If you’re tasked with arranging a memorable entertainment-themed night out for a group of friends or family members, then being mesmerized by the glitz and glamour of a circus show is a great option. If it’s one of the leading circuses in the world, then you’re in for an even more memorable night.

Filled with daring stunts and mind-boggling tricks, circus performers have been wowing audiences for centuries and continue to showcase their skills to mass audiences when the leading circuses go on global tours. Of course, you can watch performances on YouTube, gain a glimpse into circus life through spooky shows like American Horror Stories, or even attend a circus in the virtual world through games like the fabulous Midnight Show, a title by Evoplay Entertainment that offers a strong circus theme with Mr. Hokus and his glamorous assistant Annabel, but it’s not quite the same. In fact, witnessing some of these highly trained and immensely talented performers in the flesh is an unrivaled experience.

Depending on where you are on this glorious planet of ours, some of the biggest and best circuses could be heading to a town or city near you in the future. So, with that in mind, let’s assess some of the biggest circuses in the world that you should rush to buy tickets for if you ever have the chance to see them. Make no mistake about it, these hugely talented, world-famous performers are capable of wowing anyone.

Cirque Du Soleil

Kicking things off with arguably the most famous circus group of the lot, Cirque Du Soleil has managed to entertain crowds in London and New York, to Sydney and Milan. The Canadian entertainment company is the biggest of the lot, with the company’s unique selection of acts putting on stunning performances wherever they are on earth. Offering a strong narrative and eye-catching visual performances throughout, this famous circus company is impossible to ignore. While tickets probably won’t be cheap, this Emmy award-winning show is most definitely worth the investment.

Circus Vargas

Based in California but offering shows in a large selection of locations, Circus Vargas is widely regarded as one of the top circuses at the moment. Since being formed by Clifford E. Vargas, this American-led circus group provides an array of tricks that engage audiences, particularly the stunts that are of a daredevil nature. Also offering much-loved tricks involving top hats and juggling all kinds of objects, Circus Vargas combines daring stunts with old school tricks to create a truly unique and highly enjoyable show.

Cirkus Cirkör

A Swedish circus act that was originally started in 1995 by a group of aspiring performers, Cirkus Cirkör has since gone on to become one of the most talented circus shows around. The main man behind the group, Tilde Björfors, plus the other performers he teamed up with to get things off the ground, have performed around the world for mass audiences, with approximately 2.5 million people watching the show at the time of writing. If you’re able to see Cirkus Cirkör, then do it.

The Moscow State Circus

If The Moscow State Circus is ever in town, then you’re in for a treat. Created in 1971, it’s arguably the most famous name in the circus game, with this state-owned performance wowing audiences pretty much everywhere. Thanks to a strong story-telling theme that is elevated further with strong acrobatics and other recognizable stunts, The Moscow State Circus certainly knows how to put on a show.

Special mention must also go to Circus Krone, New Shanghai Circus, Big Apple Circus, and Chinese State Circus.