Missoula Gets a Big Top Treat: Water Circus Comes to Southgate Mall

It's almost like Mother Nature flips a switch. Not only does the weather warm up and the flowers start to bloom, but there are so many events that are happening around Missoula every weekend.

This weekend is Mother's Day. If you are looking for something to do this weekend, not only do we have the usual fun things like the farmer's markets, but now you can add a circus to the list of things to do with mom this weekend.

Read More: Missoula's Farmers Markets Open For the Season: What to Know for 2025

Scheels' parking lot at the Southgate Mall is the location of the "big top" this time around. The Cirque Italia Water Circus-Silver Unit is in town for the weekend. The first performance of the weekend will be Friday night at 7:30 p.m.

There will be multiple performances through the weekend with three performances on Saturday, two on Sunday and one final performance on Monday night.

According to their website, this is some of what you can expect to see this weekend:

From the magic of water stages to the thrills of the paranormal, Cirque Italia transforms each city into a celebration of art, emotion, and wonder, redefining entertainment with unforgettable experiences at every stop.

You will see a "combination of death-defying circus acts, with the atmosphere of our water stage!", which holds over 35,000 gallons of water.

According to their Facebook post one child will get free admission per paid adult. If you are worried about the heat, don't; the tent is temperature controlled. If you want to pre-purchase tickets you can do that on their website here. If you wait to purchase at the event it is cash only.

It's been years since I have been to a circus in Missoula. The last time I went to the circus with my kids, my young daughter got overwhelmed with the strobe lights and loud music and we ended up leaving early. Be aware that they do have a "strobe light warning" for their shows.

This is the same company that has brought the Paranormal Cirque through town in the past. According to their schedule the circus will move on to Great Falls next weekend. It looks like these will be the only two stops in Montana in 2025.