Voting Opens for the 2027 Circus Ring of Fame® Inductees

The global circus community is once again invited to help recognize some of the industry’s most influential artists, producers, and organizations as voting officially opens for the 2027 Circus Ring of Fame® inductees.

Each year, the Circus Ring of Fame Foundation receives nominations from around the world honoring individuals and groups whose lifetime achievements have made a lasting impact on circus arts and culture. Following a review by the Foundation’s nominating committee, the finalists are presented to the international circus community, which is invited to help determine the next class of inductees. The Circus Ring of Fame has honored more than 150 legendary figures since its founding, recognizing excellence across performance, production, innovation, education, and preservation of circus heritage.

This year’s nominees represent a remarkable cross-section of the global circus world.

2027 Circus Ring of Fame® Nominees

Alain Pacherie

A visionary French producer, Alain Pacherie is the founder and producer of Cirque Phénix, one of Europe’s leading contemporary circus productions. He is widely recognized for presenting large-scale international circus spectacles and for championing artists from around the world while promoting circus as a global cultural art form.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College (Group Induction)

Founded in 1968, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College trained generations of professional clowns who went on to perform throughout the international circus industry. Beyond preserving the traditions of circus clowning, the school helped shape modern clown performance and influenced countless productions worldwide.

Bernhard Paul

The founder and producer of Circus Roncalli, Bernhard Paul transformed the modern European circus by combining traditional circus arts with theatrical storytelling, artistic design, and innovative production values. Since launching Circus Roncalli in 1976, he has become one of the most influential creative figures in contemporary circus, inspiring audiences across Europe and beyond.

The Flying Caballeros

The Flying Caballeros have earned an international reputation as one of the world’s premier flying trapeze families. Known for generations of groundbreaking aerial achievements, they have combined elite performance with circus production, helping preserve and advance the art of flying trapeze while inspiring new generations of aerial artists.

The Canestrelli Family

Representing multiple generations of circus excellence, the Canestrelli Family has made significant contributions through acrobatics, trampoline performance, production, and innovation. Their long-standing influence on international circus has earned them recognition as one of the industry’s distinguished circus families.

Your Vote Matters

Circus professionals, historians, educators, scholars, enthusiasts, and supporters from around the world are encouraged to participate in the selection process.

Participants are asked to vote for the three nominees they believe best represent outstanding achievement and lifelong dedication to the circus arts.

Voting remains open until September 9, 2026, at midnight.

To cast your vote or learn more about each nominee, visit:

Circus Ring of Fame Voting Page

The 2027 inductees will be formally honored during the Circus Ring of Fame induction ceremony in February 2027, joining an extraordinary roster of artists and visionaries whose contributions have shaped circus history for generations.

All images are curtesy of CRFO.