Circus Historical Society Convention 2026

Circus Historical Society Convention 2026 will be held in Baraboo, Wisconsin from June 10 to 13.

Registration is now closed. Due to overwhelming demand, we have reached the seating capacity for some of our onsite events. We are only accepting registrations for Virtual-Only participation.   

This year's convention will include over thirty activities and feature legendary circus artist Dolly Jacobs as the keynote speaker! Known as the Queen of the Air, Jacobs is a world-renowned circus aerialist.

Click here for a list of convention presentations and activities. 

Venue and Program

This year, the convention will take place right across the street from Circus World, inside a historic building dating back to 1909 that once served the Ringling brothers as a circus wagon and costume shop. Now known as the Baraboo Arts Banquet & Convention Center, this building will be a perfect venue to learn about the rich history of the circus. The address is 323 Water Street in Baraboo. Click here for additional information about Baraboo Arts. 

The Convention Registration Desk will open at noon on Wednesday June 10 and the convention will begin at 1:00pm with the keynote presentation by Dolly Jacobs. After Dolly's talk, there will be multiple presentations on circus history, followed by a circus history research panel led by experts. Wednesday afternoon convention activities will end with a reception that will include Circus World staff and circus cast.

Thursday’s program will begin at 8:30am with a panel discussion that will be followed by additional circus history presentations. At noon, attendees will go across the street to Circus World where they will have lunch on their own, attend a guided tour of the historic circus wagons, explore the museum's magnificent collections, and see a performance of Jubilee 250! Big Top Circus. Click here for additional information about Circus World.

Following the afternoon at Circus World, attendees will have the option to visit a private band organ collection for a band organ concert and presentation, attend Professor Jerry Stich's Original Circus Band concert on Sauk County Courthouse Square, and/or spend some time at the nearby International Clown Hall of Fame.

Friday's program will include several circus history presentations and our annual banquet and auction. The banquet will include the induction of former Ringling producing clown Jerry Bangs into the International Clown Hall of Fame and the awarding of the 2026 Stuart Thayer Prize! The convention will conclude with Baraboo’s Big Top Circus Parade on Saturday morning. Click here for the list of convention presentations and activities. Click here to read the speaker biographies in the Souvenir Program.

Registration 

Registration for onsite events is now closed. We are only accepting registrations for Virtual-Only participation.    

The Virtual Only Rate* is $50. This rate is for those want to watch the convention presentations on Zoom. This rate does not include admission to convention locations or activities.

To register for Virtual-Only participation, click either the Green REGISTER button at the top left of the announcement or the Blue REGISTER button at the bottom left of the website page.

Click here if you have any questions or need technical assistance.  

Cancellations/Refunds: No refunds after May 24.

Optional Activity: Parade Day Brunch 

Registration has now closed for the optional parade day brunch at the Al Ringling Brewing Company at the historic Ringling Mansion. 

Hotels

The room blocks previously available at the Fairfield by Marriott at 932 Gateway Drive and the AmericInn by Wyndham at 626 West Pine Street in Baraboo have been filled. 

There will be no convention activities at either hotel.

Transportation and Location of Convention Activities

Because Baraboo is located about fifteen miles from the Amtrak Station in Wisconsin Dells, WI, forty miles from Dane Country Regional Airport in Madison, WI, and one hundred twenty miles from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, WI, it is anticipated that most attendees will travel to Baraboo via either rental car or their own vehicle.

Convention activities will take place at multiple locations in Baraboo, including Baraboo Arts Banquet & Convention Center at 323 Water Street, Circus World at 550 Water Street, and in downtown Baraboo. 

Since both the circus band concert and parade are outdoor public events in downtown Baraboo without seating, attendees driving their own vehicles are encouraged to bring a folding chair or blanket, if desired. Click here for the band concert location and parade route through downtown Baraboo. 

Auction Donations - Advertising - Sponsorships - Sales Tables

The time period for auction donations, advertising, sponsorships, and sales table rentals has expired.

We are looking forward to seeing you at CHS Convention 2026 in Baraboo!