Summer in Olympia is going to be magical! The dazzling performance of Shoestring Circus returns to the capital city with a brand-new show promising to wow audiences of all ages. With community spirit, the innovative troupe will weave tradition with imagination into every outstanding act for a don’t-miss experience in Thurston County from June 19 to 28, 2026.
Shoestring Circus Returns to Olympia
Now in its third year in Olympia, Shoestring Circus offers an opportunity for families to establish lasting traditions with this outstanding event.
Sayde Osterloh, co-owner and co-director of this season’s production, shares that the troupe loves to bring the show to Thurston County. “Olympia audiences feel like a refreshing glass of ice water on a hot sunny day mixed with a warm hug!” says Osterloh. “We have felt so welcomed by Olympia. The audience is some of the most supportive, friendly, and lively we’ve seen so far on our tour! And we love being in this location right by the water – it’s so stunningly idyllic!”
Shoestring Circus’ Local Connections to the Olympia Community
Interested in meeting the Shoestring Circus performers? Join them at the Hands On Children’s Museum in Olympia for a Q&A session on June 18, from 4 to 4:45 p.m. They’ll put on a brief show featuring juggling, balancing acts, and object manipulation. Kids will have the chance to ask questions, and the audience can participate in fun, interactive games, while getting a rare “backstage” look at the performers’ lives.
“We are dedicated to helping kids unlock their creative potential and urge them to become lifelong learners, which is why we are so excited to host the Shoestring Circus, a group that perfectly embodies a life fueled by play,” shares Amanda Wilkening, visitor engagement assistant director at Olympia’s Hands On Children’s Museum.
Last year, the session at the museum was a big hit for all who attended. Children were inspired to demonstrate their own acrobatic skills, try new tricks, and engage with the performers as they played in the museum alongside the kiddos. Highlights included a balancing act in the dinosaur dig area, juggling of museum props and acrobatics in the giant chair to create a human sculpture.
“Play is a child’s first language, and circus performers are the ultimate role models because they’ve turned that playfulness into a professional craft,” says Wilkening. “Meeting these performers gives kids a chance to see they can remain playful, curious, and daring, no matter how old they get. The kids are inspired to imagine their own futures, even if it means following an unconventional path.”
All-New Olympia Circus Show With Dreamland
While there’s no shortage of things to do in Olympia, Shoestring Circus brings something unique and magical with their all-new production. In 2026, Shoestring Circus presents Dreamland with stunning acts, dramatic visuals, vibrant characters and plenty of unexpected surprises.
Audiences will have the chance to see award-winning contortionist Ilse Baryshnikov and dynamic rope artist Nick Ng, whose performance resume includes Cirque du Soleil. With captivating movement and vocals, Broadway dancer and singer Caroline Kane also joins the ensemble this season.
Come as you are or wear your fanciest pajamas and dress up for a night to remember in a magical Dreamland under the big top.
Enjoy a full day in lovely downtown Olympia by stopping in at the nearby Olympia Farmers Market or bringing the family to the Hands On Children’s Museum.
Olympia’s vibrant spirit is especially evident during Capital City Pride weekend, which overlaps with Shoestring Circus’ final shows in Thurston County. It’s a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the unique character of Olympia, something the circus artists themselves acknowledge and value within this close-knit community.
“It’s been fun to be able to go to some of the Pride events and then see some of the folks from the Pride events come to our shows as well,” says Osterloh, who thoroughly enjoyed Pride in Olympia last year with her child.
Shoestring Circus Olympia Showtimes and Dates
Step into the mesmerizing world of Dreamland with Shoestring Circus and get your tickets here to the most enchanting event in Thurston County now, as the show is only in town for a short time and tickets sell fast.
Find Shoestring Circus’ Dreamland at Port of Olympia’s Swantown Marina and Boatworks at 650 Marine Drive NE in Olympia.
Friday, June 19: 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 20: 4 & 7 p.m.
Sunday, June 21: 3 & 6 p.m.
Wednesday, June 24: 4 & 7 p.m.
Thursday, June 25: 4 & 7 p.m.
Friday, June 26: 4 & 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 27: 1 & 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 28: 1 p.m.
Tickets to Shoestring Circus are $17 for kids ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 do not require a ticket but must share a seat with an adult ticket holder. Adult tickets are $35 for those 13 and up. All front row reserved seats are $55 each for all ages.
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