15th ANNUAL CIRCUS EXTRAVAGANZA:
SMALL WORLD UNDER THE BIG TOP
2026's Circus Extravaganza will be held the last weekend of May, with 3 shows over May 29 & 30, at Ijams Nature Center for the first time ever!
SMALL WORLD UNDER THE BIG TOP
2026's Circus Extravaganza will be held the last weekend of May, with 3 shows over May 29 & 30, at Ijams Nature Center for the first time ever!
TICKETS - FRI, MAY 29, 7-9pm
TICKETS - SAT, MAY 30, 1:30-3:30pm
TICKETS - SAT, MAY 30, 7-9pm
A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE SPONSORS WHO SUPPORT US & MAKE THESE SHOWS HAPPEN!
TICKETS - SAT, MAY 30, 1:30-3:30pm
TICKETS - SAT, MAY 30, 7-9pm
A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE SPONSORS WHO SUPPORT US & MAKE THESE SHOWS HAPPEN!
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For past shows, see our Circus Extravaganza Archive
THE STORY ON HOW KNOXVILLE'S HOMETOWN CIRCUS BEGAN
In 2011 Dragonfly Aerial Arts Studio was looking for a new space to practice. Breakthrough Corporation had a warehouse that was available, and, through mutual contacts, a new partnership was born. Breakthrough’s warehouse not only became our studio’s home, but also the first location of Knoxville’s Hometown Circus Extravaganza!
The first circus in 2012 was a single-show fundraiser for Breakthrough. The aerialists from Dragonfly, along with One World Circus and many of their circus friends, created a full show--complete with stage lighting and live music performed from the loft of the warehouse. It was a small venue, but BIG talent made the show a success. Everyone had such a good time that we knew we had something special!
So, we decided to make it an ANNUAL EVENT!
In 2013 our warehouse venue could barely contain the crowds! Not only did we double our production, offering two show times instead of one, each show was standing-room only. It was time to look for a new venue, and through a partnership with The Tennessee School for the Deaf, we were able to accommodate our growing circus. In our 3rd year, we hosted 3 shows at TSD.
We have continued to grow, seeking new community partners, offering additional show times, and finding larger venues so we can continue to delight as many people as possible. The more people we can entertain, the more people we can help!
Just as in our first year, all the proceeds from the circus continue to go to community programs and organizations helping at-risk youth and underserved groups.
In 2015, we partnered with the Clayton Performing Arts Center on the Pellissippi State Community College Hardin Valley Campus. Their auditorium has allowed us to offer multiple shows to packed audiences--entertaining, educating, and benefiting our community more than ever before!
From humble beginnings, we've reached new imaginative heights. We plan to celebrate Dragonfly, the circus, and YOU—our friends and neighbors—with more shows each Spring.
As always, our aerialists find new ways to dazzle from above: the “animal” tamer still tries to avoid trouble, and the laws of physics seem to be suspended as people glide, walk, juggle, and fly across the stage. Come be astounded and delighted while helping us make our community a better place!
SEE YOU AT THE CIRCUS!
In 2011 Dragonfly Aerial Arts Studio was looking for a new space to practice. Breakthrough Corporation had a warehouse that was available, and, through mutual contacts, a new partnership was born. Breakthrough’s warehouse not only became our studio’s home, but also the first location of Knoxville’s Hometown Circus Extravaganza!
The first circus in 2012 was a single-show fundraiser for Breakthrough. The aerialists from Dragonfly, along with One World Circus and many of their circus friends, created a full show--complete with stage lighting and live music performed from the loft of the warehouse. It was a small venue, but BIG talent made the show a success. Everyone had such a good time that we knew we had something special!
So, we decided to make it an ANNUAL EVENT!
In 2013 our warehouse venue could barely contain the crowds! Not only did we double our production, offering two show times instead of one, each show was standing-room only. It was time to look for a new venue, and through a partnership with The Tennessee School for the Deaf, we were able to accommodate our growing circus. In our 3rd year, we hosted 3 shows at TSD.
We have continued to grow, seeking new community partners, offering additional show times, and finding larger venues so we can continue to delight as many people as possible. The more people we can entertain, the more people we can help!
Just as in our first year, all the proceeds from the circus continue to go to community programs and organizations helping at-risk youth and underserved groups.
In 2015, we partnered with the Clayton Performing Arts Center on the Pellissippi State Community College Hardin Valley Campus. Their auditorium has allowed us to offer multiple shows to packed audiences--entertaining, educating, and benefiting our community more than ever before!
From humble beginnings, we've reached new imaginative heights. We plan to celebrate Dragonfly, the circus, and YOU—our friends and neighbors—with more shows each Spring.
As always, our aerialists find new ways to dazzle from above: the “animal” tamer still tries to avoid trouble, and the laws of physics seem to be suspended as people glide, walk, juggle, and fly across the stage. Come be astounded and delighted while helping us make our community a better place!
SEE YOU AT THE CIRCUS!