STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Lions, tigers, and elephants? Oh my, no way!
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey has returned to the New York–New Jersey region with its reimagined “Greatest Show on Earth,” offering a music-driven production that showcases human performance, storytelling, and global artistry. And it is spectacular!
The revival keeps the iconic “Greatest Show on Earth” name but has eliminated live animals, a decision driven by years of criticism from animal welfare advocates.
The 2026 version performs at UBS Arena, near Belmont Park, N.Y., from March 6 to 8, and at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., from March 19–22. There’s a brief intermission between acts in the two-hour show.
My family and I attended the performance at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn and left smiling. The entertainment value—thanks to the lights, music, talent, and direction—was impressively high. It was a far cry from the three-ring circuses my parents took me to in the 1980s.
Tickets are still available for the March dates, starting around $35. They can be purchased here.
The historic traveling circus, which closed in 2017 after more than 140 years, relaunched in 2023 under Feld Entertainment.
Elephants, tigers, and other wild animals were phased out before the 2017 closure, with many of the elephants retired to a Florida wildlife sanctuary.
The updated production features 65 performers from 17 countries, including Mongolia, Chile, Colombia, Ukraine, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and China, many making their U.S. debuts.
The show blends acrobatics, aerial routines, balance acts, dance segments, DJ-driven transitions and live drumming, creating a nonstop, immersive experience that emphasizes the performers’ skill and athleticism.
Story elements based on the artists’ personal journeys provide a narrative thread, connecting the audience more directly to the action.
Music drives nearly every moment of the production, mixing pop hits with original circus compositions to maintain a brisk, concert-like pace.Audience interaction begins before the official start, setting a lively tone that continues throughout the performance.
And the social media consensus? Fans love it, based on the buzz online. One commenter joked, “Went with a friend and left my kid home haha—we still had an absolute blast!!!” while another noted, “Absolutely so fun for all ages!”
Parents shared their excitement, too: “I took my kids to the 2 p.m. show, first time since I was a kid. We all loved it! I really appreciated the diversity in the show and the cast. Music was on point for the parents too!” and “The kids had a blast.”
Fans also raved about the thrills: “Was a thrilling night,” “Loved it,” and “It was a ton of fun!!!” Even the quirky acts got shout-outs: “The robot dog was fun.” With many already planning return trips—“Me and my girls are going for 4! Can’t wait!!!!”—it’s clear the show is keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
Kenneth Feld, CEO of Feld Entertainment, has described the new iteration as a natural evolution for a 146-year-old institution that has modernized to combine awe-inspiring feats that capture the imagination of contemporary audiences.
Without live animals, the modernized circus relies on global talent, daring stunts and immersive production values to deliver what the producers call “a nonstop party vibe” from the moment audiences enter the arena.
For families, live performance enthusiasts, and those nostalgic for the historic show of their childhood, the 2026 tour offers a fresh and exciting chapter in the legacy of “The Greatest Show on Earth.”
