Are you ready to join the circus? Well, you don't have to run away and join the big top to experience the excitement and magic of a circus. Instead, you can throw a fantastic circus-themed party right in your own backyard (or any other venue of your choice). A circus-themed party is a fun and unique way to celebrate any occasion, from a child's birthday party to a festive get-together with friends. 

Did you know that the first modern circus was created by a British man named Philip Astley in 1768? Astley was a former cavalryman who created a show that included acrobatics, juggling, clowns, and equestrian feats. He also introduced the circus ring, which has become a standard feature of circuses ever since. So, the next time you throw a circus-themed party, you can impress your guests with this fun fact about the origins of the modern circus! 

In this article, we'll share some tips on how to throw a party that will transport you and your guests to the magical world of the circus. 

So, let's grab some cotton candy, put on our clown noses, and get ready to create a party that will be remembered long after the big top has come down!

1. Choose a Venue

The first step in throwing a circus-themed party is to choose a venue. The location you choose will set the tone for the entire event, so it’s important to choose a space that can accommodate all of your guests and the decorations and entertainment you have planned. If you have a large backyard or outdoor space, that can be a great place to hold your circus-themed party. However, if you need an indoor space, you can look for local event spaces, community centers, or even rent out a local park pavilion. 

2. Set the Scene

Circus party ideas

Once you have a venue, it’s time to start setting the scene for your circus-themed party. The decorations you choose will play a big role in creating the atmosphere of your party. Some ideas for circus-themed decorations include: 

  • Red and white stripes: Use red and white striped tablecloths, balloons, and banners to create a classic circus look.
  • Big Top tent: Hang a large circus tent canopy or set up a smaller one for a photo booth area.
  • Circus animals: Use stuffed animals or cardboard cutouts of circus animals such as elephants, lions, and tigers.
  • Balloons and streamers: Fill the venue with brightly colored balloons and streamers to create a festive atmosphere.
  • Popcorn: Use popcorn bags or bowls as table centerpieces or to fill a designated snack table.

3. Entertainment

Circus party entertainment ideas

A circus-themed party wouldn’t be complete without some circus-style entertainment. If you have children attending, you may want to include activities like a face painting station, balloon animals or a bounce house. You can also set up carnival-style games like a ring toss or beanbag toss, and award prizes to the winners. Here are some more ideas: 

  • Play circus-themed games: Set up carnival games such as ring toss, balloon darts, or a dunk tank. You can also create your own games such as a "strong man" competition or a clown nose relay race. 
  • Set up a photo booth: Create a fun and interactive photo booth for your guests with circus-themed props such as oversized clown glasses, top hats, feather boas, and fake mustaches. You can even create a backdrop with a circus tent or a big top.
  • Hire circus performers: If you really want to impress your guests, consider hiring professional circus performers such as acrobats, aerialists, fire breathers, or stilt walkers. They can perform in the background or as a main act, depending on your preference.  

4. Food and Drinks

Circus party food and drinks

No circus-themed party is complete without some fun and festive food and drinks. Some ideas for circus-themed treats include:

  • Cotton candy: Set up a cotton candy machine to make fresh, fluffy cotton candy for your guests.
  • Popcorn: Serve popcorn in classic red-and-white-striped boxes or bags.
  • Hot dogs: A classic carnival food, serve hot dogs with all the fixings like onions, ketchup, and mustard.
  • Lemonade: Serve lemonade in fun cups with striped straws.
  • Candy apples: A classic carnival treat, serve candy apples to your guests for a sweet treat.   

5. Dress Up

Circus party dress up

Encourage your guests to dress up in circus-themed costumes or accessories, such as clown noses, top hats, or animal masks. This will add to the festive atmosphere of the party and make for some great photo opportunities. 

6. Send Out Invitations

To make sure everyone knows about your circus-themed party, send out invitations that match the theme. You can use bright, colorful invitations with circus-themed designs or make your own using circus-themed stickers or images.

It's time to wrap up the greatest party on earth! We hope our tips have helped you plan a fantastic circus-themed party that will leave your guests amazed and entertained. If you're looking for some great party supplies and decorations for your circus-themed party, consider checking out Home & Hoopla. We have a wide range of circus-themed party decorations such as balloons, tableware, banners, and even photo booth props. You can also find circus-themed invitations and thank-you cards to add a special touch to your party.

Remember, with the right venue, decorations, entertainment, food, and costumes, you can create a magical circus atmosphere that will make your guests feel like they are part of the show. And, who knows, maybe your guests will be so inspired by your party that they'll start practicing their tightrope-walking or clown makeup skills. So, until the next circus comes to town, let's keep the spirit of the circus alive with our own extraordinary celebrations. Farewell and good luck, circus party planners!