Circus Sarasota — Attraction in Area E (Bonaparte Plateau)

The show itself was great! I loved the message they were spreading throughout. My rating isn't for the show itself but for the customer service from one of their stands. I bought a light up toy for my child. The first one they gave me didn't work when they tested it, so they swapped it before handing it to me. My daughter barely played with it at first because she was so intrigued with the show. By the time she started playing with it, it was already not working to great. I didn't want to get up in the middle of the show to swap it though. I waited to the end. By then it wasn't spinning at all, just lighting up. Well I assumed the lady at the stand would've been nice enough to swap it out, considering I JUST BOUGHT IT, but she refused. All while my toddler was getting ready to cry because her toy wouldn't work. That experience in it self ruined the whole night. I get they arent the best toys, but Ive never had the toy break before we even left and the vendor not be willing to swap it out. Extremely disappointed with that. Shame on them. Don't...

Spectacular!!! Go! Go! Go! It's so fun to be under the big tent again. The acts are out of this world (many are from the multiple generations of Ringling performers who were based out of Sarasota). They have it all - high wire, juggling, clowns, contortionists, and these brothers who literally dangle off each others thumbs upside down! (Okay, I exaggerated that last one - but close!) Bello from America's Got Talent and a billion other shows is headlining this year. He's also part of the Ringling family and even did a Daredevil act with his daughter. We loved the family vibe! Take cash if you want popcorn, cotton candy, beer, etc... They only take cash and the night we went their ATM was broken. I hope they get it fixed. It really IS fun for ALL ages! And I don't want them losing more money. Covid closed 'em the last two years. Please go out and support them. I don't want to lose another Sarasota tradition/treasure to that...

Very impressive show. Performers are diverse in talents and backgrounds and amazing athletes. Professional lighting and sound. Good selection of concessions. Bathrooms are those fancy restroom trailers which were well maintained.

Areas for improvement:

They only had one clown performer which is surprising given the talent in the area. Most of his performances were tired and out of touch. Highly unlikely he could have done the same set in a .... more youthful ... city without significant criticism. A weird choice for an otherwise well-cast show.

The parking signage needs work. It wasn't clear you could park next to the big top (there were only signs for dropoff) so we ended up parking about a half mile away at the event parking which we think was mainly intended for the regatta going on at the same time. Not a big deal, we got some extra exercise.

Despite those two areas, would highly recommend checking...