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Barnum & Bailey Day

A heritage observance on March 28 celebrating the formation of the Barnum and Bailey Circus, known as The Greatest Show on Earth, a landmark in American entertainment history.

Sunday

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMarch 28

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYFamous People

ORIGIN

Historical Origin

FOUNDING ENTITY

Not documented

FIRST OBSERVED

Not documented

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The observance commemorates the merger of P.T. Barnum's circus with James A. Bailey's on March 28, 1881, creating The Greatest Show on Earth. No specific creator of the holiday has been identified; it appears to be an informal modern commemoration.

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INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Step right up and join the circus, because March 28 is Barnum & Bailey Day! This day celebrates the famous traveling circus created by P.T. Barnum and James A. Bailey in the late 1800s. With its daring acrobatics, exotic animals, and thrilling performances, the Barnum & Bailey Circus became a beloved form of entertainment for people all across America. Even after its closure in 2017, this legendary circus continues to inspire us with its legacy of excitement and wonder. So grab your popcorn and cotton candy, it's time to celebrate Barnum & Bailey Day under the big top!

TIMELINE

Barnum & Bailey Day Timeline

P.T. Barnum's Grand Traveling Museum

P.T. Barnum established "P.T. Barnum's Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan & Hippodrome," a predecessor to the famous circus.

Formation of Barnum & Bailey Circus

P.T. Barnum partnered with James A. Bailey to form "Barnum & Bailey's Greatest Show On Earth," later known as Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Ringling Brothers Take Over

After James Bailey's death, the Ringling Brothers bought the Barnum & Bailey Circus and continued to run it as a separate entity for a while.

Formation of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey

The two circuses were merged to form "Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus," often referred to as "The Greatest Show on Earth."

End of Big Top Era

The circus holds its last "big top" tent performance in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the show moved to permanent venues.

Barnum & Bailey Circus Closes

After facing declining ticket sales and backlash from animal rights groups, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus held their final performance.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Barnum & Bailey Day

Host a circus-themed party

Invite your friends and family over for a fun-filled Barnum & Bailey themed party. Decorate with circus props, serve circus-inspired food, and play games like pin the tail on the elephant or a ring toss.

WATCH

Watch a circus performance

Find a local circus or acrobatic performance and attend with your loved ones to celebrate Barnum & Bailey Day. You can also watch a recorded performance online if you can’t find one near you.

VISIT

Visit an animal sanctuary

In honor of P.T. Barnum’s love for animals, visit a local animal sanctuary and donate to their cause. You can also volunteer at the sanctuary and help take care of the animals.

DRESS

Dress up as a circus performer

Get into the spirit of Barnum & Bailey Day by dressing up as a circus performer. You can be a clown, a ringmaster, or even an acrobat – the possibilities are endless!

MAKE

Make your own circus treats

Get creative in the kitchen and make some delicious circus-themed treats like cotton candy cupcakes or popcorn balls. You can even have a bake-off competition with your friends to see who can make the most creative treat.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Barnum & Bailey Day

It showcases incredible talent and skills

The performers in Barnum & Bailey were some of the most highly skilled individuals in their respective fields - from acrobats to animal trainers. This holiday pays tribute to their hard work and dedication, reminding us of the amazing feats that humans are capable of.

It's a celebration of circus history

Barnum & Bailey Day is a tribute to the famous traveling circus that was founded in the late 1800s. On this day, we remember the performances, animals, and larger-than-life characters that captivated audiences for decades.

It's a chance to relive childhood memories

Many people have fond memories of attending Barnum & Bailey circus shows as children. National Barnum & Bailey Day gives us an opportunity to reminisce about those exciting experiences and feel like kids again, even if just for a day.