SeeCalifornia.com

Pictured is Circus Vargas show, Dreaming of Pirates, appearing in several California cities in the Spring 2018. Scroll down for more info.

With the closure of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in May 2017 it seemed like the end of the circus in America. Recent years have brought attention to treatment of animals in circuses and zoos, and removing one of the key attractions — dangerous interactions with wild & untamed  lions, tigers and elephants — seemed an insurmountable challenge. In many cases, it was, causing companies to shut down after more than 100 years of traveling shows Under the Big Top.

Not all is lost, as evidenced by the reinvention of circus entertainment with themed shows that include enhanced lighting, staging, music and costumes to tell stories.  Even permanent theme park attractions such as SeaWorld San Diego, where killer whale shows were removed from schedules, are providing colorful and inventive entertainment solutions to stay in business.

The Circus is Coming!

Circus Vargas

• NATIONAL CITY: Feb.8-19, 2018
• ESCONDIDO: Feb.22-Ma.5
• TEMECULA: Mar.8-19
• PALM DESERT: Mar.22-26

American Crown Circus

• EL MONTE: Feb.15-19
• WESTMINSTER: Feb.22-26
• LAGUNA HILLS: Mar.1-5

Cirque du Soleil

• COSTA MESA: Luzia Feb.21-Mar.25
• SAN DIEGO: Crystal Mar.21-25
• SAN JOSE: Crystal Mar.28-Apr.1
• INGLEWOOD: Soda Stereo May 3-6

Circus Bella – free Circus in Parks shows

• OAKLAND: June 14
• SAN FRANCISCO: June 22
• OAKLAND: July 13
• SAN FRANCISCO: July 21
• OAKLAND: July 22
• SAN FRANCISCO: July 29