These circus theme party ideas will have you saying that was the greatest party ever! With everything from popcorn cupcakes to circus bingo, this collection of circus birthday ideas is perfect for any age, any color scheme, and anyone who just wants to have an exciting time!
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything via my affiliate links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Why a Circus Party?
If you’ve been living under a rock, you may not have seen The Greatest Showman when it came out last year or when it was released to DVD and Blu-Ray this year. If you haven’t seen it, you’re totally missing out. It’s the best circus movie and probably the best movie musical I’ve ever seen. And it’s inspired circus party craze everywhere.
And that circus party craze isn’t going anywhere. From The Greatest Showman to Dumbo, circus themes are around to stay!
Dumbo is still one of the most popular even though it’s kind of lame ride at Walt Disney World. And I recommend you skip it if you only have one day at Disney World. Dumbo, one of the most classic movies of all time. And saddest.
The Best Circus Party Ideas
Okay so between The Greatest Showman and Dumbo, I’m guessing the circus party theme isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Not only that, it’s just plain fun. Color, junk food, and daring entertainment = one amazing party!
These circus party ideas can help you pull off the greatest party ever!
Circus Theme Party Food Ideas
One of the most important parts of any circus is great food! And I’ve rounded up some of the cutest circus party ideas in the form of food you’ve ever seen. You might even say the greatest menu you’ve ever seen!
From popcorn to circus animal cheesecake, there’s pretty much something for every age, every appetite, and every color scheme!
Elephant Circus Peanuts from The Sweetest Occasion
Circus Popcorn Cupcakes from Mess for Less
Marshmallow dumbbells from Spaceships and Laserbeams
Vendor Boxes from Bringing Home Ezra
Cotton Candy Cones from Gwynn Wasson Designs
Bucket of Animal Crackers from Then She Smiles
Custom Circus Cookies from Sugar Chic Design
DIY Popcorn Bar from Your Home Based Mom
Water Elephant Fruit Salad from Weddings by Susan
Sno-Cone Cupcakes (that look like clown hair) from The Partioligist
The Cutest Clown Cupcakes from Amee’s Savory Dish
Circus Animal Cheesecake from Aww Sam
Grape Balloon Animals from Kiddie Foodies
Circus Theme Party Decorations
A circus party isn’t a circus party unless it looks like a circus. Think big-top tents, red and white stripes, and of course – lots of color! These are some of the cutest circus decorations (and circus party supplies) I could find! Dumbo’s mom would be proud.
Popcorn Balloon Arch from Lola Tangled
Noses for Clowning Around by Inspired by This
Circus Party Rosettes from The Parties That Pop
DIY Fake Dumbbell from Lu Loves Handmade
DIY Tablecloth Circus Tent Backdrop from Nice People Stamp
Circus Centerpieces from Rosie’s Posh Parties
Carnival Themed Fabric Banner from Starlit Nest
DIY Circus Party Hats from Oh Happy Day
Vintage Circus Party Invites from Party Monkey
Circus Theme Party Games & Activities
One of the highlights of any circus is the entertainment. Watching someone swing from a trapeze to watching a lion jump through a flaming hoop of doom – it’s the entertainment that makes it a circus. Pick any of these fun activities to make your circus almost as fun as a real one. Almost!
High Wire Walk (and other circus ideas) from Delightful Learning
Feed the Elephant Game from Planet of the Apels
Candy Guess the Number Game from East Coast Mommy
Big-Top Photo Booth from Bird’s Party
Flaming Hoops Circus Activity from The Inspired Treehouse
Balloon Dart Toss & Other DIY Carnival Games from Play Party Plan
Tin Can Alley Game from Dig A Dig Home
Circus Party Favors
You can’t send people home empty handed! Instead help them remember what a wonderful time they had at your circus party with one of these great circus theme party favors or goody bags!
Vintage Circus Animal Favor Bags from Josie Kat Strunk
Fish in a Bag Soaps from Mad Hatter Party
Vintage Animal Jar Favors from Michelle’s Party Plan-It
Cotton Candy Circus Favors from Just Baked Sweet
Big-Top Box Favors from M Gulin Paper Crafts
Other Circus Party Supplies
- Circus Play Tent
- Red Clown Noses
- Barnum’s Animal Cracker Boxes
- Red & White Striped Tablecloth
- Circus Photo Booth Background
Cassandra Ferguson says
Please kindly remove the cotton candy favors from Be the Hostess, from this post, as Brandi has repeatedly used my clip art for these without permission and is in breach of copyright in doing so.
BritniV says
I just removed it, thanks for letting me know.
Cassandra Ferguson says
Thanks so much Britni.
Experiential Marketing says
Wonderful post! You are sharing such an informative post. I am glad to read this post and found some great circus themed ideas. Thanks for sharing and please keep sharing.
BritniV says
thank you
Hairstyles says
Wow! This is one of the most helpful blogs We have ever came across on this subject. Actually Magnificent. I am also a specialist in this topic so I can understand your hard work.
BritniV says
Thank you