Why a Circus Themed Event Is an Unforgettable Choice for Company Party Themes
A Circus themed event brings the magic, wonder, and spectacle of the big top to any celebration. Following a resurgence in popularity, partly thanks to The Greatest Showman, this theme evokes childhood wonder and creates lasting memories for guests of all ages. Key elements include:
- Decorations: Red and white striped draping, big top tents, and vintage circus posters.
- Entertainment: Acrobats, clowns, magicians, and aerialists.
- Food & Drinks: Popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs, and themed beverages.
- Activities: Carnival games, face painting, and photo booths.
- Theme Variations: Classic big top, vintage, modern, or creepy carnival.
Whether planning a corporate gala, birthday, or fundraiser, a circus theme offers incredible versatility. It works for children’s parties with bright colors and simple games, or sophisticated adult events with cabaret-style entertainment and gourmet twists on classic carnival fare.
The key is creating an immersive atmosphere where every detail, from the “big top” entrance to the decor, entertainment, food, and activities, works together to transport and wow your attendees.
As Jessica Stewart, Vice President of Marketing for EMRG Media and The Event Planner Expo, I’ve worked with countless companies to create immersive experiences that engage thousands of attendees. A well-executed Circus themed event can transform any venue into a captivating space that achieves your objectives while delighting every guest.
Essential Decorations and Atmosphere Ideas for Your Circus Themed Event
Changing your venue into a vibrant circus is key to an unforgettable Circus themed event. The goal is to make guests feel like they’re stepping under the “Big Top.” The magic begins with a captivating visual experience, driven by your decoration choices.
The classic circus color scheme of red, white, and yellow is your foundation. A grand entrance is essential, perhaps a “big tent flap” framed by luminous signs and red and white curtains. A vintage-style ticket booth can welcome guests, and a red carpet adds a VIP touch. Inside, centerpieces can be playful (mini top hats) or sophisticated (feather bouquets). To amplify the atmosphere, use fun house mirrors, oversized balloons, and vintage banners. Lighting is crucial; use string lights, festoon bulbs, or dynamic lighting to shift the mood.
Creative Invitations and Party Favors to Set the Tone
Build anticipation with creative invitations that act as the “first act.” Consider ticket-style invitations with a perforated slip or designs featuring vintage circus posters. Digital invitations can incorporate animated elements. When the show is over, send guests home with memorable party favors like themed bags filled with animal crackers, mini juggling balls, or clown noses.
Simple Ways to Transform Any Venue into a Big Top
Any venue can be transformed. To create an indoor “Big Top” feel, drape ceilings with red and white fabric. Carousel canopies and inanimate animal props (lions, elephants) can enhance the theme. Here are some essential decor items:
- Red and White Striped Draping: To mimic a tent on ceilings, walls, and entrances.
- Vintage Posters and Banners: Showcasing classic circus acts.
- Luminous Signs: “Welcome to the Circus” or vintage marquee lights.
- Ticket Booths: For entrances or photo ops.
- Oversized Balloons: In classic red, white, and yellow.
- Themed Centerpieces: Mini top hats, feather bouquets, or small animal figures.
- Fun House Mirrors: For a playful, interactive element.
- Festoon Lighting: For a warm, nostalgic glow.
- Antique Props: Suitcases and wooden crates for a vintage feel.
- Immersive Backdrops: For stages or photo booths.
Using vintage signs and posters transports guests to a bygone era, and a photo booth with a crepe paper streamer backdrop is perfect for capturing memories. Finally, thoughtful lighting, from playful colors to dramatic spotlights, makes all decorations come alive.
Entertainment and Activities That Wow at Circus Themed Events
No Circus themed event is complete without dazzling entertainment. This is the heart of the show, where professional performers and interactive activities combine to create a “wow” factor and an atmosphere of pure joy and wonder.
Selecting Professional Entertainers for Authentic Big Top Vibes
Professional entertainers bring specialized skills and an authentic touch of the big top. For events in New York City, we partner with top-tier talent to deliver unforgettable performances. Consider these captivating acts:
- Acrobats and Aerialists: Performers defy gravity with breathtaking stunts on silks, hoops, or trapeze.
- Clowns: Traditional or mime-style clowns can interact with guests, perform skits, or create balloon animals.
- Magicians and Illusionists: Mystifying tricks and illusions captivate audiences of all ages.
- Stilt Walkers: Towering over the crowd, they are fantastic for greeting guests and adding a grand visual.
- Jugglers: Perform with balls, pins, or even fire (where permissible and safe).
- Fire Performers: For outdoor events, fire dancers create a dramatic and mesmerizing display.
- Contortionists: Flexible artists showcase incredible physical feats.
- Fortune Tellers: An engaging addition, offering personalized readings and carnival mystique.
- Caricature Artists: Provide guests with a personalized and humorous keepsake.
- Showgirls and Burlesque Performers: For adult-oriented events, these performers add glamour and vintage cabaret flair.
- Ringmasters: A charismatic host to guide guests through the event and keep energy high.
Through our event production expertise, we can help you select the perfect mix of entertainers from New York City’s diverse talent pool to align with your event’s theme and audience.
Engaging Games and Activities for All Guests
Beyond performances, interactive games keep guests engaged and create a lively, carnival-like atmosphere.
- Carnival Games: Set up classics like ring toss, beanbag toss, and balloon darts. A “strongman” high striker adds competitive fun. Offer small prizes to winners.
- Face Painting Station: A hit with all ages, allowing guests to transform into clowns, tigers, or other characters.
- DIY Craft Stations: Let younger guests decorate clown hats or create their own animal masks.
- Photo Booth with Props: A themed photo booth with props like clown noses, oversized glasses, and top hats creates fantastic photo opportunities.
- Petting Zoo/Pony Rides: If the venue allows, this is a charming addition for children’s parties.
- Inflatables: Bouncy castles and other circus-themed inflatables are perfect for kids.
- Unique Games: For adult gatherings, consider a wine bottle ring toss or a voting game fundraiser. A wide array of carnival game rentals are available, including fun options like axe throwing (for adults) or even a “Circus School” experience where guests can try basic circus skills.
By combining spectacular professional acts with engaging activities, your Circus themed event will be a truly memorable experience for every guest.
Food and Drink Ideas to Complement Your Circus Themed Event
Food and beverages are an integral part of any Circus themed event, evoking nostalgia with every bite. We go beyond simple snacks, offering classic circus fare with creative twists and themed presentations that make the food part of the show.
Classic and Creative Snacks
The foundation of any circus menu lies in its iconic treats, but we love to introduce playful variations to delight your guests.
- Popcorn Bar with Toppings: Offer fresh popcorn with gourmet toppings like cheeses, spices, and chocolate.
- Cotton Candy Machine: The aroma of freshly spun cotton candy instantly creates a fairground feel. For a twist, try cotton candy ice cream cones.
- Hot Dogs and Mini Corn Dogs: Serve these classics with a variety of gourmet condiments.
- Pretzels: Soft pretzels with dips like cheese sauce or mustard.
- Caramel Apples: A timeless treat, perfect for vintage themes.
- Peanuts: Serve in classic paper bags for a traditional touch.
- Delectable Circus Bark: A sweet, crunchy treat combining popcorn and pretzels, which also makes a unique party favor.
- Mini Pizzas: Decorate with olives and peppers to create fun clown faces.
- Popcorn Chicken: Serve in striped paper cones.
- “Elephant Ears”: Fried dough pastries are an authentic fairground dessert.
- Fruit Skewers: A healthy option arranged to look like a clown’s face.
- Candy Buffet: A colorful display of candies in glass jars.
Themed Beverages
Quench your guests’ thirst with a selection of fun and refreshing themed beverages.
- Lemonade Stand: An old-fashioned lemonade stand is perfect for any circus theme.
- Cotton Candy Mocktail: A vibrant, sweet non-alcoholic drink for all ages. We can create a delightful cotton candy mocktail.
- Themed Cocktails: For adult events, create signature cocktails with playful names like “Ringmaster’s Punch.”
- Fancy Champagne Cocktails: For a touch of elegance, serve fancy champagne cocktails.
- Kid-Friendly Drinks: Offer animal cracker smoothies or cotton candy sodas.
By curating a menu that balances classic delights with creative presentations, the culinary experience at your Circus themed event will be as spectacular as the entertainment.
Step-by-Step Planning Tips for a Flawless Circus Themed Event
Planning a Circus themed event involves careful logistics and tailoring the theme to your audience and purpose. Our expertise at EMRG Media in event planning services ensures every element aligns to create a memorable experience in New York City.
Unique venues can range from parks and fairgrounds to community halls that can be completely transformed. Even venues with Art Deco or modernist styles can lend themselves to a more sophisticated vaudeville aesthetic. For outdoor events, a rented marquee easily becomes your “Big Top.”
Customizing the Theme for Different Age Groups
A Circus themed event is incredibly versatile. The key is to tailor elements to your audience:
- Kids’ Parties: Focus on bright colors, playful decorations, and interactive fun. Prioritize carnival games, face painting, balloon animals, and kid-friendly fare like mini corn dogs and cotton candy. Encourage costumes and consider a circus parade.
- Adult Parties: Lean into sophistication with neat drapes, mood lighting, and a richer color palette. Offer gourmet twists on carnival food, a full bar with themed cocktails and fancy champagne cocktails, and mature entertainment like aerialists, acrobats, or burlesque performers.
Planning a Circus Themed Event as a Standout Company Party Theme
A Circus themed event is an excellent choice for corporate gatherings, offering a unique blend of professionalism and playful engagement for team building, holiday parties, or product launches.
- Immersive Brand Experience: We can weave your brand’s colors and messaging into the decor and entertainment, reinforcing your company’s identity in a fun, memorable way.
- Sophisticated Twists: For a corporate audience, we lift classic circus elements: gourmet food stations, a sophisticated popcorn bar, and neat performers.
- Networking Opportunities: The theme’s interactive nature provides natural conversation starters, fostering relaxed networking among colleagues and clients.
- Seamless Planning: Our team handles all logistics for your corporate event in New York City, from digital RSVPs to coordinating performers and catering.
Using a Circus Theme to Boost Fundraising Success
A circus theme offers a vibrant platform for philanthropy, captivating guests and encouraging generous contributions.
- Captivating Atmosphere: The theme’s excitement draws people in, creating a lively environment that encourages participation.
- Carnival Games for Donations: Integrate classic carnival games where guests pay a small fee to play, with proceeds going to the cause.
- Interactive Fundraising Games: Incorporate engaging activities like a voting game fundraiser or a wine pull. For more ideas, explore this wine pull video playlist.
- Silent and Live Auctions: Curate a selection of unique items. For a live auction, consider circus-themed experiences. Consignment packages, like a Cirque du Soleil experience, can be sold multiple times to increase profits. We can help you hire a professional auctioneer to maximize bids.
Unique Sub-Themes to Personalize Your Circus Themed Event
While the classic red and white big top is universally recognized, a Circus themed event can be adapted to various sub-themes for a more personalized and immersive experience. Whether you’re aiming for nostalgic charm, modern glamour, or a thrilling scare, there’s a circus style for every occasion.
| Theme | Decor | Food | Entertainment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vintage Circus | Sepia tones, vintage labels, old-fashioned banners, antique suitcases, Edison bulbs, printable vintage posters | Kettle corn, caramel apples, lemonade, classic popcorn and peanuts, old-fashioned candy. | Stilt walkers, acrobats, fire performers (outdoor), mime artists, strongmen, fortune tellers. |
| “Greatest Showman” Modern Circus | Red carpet entrance, gold and red drapes, stars and glitter, modern circus posters, mini top hats and canes as centerpieces. | Popcorn bar with unique flavors, cotton candy ice cream cones, delectable circus bark, chocolate-covered strawberries, gourmet canapés, fine wines, fancy champagne cocktails. | Ringmaster, tightrope walkers, aerialists, Broadway singers, showgirls, high-energy dance acts. |
| Creepy “Carn-EVIL” | Eerie decor, cobwebs, mannequins, blood splatter, unsettling table displays (black rats, skeleton servers), spooky ticket booths, fog machines, flickering lights. | Spooky snacks (red-dyed funnel cake, caramel apples), “bloody” cocktails, themed cupcakes with eerie toppers, candy corn. | Scary clowns, sideshow acts, contortionists, psychic entertainers, horror-themed magicians, performers in ghostly costumes. |
The Vintage Circus
Step back in time with a Vintage Circus theme, perfect for those who appreciate nostalgic charm. This sub-theme evokes the romance of circuses from a bygone era. Think sepia tones, antique props, Edison bulbs, and printable vintage posters. Entertainment can include stilt walkers, acrobats, and strongmen for an old-time carnival feel.
The “Greatest Showman” Modern Circus
Inspired by the dazzling movie, this theme is all about Hollywood flair and glamour. Roll out the red carpet, use opulent gold and red drapes, and serve gourmet fare like a popcorn bar with unique flavors or delectable circus bark. Entertainment should be high-energy, featuring a charismatic ringmaster, aerialists, and even Broadway singers.
The Creepy “Carn-EVIL”
Perfect for Halloween, this theme leans into the twisted side of the circus. Use eerie decor like cobwebs, mannequins, and spooky ticket booths. Fog machines and flickering lights improve the spooky ambiance. Serve red-dyed funnel cake and “bloody” cocktails, and hire scary clowns, sideshow acts, or psychic entertainers to complete the chilling atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions about Circus Themed Events
We understand that planning an elaborate Circus themed event can bring up many questions. Here are some common inquiries with our expert advice.
How do I choose between a vintage and a modern circus theme?
The choice depends on your personal style and the desired atmosphere.
- Vintage Circus offers classic charm, nostalgia, and an old-world feel with sepia tones and rustic elements.
- Modern Circus (like a “Greatest Showman” theme) is more vibrant and glamorous, with bold designs and high-energy spectacle.
Consider your event type: a corporate gala might suit a modern theme, while an intimate party could accept vintage charm.
What are some budget-friendly circus game ideas?
Many classic carnival games can be easily DIY’d:
- Ring Toss: Use empty bottles as targets and plastic rings.
- Beanbag Toss: Cut holes in a large painted cardboard box.
- “Strongman” High Striker: Create a simple version with a pole, a bell, and a mallet.
- Balloon Darts: Attach inflated balloons to a board.
- Duck Pond: Use a kiddie pool and rubber ducks with numbers on the bottom.
The fun is in the participation, not expensive setups.
How can I encourage guests to dress up for the theme?
Encouraging costumes adds to the immersion and fun. Here’s how:
- State it on Invitations: Clearly mention that costumes are encouraged and provide simple suggestions (e.g., top hat, suspenders, striped clothing).
- Offer a Prop Station: Have a basket of simple props like clown noses, feather boas, or mini top hats for guests to grab at the entrance.
- Award a Prize: A friendly competition for “Best Costume” can be a great motivator.
By making it fun and easy, you’ll encourage more guests to participate.
Bringing Your Circus Themed Event to Life
As we’ve seen, a circus themed event captures the thrill of the big top, making it an ideal pick for standout company party themes. From vibrant decorations and captivating entertainment to nostalgic treats and engaging activities, this versatile concept turns any venue into a wonderland for corporate galas, fundraisers, or celebrations. Tailor it with sub-themes like vintage or modern for a personalized touch that delights guests of all ages. With meticulous planning, your event becomes unforgettable. At EMRG Media, our 25+ years in NYC ensure seamless execution. Let’s create your greatest show.
Every great NYC event has a rhythm. The pacing, the flow, the moments that hit just right. EMRG Media knows how to build that energy from the ground up.
Contact EMRG Media and start planning an event that feels effortless and unforgettable.
