Iconic circus heading back to Bay Area for first time in years

Acrobats! Death-defying stunts! Clowns — probably not the scary kind!

Yes, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is back in the Bay for the first time since 2017, with a dozen days of thrilling performances in both Oakland and San Jose.

This year, the famous circus promises “incredible acts that push the limits of human potential,” from performers hailing from all over the world. There will be never-before-seen stunts like the Triangular Highwire — featuring cyclists teetering on ropes high in the sky — and the Double Wheel of Destiny, with daredevils scrambling like mad hamsters in fiercely spinning wheels.

There are comedy performances with juggling and dancing, a Ringling Rocket shooting a guy across the room at 65 mph and a central stage that transforms into a fully functioning skate park, with BMX ramps and a trampoline launch for cool tricks, not to mention acrobats, trapeze performers and more.

So grab your kids, or your childlike adults, and get down to the so-called “Greatest Show on Earth” today!

Details: Performances run at the Oakland Arena from Friday through Sept. 1 and at SAP Center Sept. 6-8; tickets start at $30; ringling.com.