41 Amazing Circus Party Ideas

Collection of the best circus theme party ideas

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!





Collection of the best circus theme party ideas

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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 in a circus theme birthday party

Elephant Circus Peanuts from The Sweetest Occasion

Popcorn cupcakes at a circus theme party

Circus Popcorn Cupcakes from Mess for Less

Marshmallows dumbbells at a circus birthday party

Marshmallow dumbbells from Spaceships and Laserbeams

Cute idea for serving food at a circus theme party

Vendor Boxes from Bringing Home Ezra

Cotton candy cones at a circus theme party

Cotton Candy Cones from Gwynn Wasson Designs

Animal crackers are a must at a circus birthday party

Bucket of Animal Crackers from Then She Smiles

Cute circus cookies at a circus theme party

Custom Circus Cookies from Sugar Chic Design

A popcorn bar doubles as circus party decorations and food

DIY Popcorn Bar from Your Home Based Mom

Incorporate veggies into a circus birthday party with this circus clown

Veggie Clown from Angenuity

An elephant fruit salad makes one great circus themed party menu item

Water Elephant Fruit Salad from Weddings by Susan

Snow cone cupcakes at a circus birthday party

Sno-Cone Cupcakes (that look like clown hair) from The Partioligist

Clown cupcakes make cute circus party ideas

The Cutest Clown Cupcakes from Amee’s Savory Dish

Circus animal cheesecake at a pink and white circus party

Circus Animal Cheesecake from Aww Sam

Grape balloon animals are fun for kids at a circus party

Grape Balloon Animals from Kiddie Foodies

Circus theme party food ideas


frozen games for birthday party

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.

A popcorn arch at a circus theme party

Popcorn Balloon Arch from Lola Tangled

Clown noses at a circus party

Noses for Clowning Around by Inspired by This

Circus party rosettes to use as circus party decorations

Circus Party Rosettes from The Parties That Pop

A circus photo booth at a circus party

DIY Fake Dumbbell from Lu Loves Handmade

Circus party table with a DIY tablecloth tent

DIY Tablecloth Circus Tent Backdrop from Nice People Stamp

Cute circus party centerpieces you can make

Circus Centerpieces from Rosie’s Posh Parties

Circus party fabric bunting

Carnival Themed Fabric Banner from Starlit Nest

Circus party hat on top of a girl

DIY Circus Party Hats from Oh Happy Day

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Vintage circus party invites

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!

A girl walking a hire wire at a circus party

High Wire Walk (and other circus ideas) from Delightful Learning

A DIY elephant game at a circus theme party

Feed the Elephant Game from Planet of the Apels

A guessing booth game at a circus birthday party

Candy Guess the Number Game from East Coast Mommy

Printable circus bingo game for a circus party

Printable Circus Bingo Game

Circus party photo booth

Big-Top Photo Booth from Bird’s Party

Flaming hoop game at a circus theme party

Flaming Hoops Circus Activity from The Inspired Treehouse

Make your own Toy Story Midway Mania games at home with this fun outdoor games tutorial! With everything from a homemade balloon darts to a punch box, so many fun ideas!

Balloon Dart Toss & Other DIY Carnival Games from Play Party Plan

A tin can knock down game and other circus party ideas

Tin Can Alley Game from Dig A Dig Home

Circus theme party games and more


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!

Circus party favor bags

Vintage Circus Animal Favor Bags from Josie Kat Strunk

Carnival game fish in a soap make a great circus theme party favor

Fish in a Bag Soaps from Mad Hatter Party

Gold animal topped circus party favors

Vintage Animal Jar Favors from Michelle’s Party Plan-It

Cotton Candy Circus Favors from Just Baked Sweet

Circus tent circus party favors

Big-Top Box Favors from M Gulin Paper Crafts

Collection of the best circus theme party ideas

Other Circus Party Supplies