The Hadi Shrine Circus, a Thanksgiving weekend fixture since 1933, is doubling down on last year’s reinvention for its upcoming shows.
As Evansville Living previewed in November/December 2025, organizers
moved away from acts featuring endangered animals such as elephants and embraced a more action-packed environment via high-wire motorcyclists and freestyle motocross stunt performers. Favorites such as Ringmaster Ari Steeples, a “wheel of death,” the Flying Cortes family trapeze troupe, and acts featuring camels, horses, dogs, and even pigs also returned.
The 92nd Hadi Shrine Circus on Nov. 26-29 at Ford Center repeats that blend of old and new. “Whether you have energetic toddlers or hard-to-impress older kids, the show balances modern thrills with beloved traditions to guarantee a memorable holiday outing,” says Joe Vezzoso, the circus’ longtime executive director.
This year’s production features headliner David DiVinci, a “Magical Thrillusionist” who has performed on six continents and in 75 countries. Returning attractions include a popular human cannonball act and the Hadi Shrine Funsters performers, who this year debut a new mascot, Tumble the Clown. There are even prizes: Pick up a $3 coloring book at the circus, and your child will be entered in a drawing for one of two bicycles given away during each performance.
With eight shows scheduled during the weekend, Vezzoso says “fitting an incredible, affordable circus adventure into your holiday schedule is seamless.”
