The Circus is Coming Home: Outback Circus Carnival

Published on 15 July 2026

Returning to the region from 22–30 August 2026, the Outback Circus Carnival is set to attract locals and visitors from across the state as Blackall and Tambo come together to celebrate Australia’s travelling circus tradition.

Inspired by the legendary Perry Bros Circus and the region’s connection to generations of travelling performers and showmen, the carnival will celebrate the heritage, creativity and community spirit that have long been part of the Outback way of life.

Across the week-long celebration, beginning with the Tambo Rodeo weekend on 22 August, carnival-goers will experience a program filled with circus performances, live entertainment, workshops, heritage experiences, markets, food, music and family-friendly activities across both communities.

From the Tambo Big Block Party through to the Bushman’s Big Top finale at the Blackall Showgrounds, the event will showcase the unique character of Blackall and Tambo while welcoming visitors to experience the stories, traditions and creativity that make the region special.

Blackall-Tambo Regional Council Mayor Andrew Martin said the event was an opportunity to celebrate the region’s history while creating something new for the community.

“We are pleased to see the Outback Circus Carnival return in 2026.

“While many locals know the story of Perry Bros Circus and have seen Jumbo the Elephant standing proudly in Banks Park, there are many more people interested in travelling to our region to discover these stories and experience the history behind them.

“No one puts on a show quite like Tambo and Blackall.”

Event coordinators are also encouraging community members, performers, businesses and creatives to get involved in bringing the carnival to life.

Opportunities are available for food vendors, market stalls, entertainers, community groups and local creatives to be part of the event program and help create the colour, energy and atmosphere of this unique celebration.

Young performers can also join the free Circus Club, where participants aged six and over can learn circus skills including juggling, plate spinning, poi, clowning and tumbling, building towards a special performance during the carnival.

The Outback Circus Carnival is a celebration of where circus came from, the people who carried it across Australia, and the communities that continue to keep those stories alive.

For the full program and event details, go to visitblackalltambo.com.au/outback-circus-carnival or drop in to the Blackall Visitor Information Centre to collect a program.

Outback Circus Carnival