Ideas To Plan A Successful Circus Theme Fundraiser

A circus theme fundraiser combines the thrill of a circus with the heart of philanthropy, creating a memorable experience for attendees while raising funds for a worthy cause. With its vibrant colors, lively entertainment, and carnival games, a circus theme fundraising event captivates guests of all ages, making it an excellent choice for organizations that want to engage a broad audience.

When you’re planning a successful circus theme fundraiser:

Pay attention to details and create an engaging, visually appealing circus atmosphere.
Include a variety of entertainment, food, and activities that will keep guests engaged throughout the event.

Venue Décor For Circus Fundraiser Theme

A tent with red curtains and tables and chairs are great Venue Décor for a circus fundraiser theme.

Transforming your outdoor or indoor venue into a circus wonderland requires creativity. Use bright, bold red and white stripes. If your venue is outdoors, use a large circus tent as the main focal point. You can also use small tents or large tables for various activities. Hang lights, colorful banners, and oversized balloons to enhance the festive atmosphere. Include circus posters, vintage signs, and circus props throughout the venue to complete the look. If your venue is indoors, boost your creativity and include more props and elements to make guests feel like they’re in a large tent.

A red and white striped tent are great Venue Décor for a circus fundraiser theme.

A red carpet and a sign with lights are great Venue Décor for a circus fundraiser theme.

Circus Theme Fundraiser Décor Resource

Circus theme fundraiser décor can be found on Amazon by searching:

Circus decorations for event
Circus decorations
Circus theme party decorations
Circus decorations for event outdoors
Circus decorations for party
Circus theme party decorations adults
Circus party decorations adults

Table Décor

Tables should reflect the circus theme with vibrant tablecloths and centerpieces. Use miniature circus tents or popcorn boxes filled with popcorn or red flowers as centerpieces. Place mini boxes of popcorn and other circus treats around the table for guests to enjoy. Personalized tickets or circus theme place cards can also add a special touch. Small LED lights or tea lights give tables a magical glow, enhancing the overall ambiance.

A round red table with white striped tents and red and white striped tents
are great Table Décor for a circus fundraiser theme.

A table with silverware and a menu are great Table Décor for a circus fundraiser theme.

Fundraiser Games

Classic carnival games are great for a circus fundraiser theme.

A circus theme fundraising event is not complete without classic carnival games. Set up booths for ring toss, balloon darts, and other games. Offer prizes for winners.

A wine bottle ring toss is great for a circus fundraiser theme.

You can also include a wine bottle ring toss game. Wine and specialty liquor games are very popular fundraisers. For more information and ideas for wine pull games, download our free e-book. We also have a wine pull video playlist.

A voting game fundraiser and a mystery box fundraiser are other fundraiser games that can be customized for a circus theme fundraiser.

Photo Booth

Include a photo area for guests to enjoy. Set up circus theme photo backdrops or include a photo area with circus props like clown noses, oversized glasses, and other fun circus-related items. Offer photos with clowns or circus performers. Encourage guests to share their photos on social media. Provide them with hashtag information to use when they post their photos.

Circus Theme Fundraiser Contest Ideas

Include contests that align with the circus theme, such as a pie-eating competition or a talent show featuring circus acts like juggling or magic tricks. Offer enticing prizes for winners to motivate participation and increase enthusiasm. Try a clown contest. Award prizes to the best and most creative clown and a prize to the best clown couple. These contests are a great way to engage guests and create memorable moments.

Food Ideas

Offer a variety of circus theme snacks for guests to enjoy. Classic options include hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and caramel apples. Consider gourmet versions of these treats, such as truffle popcorn or artisan hot dogs, for a more upscale touch. A candy buffet with a wide array of colorful sweets is another great option. If you’re using an outdoor venue, having food trucks that offer common circus foods is a great option.

Caramel popcorn circus theme fundraiser food Ideas

Entertainment For Circus Theme Fundraiser

Including circus-related entertainment at your circus theme fundraiser is important for creating an immersive and captivating atmosphere. The vibrant and dynamic nature of circus acts draws guests into a world of wonder and excitement, ensuring they have a memorable experience. This type of entertainment engages attendees of all ages, encouraging participation. By providing a variety of circus-inspired activities, you enhance the overall enjoyment of the event. Here are some entertainment ideas for your circus fundraising event:

Acrobats and Aerialists

Clown Performances

Clown entertainment for circus theme fundraiser

Magicians and Illusionists

Stilt Walkers

Contortionists

Silent Auction Ideas

Curate a selection of unique and desirable items for your silent auction to maximize fundraising. Consider offering circus theme experiences like trapeze lessons or tickets to a local circus show. Other popular items include signed memorabilia, gift cards to restaurants or food trucks that offer circus-related foods, or gift baskets filled with circus-related treats. Display the items attractively and provide detailed descriptions to entice bids. For tips and ideas about fundraiser baskets, watch our videos.

Circus Theme Live Auction Packages

Circus theme live auction packages that offer unique and exciting trips and experiences are sure to attract bidders. These consignment packages can be sold multiple times at your event, increasing your fundraiser profits. You pay only if the packages sell. Hire a professional auctioneer to help maximize bids, keep the auction flowing smoothly, and remind guests of the cause they’re supporting. See our professional auctioneers in action.

Here are some circus-related live auction packages that would fit perfectly with a circus theme fundraiser: