TOPEKA (KSNT) – A long-running Topeka tradition is officially off for 2026.
Many in Topeka may have fond memories of heading to the Arab Shrine Circus each year in February at the Stormont Vail Events Center. Past performances featured classic acts involving animals, silly clowns, impressive gymnastics, face painting and other staples people would expect to encounter while attending a circus.
John Sidwell with the Arab Shriners told 27 News there will not be a circus this year, bringing an end to the circus’ 87-year service run in the Capital City. He cited a decline in attendance records as the primary reason for the decision to not hold the circus in 2026.
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“We decided not to do the circus this year because we’ve been seeing declining numbers at the circus,” Sidwell said. “It wasn’t all that profitable for the Arab Shrine and the only way we could make it worthwhile to run it was to raise prices of the tickets and part of our goal is to supply family entertainment at a reasonable price and we just decided that we didn’t want to raise the prices and do the circus.”
Sidwell said the decision was not made easily. He said that significant discussion took place prior to the Arab Shrine landing on not holding the circus this year.
“Very sad,” Sidwell said. “There was a lot of discussion at the Arab Shrine, and we struggled a lot with making that decision, but we felt it was the best decision overall.”
Sidwell said the Arab Shrine hasn’t made a decision yet on whether or not the circus will return in 2027. He said further discussion will need to happen before the circus can return to Topeka.
The last Arab Shrine Circus held in Topeka was from Feb. 21-23 in 2025. The Arab Shriners based out of Topeka regularly hold events and fundraisers in the Capital City with the goal of adding joy to the lives of locals and supporting philanthropic causes.
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