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Circus Historical Society Convention 2026

  • 10 Jun 2026
  • 1:00 PM
  • 13 Jun 2026
  • 12:00 PM
  • Baraboo Arts Banquet & Convention Center - Baraboo, Wisconsin

Registration

  • The per person CHS NONMEMBER EARLY BIRD Registration Rate is available to nonmembers and their guests/spouses. It includes admission to the reception, presentations, banquet, auction, private band organ concert, and admission to Circus World and the International Clown Hall of Fame on June 11, 2026, PLUS a one-year membership in the Circus Historical Society. The big top band concert and circus parade are public events. Higher rates apply after March 31, 2026.
  • The FULL-TIME ACADEMIC Registration Rate is limited to full-time teaching and academic staffers whether or not they are CHS members. It includes admission to the reception, presentations, banquet, auction, private band organ concert, and admission to Circus World and the International Clown Hall of Fame on June 11, 2026. The big top band concert and circus parade are public events. It does NOT include a CHS membership for nonmembers.
  • The FULL-TIME STUDENT Registration Rate is limited to full-time students whether or not they are CHS members. It includes admission to the reception, presentations, banquet, auction, private band organ concert, and admission to Circus World and the International Clown Hall of Fame on June 11, 2026. The big top band concert and circus parade are public events. It does NOT include a CHS membership for nonmembers.
  • This per person ONE DAY ONLY Registration Rate only includes admission to the activities on June 10 including the reception. This rate does NOT include a CHS membership for nonmembers.
  • This per person ONE DAY ONLY Registration Rate only includes admission to the activities on June 11 including the admission to Circus World on June 11. This rate does NOT include a CHS membership for nonmembers.
  • This per person ONE DAY ONLY Registration Rate only includes admission to the activities on June 12 including the admission to the banquet and International Clown Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. This rate does NOT include a CHS membership for nonmembers.
  • This rate is for those want to watch the convention presentations on Zoom. The time schedule for the presentations will be posted on the convention website. The convention will be held in the US Central Time Zone. This rate does NOT include admission to the convention meeting room, offsite activities, or a CHS membership for nonmembers.
Register

Circus Historical Society Convention 2026

Registration is now open for the action-packed Circus Historical Society Convention in Baraboo Wisconsin! 

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 program will feature multiple presentations on circus history, along with a research workshop led by experts in the field. There will be an opening reception that will also include Circus World circus cast and staffers, an afternoon at Circus World to explore the museum’s collections and watch a performance of the Jubilee 250! Big Top Circus, our fundraising auction, and our annual banquet that 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! On Wednesday, before the convention starts, new CHS members, known as "First of Mays," will join the trustees for a special "Dukey" box luncheon.

On Thursday afternoon and evening, conventioneers will visit a private band organ collection for a special presentation and concert, tour the International Clown Hall of Fame, and attend a concert of Professor Jerry Stich’s Original Circus Band on Baraboo Square. The convention will conclude with Baraboo’s Big Top Circus Parade on Saturday morning. The complete schedule will be available here soon. 

We are still accepting presentation proposals and applications for our 2026 Student Prize. If you would like to submit a proposal or an application, click here before March 31, 2026.

Registration Rates   

CHS members and their guests can register at the Early Bird Rate of only $240 per person through March 31, 2026. The nonmember Early Bird Rate of $300 per person through March 31, 2026 includes a one year membership and subscription to our Bandwagon journal.

Registration rates will be higher after March 31, 2026.

The full-time Academic Rate is $160, and the full-time Student Rate is $135. These rates include all convention activities. 

One Day Only Rates are also available as follows: $100 for June 10 including the reception, $100 for June 11 including the afternoon visit to Circus World, and $125 for June 12 including the banquet and induction of Jerry Bangs to the International Clown Hall of Fame.

To register, 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. CHS Members who are not logged on to the CHS Back Yard (members-only) site will need to authenticate to register at the Member Rate. To register by mail, click here to download the registration form. 

Cancellations/Refunds: 50% through May 22. No refunds after May 22.

Hotels

A limited number of rooms have blocked for the nights of June 10 to June 13 at the following hotels:

Fairfield by Marriott – 932 Gateway Drive, Baraboo, WI 53913

Phone: (608) 581-5299 – Click here for room reservations.

Rate: $119.00/night plus taxes and fees – Group Code: CHS

Last day to book: Friday May 1, 2026


AmericInn by Wyndham – 626 West Pine Street, Baraboo, WI 53913

Phone: (608) 356-6422

Rate: $129.00/night plus taxes and fees

Last day to book: Sunday May 10, 2026


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 without seating, attendees driving their own vehicles are encouraged to bring a folding chair or blanket, if desired.


Auction Donations - Advertising - Sales Table Rental


Contact Brian Hollifield at info@freedomauctions.com to donate circus posters, books, photos, wardrobe, and other memorabilia for sale at our annual fundraising auction.


Contact Bruce Hawley at president@circushistory.org for advertising, sponsorships, and sales table rental information. Click here for Advertising, Sponsorship, and Sales Table rental information.


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

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