About The Big Top Tour

Summer 2026

After extensive planning, financial modeling, and thoughtful discussion, the Board and leadership have made the difficult decision not to hold a Big Top tour this coming summer. This decision was made with great care and with the long-term health of the program in mind.

This pause applies only to the Big Top tour. Circus Smirkus remains fully active in 2026 — Smirkus Camp, school residencies, and year-round education programs will continue as planned.

Over the past several months, we explored multiple ways to bring the Big Top to life in 2026. Ultimately, none could be implemented responsibly without placing undue strain on staff, finances, or program quality. Rather than risk the integrity of this extraordinary experience, we chose to pause, plan carefully, and invest in building a stronger, more sustainable future.

Our attention now turns toward 2027, which we hope will mark the beginning of a thoughtful rebuilding phase and a return to the Big Top that is mission-driven, financially sound, and built to thrive.

Read the full update here.

WATCH A PREVIEW OF THE 2025 SHOW BELOW:

Every summer, a freshly auditioned company of Smirkus Troupers, ages 10 to 18, take to the road in traditional mud show fashion for a two-month performance tour of New England. Backed by professional coaches, cooks, musicians and crew, our Smirkos perform to sell-out crowds in Circus Smirkus’ very own 700-seat European-style one-ring big top tent.

Each year brings a new storyline and original full-length show combining the best in traditional and contemporary circus styles. We give our troupers the full experience of touring in a classic traveling tent show. That means a complete immersion in circus life. Smirkos endure rigorous training, daily chores and the loading in and loading out of the Big Top. They revel in the joy of performance and the camaraderie of a common purpose — the passion of a shared dream and nearly 60+ shows in just seven weeks!

Presenters

In many towns on our tour route, the Big Top Tour is presented by a local non-profit youth or community organization.

Ticket sales and sponsorships raised through these performances provide a major source of income for their programs. In fact, since our founding in 1987, we have raised well over $3 million for our presenters. Learn more here.

Volunteers

Joining the Smirkus Volunteer Team is a meaningful way to help share the magic of Circus Smirkus with your community. Volunteers are needed both for the shows we present ourselves, and for those which are presented by other organizations. Go here to learn how you can volunteer for the 2025 Big Top Tour.

We are also seeking homestay providers for our troupers. This is a family that can transport, feed and provide housing for a minimum of two troupers for the duration of their time in the town we are visiting. If you are interested in hosting a couple troupers at one of the sites we visit, please contact homestays@smirkus.org. Learn more by reading our Homestay Handbook and filling out the 2025 Homestay Application.

Group Discounts

Want to bring a large group to see a Big Top Tour show? Discounted rates may be available for groups of 15 or more: please email boxoffice@smirkus.org.

Accessibility Services

To welcome our fans, guests, and spectators, the Big Top is ADA-compliant and our staff is ready to assist those with accessibility concerns to enjoy the show. If you have purchased tickets for the show, you can find out ADA Big Top Tour Special Seating Request Form here. For more information about accessibility under the Big Top, please email boxoffice@smirkus.org.

Read all ticket information in our ticket confirmation

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Photo: Harry Powers