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About

Since 1933

Since 1933, the Hadi Shrine Circus has dazzled both young and old from its home in Evansville, Indiana. The Hadi Temple is proud of the show’s long history, with third and fourth generation families coming to see the circus. Our Circus provides good, wholesome entertainment for a reasonable price, and it has consistently been one of the greatest shows on Earth for almost a century.

2023 marked the twelfth production at the Ford Center after 56 years at Roberts Stadium. During its incredible run, the Hadi Shrine Circus has changed with the times, evolving from a traditional production to a flashier style of show, especially over the last few years. With classic acts like jugglers, lion tamers, acrobats, and clowns, our circus pairs traditional circus fun with dazzling lighting, music, special effects, and action to keep you on the edge of your seat.

In order to keep the production fresh, the Hadi Shrine Circus contracts individual performers rather than signing on a full production every year. This allows for unique presentations and exceptional variety each year, with the opportunity to grow and cultivate new ideas. Of course, the success of any great circus is dependent on the animals. All of the animals are treated like family, with top-quality care including annual check-ups and vaccinations. In addition, some of the dogs that perform during the show were rescued from shelters.

This year’s Hadi Shrine Circus required 11 months of planning and over 1,000 people working together to create something truly special. So be sure to get your tickets early – and bring your family to the show!

We’ll see you at the Circus!

The Main Act

The following historical information lists the main acts to participate in the Hadi Shrine Circus since 1957.

Year Main Act Location
1957 Matt Dillon – Gunsmoke Roberts Stadium
1958 Chester – Big Snow This Year Roberts Stadium
1959 Joey – Fury Roberts Stadium
1960 Rebel Roberts Stadium
1961 The Three Stooges Roberts Stadium
1962 Rifleman – Chuck Connors Roberts Stadium
1963 Granny – Beverly Hillbilly Roberts Stadium
1964 Little Joe – Bonanza Roberts Stadium
1965 The Addams Family Roberts Stadium
1966 Robin – Batman Roberts Stadium
1967 Festus – Gunsmoke Roberts Stadium
1968 Fess Parker Roberts Stadium
1969 Banana Splits Roberts Stadium
1970 Bugs Bunny Roberts Stadium
1971 Emmett Kelly Roberts Stadium
1972 Festus – Gunsmoke Roberts Stadium
1973 Little Joe – Bonanza Roberts Stadium
1974 ––– no main act ––– Roberts Stadium
1975 Tweety Pie & Sylvester Roberts Stadium
1976 ––– no main act ––– Roberts Stadium
1977 Batman Roberts Stadium
1978 Spiderman & Hulk Roberts Stadium
1979 Jason – Star Command Roberts Stadium
1980 ––– no main act ––– Roberts Stadium
1981 Enos – Dukes of Hazzard Roberts Stadium
1982 Daisy – Dukes of Hazzard Roberts Stadium
1983 Boss Hogg – Dukes of Hazzard Roberts Stadium
1984 Radar – M.A.S.H. Roberts Stadium
1985 Transformers Roberts Stadium
1986 Care Bear & G.I. Joe Roberts Stadium
1987 Alvin & The Chipmunks Roberts Stadium
1988 The Munsters Roberts Stadium
1989 Lassie Roberts Stadium
1990 Bart & Homer Simpson Roberts Stadium
1991 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Roberts Stadium
1992 Wild West Cowboys of Moo Mesa Roberts Stadium
1993 Russian Stars Roberts Stadium
1994 Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad Roberts Stadium
1995 ––– no main act ––– Roberts Stadium
1996 Bozo the Clown Roberts Stadium
1997 Baby Niki – Elephant Roberts Stadium
1998 ––– no main act ––– Roberts Stadium
1999 ––– no main act ––– Roberts Stadium
2000 ––– no main act ––– Roberts Stadium
2001 Kenya Wizards Roberts Stadium
2002 Kenya Wizards Roberts Stadium
2003 Kenya Wizards Roberts Stadium
2004 Spiderman Roberts Stadium
2005 ––– no main act ––– Roberts Stadium
2006 King Charles Troupe Roberts Stadium
2007 Spiderman Roberts Stadium
2008 SpongeBob SquarePants Roberts Stadium
2009 SpongeBob SquarePants Roberts Stadium
2010 Scooby-Doo Roberts Stadium
2011 Scooby-Doo & Shaggy Ford Center
2012 Dora the Explorer & Diego Ford Center
2013 Chicago Boyz & SpongeBob SquarePants Ford Center
2014 Adventure Time: Finn & Jake Ford Center
2015 SpongeBob SquarePants & Santa Claus Ford Center
2016 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ford Center
2017 Thrillusionist David DaVinci Ford Center
2018 Bello Nock Ford Center
2019 Bello Nock Ford Center
2020 ––– postponed due to COVID-19 ––– –––
2021 Bello Nock Ford Center
2022 Ari Steeples Ford Center
2023 Ari Steeples Ford Center

 

Contact Us

Hadi Shrine Circus Ticket Office
(812) 425-4376
1 (800) 66-CLOWN

Hadi Shrine Temple
6 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN 47708

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