Rings Around Atlanta

So many circuses, so little time! Here are a few fast facts to help you pick the right one for your family. Whichever circus you choose, remember to bring spending money for treats, trinkets and souvenirs.

Built to Amaze by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey

Number of Rings: Three
Animals:  Elephants, Tigers, Horses, Dogs
Length of Show: Two hours with a brief intermission
Ages: All
Cost: Ages 2 and older. Duluth, $25-$130. Atlanta, $14-$130. Children 1 and younger get free admission if they sit on the lap of a paid adult, one child per lap.
What to expect: The construction-theme show is packed with performances by clowns, acrobats, high wire walkers, elephants, and a human cannonball.
What’s unique: Ticket-holders, who arrive one hour before show time, can enjoy the all-access pre-show on the arena floor. Meet clowns, try on costumes, learn circus tricks and enjoy before-the-show entertainment. Built to Amaze is the largest circus in town, with more than 11 clowns, acts, animals, often performing simultaneously in all three rings.
Feb. 5-9
The Arena at Gwinnett Center 
6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth
888-929-7849 
ringling.com

Feb. 12-17
Philips Arena
1 Philips Dr., Atlanta
800-745-3000
ringling.com

Luminocity by the Big Apple Circus

Number of Rings: One
Animals: Horses and Dogs
Length of Show: Two hours with a brief intermission
Ages: All
Cost: Ages 3 and older, $25-$80. Children 2 and younger get free admission if they sit on the lap of a paid adult, one child per lap.
What to expect: Luminocity brings the heart of Gotham City (think Times Square in New York) to life with performances by clowns, acrobats, animals, high wire acts and more.
What’s unique: Luminocity is performed under a big-top tent where each seat is less than 50 feet away from the ring and has a bird’s eye view of the action. The show includes juggling by Ty Tojo, a Guinness Book of World Records three-time title holder. Also watch out for the antics of Flim Flam Man, who, disguised as an audience member, may borrow watches, wallets, socks, and even a shirt without anyone noticing!
Jan. 30-Feb. 17
Verizon Amphitheatre
1775 Founders Pkwy., Alpharetta
800-922-3772
bigapplecircus.org

Universoul Circus

Number of Rings: One
Animals: Elephants, Tigersa, Dogs
Length of Show: Two hours with a brief intermission
Ages: All
Cost: $20-$35. Babies get free admission if they sit on the lap of a paid adult, one child per lap.
What to expect: Highlights of the one-ring, multi-cultural show include Zeke (the assistant ringmaster), music, dancing, acrobatics, clowns, aerial ballet, and hip-hop dancers.
What’s unique: The show is set to high-energy, modern music including hip hop, R&B and Latin genres. The ringmaster and performers interact with the audience and encourage dancing in the stands.
Feb.12-March 2
Turner Field Green Lot
521 Capitol Ave. Atlanta
800-745-3000
universoulcircus.com