Combine nostalgia, whimsy, and a touch of the extraordinary with a vintage circus theme party. Picture a world of dazzling lights, daring stunts, and cotton candy dreams where the past meets the present, and fun knows no bounds. Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration or a wedding with a twist, we have a ton of vintage circus party ideas for an unforgettable night under the big top!
Vintage Circus Party Decorations
Recreate the vintage circus experience with party invitations and spectacular decor worthy of P.T. Barnum and the Greatest Show on Earth. It’s time to turn your venue into a vintage circus wonderland, and we’ve got the inside scoop on how to do it with flair!
Invite guests to your circus
Invitations are really fun for this theme. Create and print postcards announcing “The Circus is Coming to Town” with all your event details. You can create your own and print them from a service like Canva (our favorite!) or buy some gorgeous already-designed invitations from talented Etsy creators.
Build your big top
Turn your party space into your very own vintage big top with red and white decor. Incorporate stripes into your tablescapes and hang red and white scarves, sheets, or drapes on the ceiling to mimic a tent. Additional accents like Edison bulbs and balloons will only add to the vintage circus party feel.
Add an extraordinary touch
Complete the vintage circus look with old-fashioned posters featuring sideshows and famous traveling circuses. You can also use circus fonts to create labels for your food and activities. A light-up marquee sign that spells out “CIRCUS” or the name of the guest(s) of honor would be a great centerpiece for your decor.
🎪 Looking for more circus party ideas? Check out our other post, Throw a Circus Theme Party That Will Leave Them in Awe.
Vintage Circus Concessions
No vintage circus party would be complete without a mouthwatering spread of nostalgic delights. From savory snacks to thirst-quenching drinks and delectable desserts, we’ve got your culinary needs covered when it comes to concessions.
Serve classic circus snacks
Let’s get the snacking show started! Popcorn in charming red-and-white striped boxes or bags, a DIY pretzel bar with assorted dips, and those classic corn dogs will keep your guests munching and craving more. Put out some peanuts for an extra authentic touch!
Offer some sweet surprises
Make dessert time a sweet spectacle! Treat your guests to circus staples like cotton candy on a stick and funnel cakes. Get creative and do fun twists on the classic treats. And don’t forget a show-stopping circus-themed cake that’ll steal the spotlight.
💁 Add some helping hands! Hire local professionals like caterers and cake decorators to handle the food prep.
Quench their thirsts
To fit the vintage circus theme, serve old-fashioned lemonade in mason jars, whip up a “Ringmaster’s Refresher” mocktail, and offer adult guests a “Big Top Brew” or “Circus Punch.” You can even hire a bartender to help create, mix, and pour your sweet concoctions.
Vintage Circus Entertainment
Step into the ring and prepare to be amazed by the fantastic world of circus entertainment. GigSalad has your ticket to jaw-dropping acts and performers that will turn your vintage circus party into a mesmerizing spectacle.
Book awe-inspiring acts
Step into the heart of the vintage circus party with main ring performances that’ll steal the show. These unique and talented entertainers will have your guests ooh-ing and aah-ing the whole time.
🤸 Acrobatic acts: The crowd will flip over the incredible feats performed by professional acrobats.
😲 Aerial performers: An aerialist will swing from the rafters, shocking your guests as they defy gravity.
🔥 Fire show: Let a mesmerizing fire performer light up the night with their amazing tricks.
Invite whimsical wanderers
Keep the circus spirit alive with strolling sideshow acts that amaze. These performers will mingle with your guests and add an extra layer of whimsy to your vintage circus experience.
🤹 Classic circus acts: Have stilt walkers and jugglers work the crowd and charm your guests.
🗡️ Shocking skills: Stupefying performers like sword swallowers are perfect for adding shock and awe.
🥸 Miming magic: A strolling mime would be a great way to get people laughing.
Clown around with the kids
Add some interactive services to create a truly immersive circus experience. This is a great way to engage the little ones at your party. And they might not admit it, but adults will enjoy them, too!
🤡 Circus clowns: It’s not a true circus without a clown acting silly and performing funny gags.
🎨 Face painting: Hire a face painter to add some color to your party and turn faces into works of art.
🎈 Balloon twisting: A balloon artist can sculpt unique creations, giving guests a souvenir to take home.
📌 Need more pin-spiration? Check out our Pinterest page for more vintage circus party ideas.
Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves, put on your top hat, and get the party planning started. But no matter what decor, food, or entertainment you choose, we’re sure your vintage circus party will be an unforgettable experience under the big top! 🎪
Book something awesome for your vintage circus party! Find circus performers and event services on GigSalad.
Megan is the Director of Customer Experience at GigSalad and has gained 9+ years of insight on what makes a great event on both sides of the booking process. Her favorite things include books, true crime podcasts, coffee, hiking, puns, and making people laugh.