Thanks to the sponsorship of the Chamber of Commerce, the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus will return to Malad on Friday, June 26, 2026, bringing its traditional Big Top experience to the Fairgrounds. Performances are scheduled for 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., offering local families an opportunity to enjoy one of America’s longest-running traveling circus productions.

Now in its 41st year, the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus has built a reputation for providing quality family entertainment in communities across the country. The authentic one-ring circus has been featured in productions including A&E’s Under the Big Top, Nick News: On the Road with Circus Kids, and OETA’s Big Top Town. This year’s all-new 2026 show features a lineup of performers that includes big cats presented by Trey Key, aerialist Simone on the trapeze, the Perez Daredevil Duo performing on the tightrope and Wheel of Destiny, the high-energy Macias family hand and foot juggling act, Miss Gianna and her performing canines, and circus clown Leo Acton.

Circus Day Schedule:

9:30 a.m. the raising of the Big Top, a unique opportunity for the public to watch the circus tent go up and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the grounds. Visitors can learn about life on the road with the circus and the care provided to the animals. The tent raising and tour are available only on the first day of the circus event.

4 p.m. the midway opens, along with additional family activities . Guests can enjoy pony rides, a moon bounce, giant slide, face painting, concessions, and other attractions before the main performances.

5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Circus Performance.  Advance tickets are available through the QR Code on the page and are priced at $14 for adults and $8 for children ages 2-12 and seniors age 65 and older. Organizers note that purchasing tickets in advance helps support the local sponsor and returns more money to the community. Tickets purchased at the circus grounds on event day will be $17 for adults and $10 for children and seniors. The box office will open one hour before each performance.

For additional information about the circus, tickets, or the 2026 tour, visit cmcircus.com, follow Culpepper & Merriweather Circus on Facebook or Instagram (@cmcircus), email [email protected], or call 580-326-8833.