The Indiana State Fair brings back one of its most popular family attractions this summer as the Big Top Circus officially returns for the 2026 season.
Presented by Bee Window, the showcase anchors the Fair’s dedicated Big Top Zone with an expanded international lineup of world-class performers, aerial acts, comedy and high-energy visual entertainment.
The circus experience remains fully included with standard fair admission.
The 2026 Indiana State Fair runs from Aug. 7-23, observing regular operational closures on Mondays.
Director of Community and Media Engagement for the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, LeRoy Lewis III, expressed excitement about expanding the attraction’s footprint following its previous success with local crowds.
“The Big Top Circus quickly became a guest favorite, and we’re excited to bring it back with an even bigger lineup for 2026,” Lewis said. “From incredible aerialists to daring stunt performers and family-friendly comedy, there is something for every fairgoer under the Big Top.”
Third-generation circus producer Ian Garden will serve as the master of ceremonies, bringing decades of circus tradition and energy to the center ring. The roster features several reality television veterans, including “America’s Got Talent” Golden Buzzer winner Anna Dangerous, who blends high-stakes knife throwing, crossbow precision, whip artistry, and rapid quick-change illusions. She is joined by fellow AGT All-Stars champion Aidan Bryant, who brings his internationally acclaimed, gravity-defying aerial routines to the fairgrounds.
The visual spectacle continues with performance groups and solo artists expanding the production’s modern aesthetic. The performance troupe Zero Gravity Arts combines advanced acrobatics and synchronized choreography with custom LED technology. This futuristic display pairs with internationally recognized hula-hoop artist Nicole Montgomery, who delivers a blend of movement, music and illuminated artistry.
For audiences seeking high-wire thrills, Mario and Marilyn España present the SkyBike, a rare stunt where a motorcycle races high above the stage while the aerial cradle duo Abril Amor executes high-flying routines filled with soaring catches and dramatic releases below.
Providing classic comic relief between the headline stunts is veteran entertainer Kampanilla the Clown, who brings decades of global experience in audience interaction and family-friendly humor.
The circus will host multiple daily performances under the tent, allowing families to easily plan their schedules at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. daily.
While entertainment is included with general Fair admission, optional premium seating upgrades are available for purchase online. Advance discounted tickets for the entire multi-day agricultural celebration are currently on sale.
Fairgoers can review complete event schedules, livestock exhibitions, rides and food vendor maps by visiting the official state gateway at IndianaStateFair.com.
Contact multimedia & senior sports reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more, visit indianapolisrecorder.com.
Noral Parham is the multi-media reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
