpful starting points

You can:

• Search terms like “aerial silks Atlanta,” “circus classes Atlanta,” “youth circus Atlanta,” or add your neighborhood (e.g., “Decatur,” “Midtown,” “Sandy Springs”).
• Check performing arts centers and community arts spaces for hosted workshops.
• Look at local recreation departments (e.g., City of Atlanta Parks & Recreation or nearby cities like Decatur, Roswell, or Sandy Springs) for any circus-style movement programs.

Using Atlanta’s arts and event networks

Atlanta’s arts community often cross-promotes circus events through:

• Local event calendars run by arts councils and neighborhood associations.
• Social media accounts for dance, theater, and aerial studios.
• Flyers posted at coffee shops and community boards in arts-focused neighborhoods such as Little Five Points, Old Fourth Ward, Westside, and Decatur.

What Circus in Atlanta Typically Costs

Costs vary by studio, program type, and location within the metro. Here’s a general, simplified overview so you know what’s typical to expect:

*Actual prices depend on the provider, neighborhood, and program length. It’s best to confirm directly with the specific Atlanta-area studio or event.

Safety, Accessibility, and What to Expect

Safety considerations

Responsible circus and aerial programs around Atlanta typically:

• Use professional rigging and appropriate crash mats.
• Require warmups and skill-appropriate progressions.
• Encourage students to work within their limits and communicate injuries or concerns.

If you’re new, it’s reasonable to ask:

• How instructors are trained or certified.
• How often equipment is inspected.
• Whether there are waivers and clear studio policies available up front.

What to wear and bring

For most circus classes in Atlanta:

• Wear fitted, stretchy clothing (leggings, snug shirts).
• Avoid zippers, jewelry, or anything that could catch on fabric or apparatus.
• Bring water—especially during Atlanta’s warmer months when studios can feel hot.
• Some studios recommend long sleeves or pants for aerial work to protect skin.

Circus as Fitness vs. Performance in Atlanta

People in Atlanta join circus programs for different reasons:

• Fitness & cross-training: Many adults use aerial or acrobatics as a fun alternative to the gym.
• Artistic expression: Some are drawn to choreography, costuming, and creative performance.
• Professional track: A smaller group aims to perform regularly at events, festivals, or in touring shows.

If you’re more fitness-focused, look for studios that emphasize:

• Regular class schedules.
• Clear progressions in strength and conditioning.
• Options like open gyms or cross-training classes.

If you’re performance-minded, ask about:

• Student showcases and local events where you can perform.
• Opportunities to collaborate with dancers, musicians, or theater groups in Atlanta.
• Coaching for act development, costuming, and stage presence.

Planning Your Circus Experience in Atlanta

Here’s a quick way to decide your next step based on what “Circus Atlanta” means to you:

• 🎪 You want to watch a circus show:

  • Check listings for State Farm Arena, Gas South Arena, and major fairgrounds.
  • Look at seasonal festivals and county fairs for circus-style acts.

• 🤸 You want to try a class (adult or teen):

  • Search for aerial or circus studios in your specific Atlanta neighborhood.
  • Start with a beginner or intro class before committing to a series.

• 🎭 You want something for your kids or family:

  • Look for “youth circus” or “circus camp” options in the metro.
  • Consider commute, parking, and schedule with Atlanta’s traffic in mind.

Key Takeaways for Circus in Atlanta

• Atlanta offers both big touring circus shows and local circus arts training.
• You can find aerial silks, trapeze, acrobatics, and youth circus programs across the metro area.
• Touring shows usually appear at major venues like State Farm Arena and Gas South Arena, while ongoing classes are held at dedicated studios and arts spaces.
• Always confirm schedule, cost, safety practices, and experience level requirements before you go.

With a bit of planning—and an eye on local event calendars—you can watch world-class circus performances in Atlanta or become part of the city’s growing circus arts community yourself.