Historically, when the circus came to town, families around the globe would drop everything for a festive night under the big top. Everyone seems to have their favorite performance, from the absurd comedy to breathlessly watching acrobats and aerialists seemingly defy gravity. This summer, gather the gang and head to the magical striped circus tent of the Shoestring Circus. Their troupe of performers and entertainers hits the road to multiple locations in Washington State, bringing history to life one flip, twirl, laugh and gasp of astonishment at a time.
The Shoestring Traveling Circus Is Coming to Town, Get Your Tickets Now
Founded in 2022 by four longtime circus artists and friends, Shoestring Circus has grown into a beloved Pacific Northwest tradition. Nikki Laumb, a founding member, says this season’s stops include Bellingham, Olympia, Orting, and Vancouver, Washington with multiple shows in each city between June 6 and August 3.
Laumb and her fellow owners Sadye Osterloh, Poki McCorkle, and Justin Therrien have been circus performers, producers and directors for many years. “We bring in six new artists each season along with three support staff that also perform in ensemble numbers,” Laumb explains. “It makes for a team of about 13 people moving the tent, popping the popcorn and performing the shows.”
Because it just wouldn’t be the same without one, their big top tent is a vintage circus tent originally from Denmark and has that timeless circus feel. Laumb says the team loves playing in such a nostalgic setting mixed with today’s modern style of circus.
A Day at the Museum Meets a Night at the Circus with Enough Twists to Tie a Shoestring
Shoestring Circus performances are carefully crafted, themed delights. Laumb says they work to keep shows “a mix of circus, theater, visual arts and magic.” Storylines follow character actors through each plot, all tied into an imaginative setting with plenty of surprises along the way.
In 2023, ‘Shoesday’ depicted a father and daughter navigating a magic disco ball during a Shoesday celebration. 2024’s ‘So Bardcore’ was a medieval fantasy depicting two princes battling a dragon invasion of their Stringdom. It included magic butterflies and even a time-traveler from the 1980’s. For 2025, join the cast as they tour ‘The Museum,’ where artworks come to life and fun is around every corner.
This year they’ve added several new circus skills and apparatuses. Laumb says the cast of 2025 includes artists from Broadway, Cirque du Soleil and multiple world record holders. Headlining performers include Spencer Androli, one of the top ranked jugglers in the U.S who has been part of trials to bring juggling to the Olympics. Junru Wang, a handbalancer, holds current Guinness World Records and is a winner of “China’s Got Talent.” Keaton Hentoff-Killian and Isabella Diaz, an acrobatic duo that recently performed in “Water For Elephants” on Broadway, are just a few of the stellar cast.
The entire team is proud to have made it so far and love that they’re becoming a summertime tradition in many of the towns they visit.
Timeless, All-Ages, Family-Friendly Fun under the Shoestring Circus Big Top
At Shoestring Circus, every aspect of each performance is carefully curated. Laumb says they work hard making a truly all-ages show, with humor and entertainment for everyone from children to adults.
“The great thing about circus is that the skills are so universal to enjoy,” she explains. “Our show is very interactive and playful and the audiences get really fun and rowdy but there are also moments that are more thoughtful. I remember last year before our finale aerialist performance, we had a pretty suspenseful moment and it was the culmination of the story. When she was finally lifted out of the water it was silent. I just loved watching the kids’ faces, it showed real magic and awe. And then you look at the adults and it’s the same face. That’s what we are hoping to make every show when we say all-ages.”
You can purchase tickets for their Washington tour stops online. If you can, consider donating a seat by purchasing an extra ticket (through the designated link) that will be gifted to a local non-profit within the community.
There are often multiple shows per date but they’re selling out quickly so grab your favorite day and time now. Follow Shoestring Circus on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and future tour dates or sign up for their newsletter to receive first access to tickets each season.
These days we could all use a little magic in our lives. So unplug, grab family and friends, and head to the big top to enjoy some popcorn and cotton candy thanks to the Shoestring Circus. Enjoy the timeless delight of laughter, suspense, magic and mayhem while creating new traditions that are sure to stand the test of time.
Shoestring Circus 2025 Tour Locations
June 27-July 6, multiple showtimes
Olympia, WA
Under the Big Top next to the Port of Olympia’s Swantown Marina and Boatworks at Marine Drive NE and Market Street NE
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