Spokes European Circus: Timeless Entertainment Comes to Ocala at the End of January

The Spokes European Circus brings history and classic entertainment to Ocala.

By Amber Battillo January 26, 2026 1:30 pm

Ring master, juggling clown and large horse graphics are standing in front of a circus tent graphic. A red and gold marquee above has white letters inside that read, "Spokes European Circus." Below the marquee are white letter reading, "Jan. 30-Feb. 1 & Feb. 4-8." — 352todayAmber Battillo/352todaySpokes European Circus is coming to Ocala for traditional circus performances from Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and Feb. 4-8.

OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Spokes European Circus brings the classic elements of traditional circus to modern times for two weeks of high-energy entertainment. The big top will be set up at Veterans of Foreign Wars, 4805 NE 36th Ave., Ocala with performances Friday-Sunday, Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and Wednesday-Sunday, Feb. 4-8 starting at 7 p.m. each day. The performances last for approximately 90 minutes, with a 10–15-minute intermission.

Performances will include Equestrian Thrills, live music and Victorian Vaudeville for lively shows. The Equestrian Thrills will feature horses ridden by award-winning riders who perform a variety of stunts including trick riding, vaulting and riders standing on top of the horses in a display of showmanship. The live music performers change with each show, keeping a mystery to the playstyle of each musician as they perform Balkan folk, jazz manouche and more with a vintage touch. The Victorian Vaudeville is a hub for performances of all kinds, where alumni from Cirque Du Soleil, Big Apple Circus, Cavalia and La Tarumba will perform grand tricks between juggling, acrobatics, stunts, tumbling and more.

An hour prior to the start of each performance, the circus will launch The Midway, where guests can enjoy face painting, pony rides, games and interactive elements at some additional cost. During intermission, guests can visit The Midway and grab snacks at the concession stand which features hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, candy apples, drinks and more. Guests will also have the opportunity to capture a picture with a horse that worked on the 2017 Hugh Jackman film, “The Greatest Showman.”

The circus also features a Sensory Sunday Matinee where guests can experience a circus performance with sensory sensitivities and families in mind. For the matinee, the circus will have no fog, reduced lighting effects and quieter music.

Tickets for the show can be purchased as general admission, which grants free admission to children aged 14 and under with an adult ticket as well as first come, first served bench seating. VIP tickets are also available for padded seats, closeup to the performance. There will also be Big Top Tour tickets, limited to 10 guests per show with additional features such as VIP seating, a tour of the big top and barn, an informational history lesson on circuses and The Spokes European Circus and a meet and greet with all the horses. Children’s VIP and Big Top Tour tickets are not included with general admission and must be purchased along with adult tickets.

For more information about the elements of the cirque, email circus organizers here or call 727-307-4776. To purchase tickets, visit the website here.