Flotsam! River Circus in Alton
Tue, Aug 25 , 2026 • 6:30pm - 8:00pm
1 Henry St., Alton, IL 62002
Flotsam! River Circus returns to Alton with a free, family-friendly performance featuring live music, circus acts, and giant puppets. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, enjoy the show on the mighty Mississippi River!
Flotsam! River Circus is returning to Alton on Tuesday, August 25th! Their performance will take place at the Lincoln-Shields recreation area.
Flotsam is a troupe of musicians, circus artists, and puppeteers who travel on a handmade raft, giving free performances in riverfront towns along the way.
The show is family-friendly, but intended for audiences of all ages. The performance starts at 6:30 pm and will be finished before 8:00. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and come early for a good spot!
The show is free to attend, but they keep the project afloat through donations. There is a suggested donation of $10–$25 per person. Cash is welcome, or you can Venmo us at @rivercircus.
Parking is somewhat limited, so please consider carpooling, biking, kayaking, or teleporting. There isn't a public bus to the park, but there is a dedicated bike lane on US-67.
If you are considering arriving by boat, please note that the show is much better viewed from shore — and they ask that no boats position themselves behind them during the performance.
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