March 28
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.
Unknown
Historical Origin
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.
Introduction
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!
Barnum & Bailey Day Timeline
How to Celebrate Barnum & Bailey Day
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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!
5
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 We Love Barnum & Bailey Day
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.
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.
Holiday Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Mar 28 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | Mar 28 | Thursday |
| 2025 | Mar 28 | Friday |
| 2026 | Mar 28 | Saturday |
| 2027 | Mar 28 | Sunday |
