SARASOTA, FL [June 10, 2026] —For nearly two decades, The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling have partnered to bring world-class circus artistry to Sarasota audiences through the beloved Summer Circus Spectacular. A cherished tradition on the Suncoast, this family-friendly production has become one of the area’s must-see summer experiences, delighting locals and visitors alike with extraordinary talent, thrilling performances, and unforgettable entertainment. Set inside the beautiful Historic Asolo Theater — an intimate jewel-box theater on The Ringling Museum campus — Summer Circus Spectacular offers audiences a unique opportunity to experience internationally acclaimed circus artists up close in an air-conditioned, elegant, European-style theater unlike any other in the region.
This year’s production returns Friday, June 12 through Saturday, August 8, 2026, featuring some of the finest circus artists from around the world performing breathtaking acts of comedy, aerial artistry, juggling, acrobatics, hand balancing, and daring athleticism designed to thrill audiences of all ages.
An Opening Night Performance will take place Friday, June 12 at 7:00 PM. Following the performance, there will be an exclusive reception with the artists and Sarasota’s vibrant circus community, featuring elegant “lite bites” by Michael's On East. Opening Night tickets are $75.00.
All performances run Friday June 12 through Saturday, August 8. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $15 for children ages 12 and under.
Performance Schedule- June 12-August 8, 2026
Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Saturdays: 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM
2026 Summer Circus Spectacular Featured Artists
Ashley Vargas – Show Host
Ashley Vargas returns to Sarasota after delighting Suncoast audiences in Circus Sarasota alongside Davis Vassallo. With a strong background in circus production and performance, Vargas toured internationally with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and appeared in renowned productions worldwide.
Davis Vassallo – Clowning and Slack Wire
Third-generation clown Davide Vassallo brings his signature blend of comedy, music, and physical artistry to the stage of The Historic Asolo Theater this summer. Inspired by comedy legends Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, Vassallo has performed internationally throughout Europe in circuses, theaters, and television productions.
Yelitza Vivas – Hand Balancing
Seventh-generation circus artist Yelitza Vivas presents an elegant and technically masterful hand-balancing act inspired by generations of circus tradition. Raised in her grandparents’ circus in Mexico, Vivas has performed internationally in productions throughout the Americas.
Noel Aguilar – Juggling
Award-winning juggler Noel Aguilar debuts a thrilling new variation of his internationally celebrated act. Born into a multi-generational circus family in Mexico, Aguilar earned the prestigious Clown Award for the New Generation presented by the royal family of Monte Carlo.
Emma Grace Clarke – Aerial Spiral
Emma Grace will present breathtaking aerial artistry blending grace and strength on a contemporary circus apparatus called the Spiral. A graduate of Sailor Circus Academy and Sarasota High School’s Circus Arts program, Clarke launched her professional career in 2023 and has since performed nationally and internationally. Most recently, she joined the world renowned Flying Caballeros, who won the prestigious Golden Clown award at the 2025 Monte Carlo International Circus Festival.
Duo Transcend – Duo Roller Skating and Duo Trapeze America’s Got Talent (AGT) finalists Mary Wolfe-Nielsen and Tyce Nielsen, known as Duo Transcend, perform two stunning acts combining elite athleticism, aerial artistry, and edge-of-your-seat acrobatics. The duo has appeared with Cirque du Soleil, major sports halftime events, and television productions worldwide.
Summer Circus Spectacular 2026 promises laughter, excitement, and awe-inspiring performances for the entire family in one of Sarasota’s most unique and historic venues.
For tickets and information, visit Ringling.org or call 941-360-7399.
About The Circus Arts Conservatory
The Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) defies gravity, sparks imagination, and shapes the future, through world-class performances, outstanding youth training, and transformative education. Founded in 1997 as a not-for-profit organization, The CAC honors its legacy by reimagining the art of circus for a new era. It is home to Sailor Circus Academy, the nation’s longest-running youth circus since 1949. The CAC also produces professional shows independently and in collaboration with other arts organizations, offers circus camps and recreational classes for nearly all ages, and provides community outreach. CAC was first in the nation to offer an accredited circus arts program for public school students in the arena, and CAC’s artist educators use circus arts to teach math, science, language arts, and performing arts in schools.
For more information visit CircusArts.org or call 941-355-9335.
Win 4 tickets to see the show! 🎪 Enter the form below! |
About the Giveaway
One lucky winner will receive a 4 tickets (2 adults and 2 kids) of complimentary tickets to The Summer Circus Spectacular. You must be a subscriber of Macaroni KID Sarasota to be eligible to win. Must be 18 or older and a resident of the area. Ticket date and time can be requested by winner, but based on availability. We will randomly select a winner on June 23RD, 2026. The winner will be contacted by email (or text message if necessary). Winner must reply within 24 hours, or another winner will be chosen. I also agree to the privacy statement and cookie policy. All information entered will be used for giveaway purposes. Good luck!
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