New FSU Big Top Celebrates 15th Annual Halloween Thrills

One and a half years after multiple tornadoes ripped through the area, the Florida State University Flying High Circus is back under a new big top tent ahead of its 15th annual Halloween Show Series. Returning to full production marks the end of the lengthy restoration since the widespread destruction caused by the May 2024 storms.

The old circus tent, which is located near the Doak Campbell football stadium, was severely damaged on May 10, 2024, when three tornadoes, two rated EF-2, tore through Tallahassee. The storm ripped the roof off the structure, and debris was scattered all over campus.

Despite some damage, the program continued to function, with the student performers doing smaller productions and benefit shows all over the community over the past year.

Bouncing Back Stronger

The rebuilding process was lengthy and involved the efforts of alumni, Tallahasseeans, staff personnel, and dozens of performing students. The university assisted the reconstruction with the activation of the Circus Recovery fund. Fundraising efforts included Alumni Hall, a popular FSU product reseller, teaming up with the circus to sell Flying High-themed t-shirts, which raised over $12,000 in support. The team also recycled the fabric from the destroyed tent as limited-edition bags to benefit the donation fund. The products remain nostalgic symbols of the perseverance demonstrated by the FSU community.

In March 2025, almost ten months after the tornado, a brand-new tent was imported from Italy. Volunteers and students helped pitch the new 20,000-square-foot tent. The new tent is nearly identical to the first one, but they used more advanced materials, which are more capable of resisting severe weather conditions.

Although the new tent is up, they're not quite finished with the recovery process yet. Director Chad Mathews explained, "The tent being up signaled a step, not the end of the process by any means." They're in the process of finishing setting up the new rigging and seating configurations.

Under the Big Top Again

The 15th annual Halloween Show Series is coming up, and it's going to be the circus's first full show in its new tent! This family-friendly show is like a thriller, with fun things like flying skeletons and dancing zombies.

The shows are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17; Saturday, Oct. 18; Friday, Oct. 24; and Saturday, Oct. 25.

The circus is one of just two college circuses in the country, and it had three packed sessions back in September for Family Weekend, where they offered tours, juggling, and snacks. This Halloween gig is their first full show since April 2024.

Jake Radtke, this fourth-year senior studying psychology and criminology and in the cast for four years, can't wait for the comeback. He explained, "This year's Halloween show series is so exciting because not only is it our first show series back under the big top, but I know that a lot of people, including myself, are looking forward to showing everything we've been working on for the past year".

Iris Dahlborg, a junior studying civil and environmental engineering and a performer in her third year, is excited to hit the stage again. She's looking forward to "interacting with a live audience again" and noted that "A huge aspect of clowning is breaking the fourth wall." Another cast member, Macy Cramer, talked about how determined everyone is, saying, "We are a family, and we've supported each other as we all figured out how to navigate this atypical year."

Director Chad Mathewes described having the tent back in working order enables the program to be able to "function like normal." Student performer Paris Graham said having the tent back, "better than ever," means so much, stressing the fact that the circus is not only a great hangout spot but also a family.

There are limited tickets available for all shows. FSU students are always free with FSU ID, and staff and faculty receive a special discount. Only clear bags are permitted in the performance tent.