More About Circus Circus Las Vegas

Explore Circus Circus Resort

50 Years of Fun and Games on the Strip

Known for world-class entertainment and a kid-friendly atmosphere in the heart of Sin City, Circus Circus offers everything for the young, to the young at heart.

Circus Circus Hotel & Casino

While it may look a little different from the opening day and Diamonds are Forever appearance, Circus Circus still remains the destination for family-friendly fun on the Strip. 

History

Constructed in 1968, Circus Circus was built without a hotel attached, as a single two-story building. It started with a bit of a checkered past, and some notable issues with the Nevada Gaming Commission and others. The idea behind the casino was that it wasn’t a Roman circus (more in theme with Caesars Palace where it was originally going to be built next to), but a “circus circus” and the name stuck.

Themed all in pink, the two-story, football field-sized building opened across from the Riviera with carousels and a simulated big-top facing Las Vegas Boulevard. The first floor was geared towards adults, with a casino, and the second floor was filled with carnival games for children. It included an indoor balcony to overlook the gaming floor and provide a view of the aerialists and trapeze acts, while not distracting from the gameplay below, eventually adding a ceiling across the first floor with the exception of the slot machines. The initial casino included the Hippodrome Showroom, hosting shows like Nudes in the Night. The Hippodrome Showroom brought the final curtain down in 1973, replacing it, and another lounge, The Gilded Cage, with a buffet. A hotel tower was later added in 1972, followed by another tower and RV park in the later years, now proudly boasting 3,773 rooms. Struggling initially, Circus Circus eventually found its niche and groove as a family-friendly destination, adding the Adventuredome amusement park in 1993.

Circus Circus has garnered some notoriety over the years. In 1974, the Guinness Book of World Records named Circus Circus as the world’s largest permanent circus; a record that remains to date. In 1971, it was one of the pivotal settings in the James Bond movie “Diamonds are Forever”. Circus Circus is currently owned and operated by Phil Ruffin, who purchased it from the MGM Group in 2019. Adjacent to the Circus Circus and included as part of the property is Slots-a-Fun Casino, a decidedly not family-friendly hotel opened in 1971 known for cheap meals and drink deals in addition to their casino games.

The Resort

Rooms

Guests have a choice of four towers in the hotel to stay at each with its own theme and charm. The Manor Motor Lodge boasts desert-themed decor and updated furnishings. The Casino Tower Rooms offer jewel and earth tones in addition to quick access to the casino 15 floors below. The Skyrise Tower Rooms are the most recently renovated, with jewel tones and comfortable accommodations. And lastly, the West Tower rounds out guest’s options, with modern comfort and effortless design. Explore: Find Your Perfect Las Vegas Penthouse Each room comes with wireless Internet access, cable TV with a hotel channel detailing what offerings are available, an alarm clock, hairdryer, iron and ironing board and safes to protect your valuables.

Parking

Self-parking is complimentary to all guests and visitors. Valet parking starts at $12 for the first two hours and maxes out at $16 per day. RV parking is offered at an additional cost. For more free parking, read about free parking on the Strip to drive worry-free.

 RV Park

The only RV park located on the Strip, the RV Park offers luxurious amenities, including a pet run, showers, pool and Jacuzzi in addition to shower and laundry facilities.

Transportation

Circus Circus offers Avis rental car services for visitors looking to traverse The Strip. Limousine and town car services are also available for booking through the concierge. For Uber, Lyft and other rideshare services, head to the main entrance. Find more transportation by exploring these car rental companies on the Strip.

Meeting Spaces

Circus Circus can house meetings of up to 600 people across over 20,000 square feet of venue space.

Pool

Splash Zone

Summers are no joke in Las Vegas with temperatures averaging in the high hundreds. What better way to enjoy the blistering heat than to cool down in the Splash Zone and Pool? Newly expanded, this summer oasis offers a 50-foot water slide tower for the adventurous explorers with three slides to choose from.

Looking for a more mellow retreat? Check out the swimming pools for those just ready to kick back and relax. Children of all ages will love the Splash Pad with splash buckets and waterfalls to cool off under. Cabanas are available for rent and the Splash Snacks food truck is nearby to ensure you can play the day away.

Notables

Weddings

If love is in the air, the Circus Circus wedding chapel has you covered 365 days a year. It’s remarkably easy to get married in Las Vegas (just ask any of the celebs that have done it) and Circus Circus offers the Hitchin’ Post for your matrimonial needs. They even offer live webcasts so you can make sure those who need to be there are there, at least virtually.

Salon

If you’re looking for a quick trim or a full-body pampering, the salon at Circus Circus has the treatment for you. Unsure of what you want? Check out the Spa Sampler, which includes a 20-minute Holistic Massage, 20-minute Aromatherapy Facial, Express Manicure, and Express Pedicure to make you feel like a new person in just about an hour.

Quinceañeras

Give the birthday of their dreams at Circus Circus with packages starting at $39/person including dinner, cake and so much more.

Restaurants and Dining Options

The Buffet

Recently reopened in May 2021, this slimmed-down version of the Buffet is one of only four buffets currently open on the Las Vegas Strip. It is open for breakfast and brunch from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. If buffet isn’t your style, there are other great options for breakfast in Las Vegas.

The Food Court (under construction)

This 15,000 square foot area is currently undergoing construction, is located next to the buffet and promises offerings like Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Pick Up Stix, Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, Einstein Bros. Bagels and more for hungry guests.

The Steakhouse

A 30-year tradition that never gets old, the Steakhouse is known for serving the finest quality beef in an intimate atmosphere that harkens back to the Rat Pack era. Dry aged to perfection, prime cuts are showcased with a Vegas flair and prepared over an exhibition-style, open-hearth mesquite charcoal broiler. Open daily at 4 p.m., make sure you get your reservations in and celebrate in style. Who doesn’t love a good steak? Check out more of the best steakhouses on the Strip for your next meal.

The Pizzeria

Inset below the gaming floor, you take a sloped ramp up to the cashier where you order some of the best pizza on the Strip. Served with generous portions, any wait is worth it. Whether you’re looking for a pepperoni to-go or a sit down meal with calzones, wings, salad, and sandwiches, you can find something to really hit the spot. Open daily at 11 a.m.

Blue Iguana

If you’re looking for a little south of the border action, the Blue Iguana has that quick fix for you. Whether you’re looking for tacos and burritos or enchiladas and nachos, there’s a little something for every taste. Open at 12 p.m. Thursdays-Mondays. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Read More: Visit The Best Restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip »

Westside Deli

Open 24 hours, this soup, salad and sandwich deli will help that late night craving, early morning crunch or midday recharge on your way to your next adventure. Offerings include breakfast burritos, burgers, fries, grilled chicken and more. Quick bites On the main floor, you have a choice of Annie’s Pretzels and Krispy Kreme, in addition to the Food Court, Buffet and Steak house. On the Promenade, you can choose from Starbucks for your coffee needs, Tasti D-lite and Cocolini for your frozen dessert needs. On the Midway, you can recharge with a quick bite at McDonald’s before trying your luck again.

Bars

West Bar

Whether you’re looking to watch the big game or play your favorite video poker, this full service bar even offers specialty glasses to try to help you remember the night. Happy hour specials are not to be missed either.

Big Chill

Beat the heat with frosty drinks in wild glasses -if a plastic guitar with a straw can count as a glass. Customize your blended drink with a variety of options and start your night out right! Keep your night going well with great deals on refills too.

Slots-A-Fun Bar

Just outside of Circus Circus, the Slots a Fun Bar offers a full variety of spirits and space for the best drinking games around. Flex your prowess with 24/7 beer pong, bowling and even billiards, to name just a few. Don’t miss out on their happy hour specials either.

Entertainment

Shows

Circus Acts

Highlighted on the center stage daily, performers and entertainment from around the world dazzle and delight visitors for free! Performances start at 1:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m. Friday through Sunday and are an incredible variety of trapeze artists, jugglers, balancing acts and so much more. Previous acts have included former America’s Got Talent acts and, when the Circus Circus first opened, live animals like tigers and even an elephant. This stage is the reason that they held the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest permanent circus for several decades. The entertainers change often so you don’t want to miss out on what they have in store.

Other Attractions

Adventuredome Themepark

Added in 1993, this sparkling pink jewel in the desert is five acres of fun for all ages. If you’re looking for more than just thrill gambling, your heart is sure to be racing on one of the main thrills, like the Canyon Blaster or El Loco. Want something a little more intense but under your control? Check out the Bank Heist Laser Challenge: Escape The Vault where you navigate around lasers and obstacles. You can also check out family-friendly rides like the Circus Carousel, Road Runner and more. Even if you aren’t riding rides, experience some fun with the virtual theater rides and midway games, all under the pink glass dome. You can even catch 18 holes of mini-golf in Pirate’s Bounty. Read More: Find More Things To Do On The Las Vegas Strip Near Circus Circus »

On Fridays and Saturday nights, enjoy Neon Nights where you can get your glow on. Around Halloween, the Adventuredome has previously been transformed into a haunted attraction, the Frightdome and was brought back in 2020. Adventuredome attractions include: Please note: most attractions have a height limit, so check before you go. Read More: Enjoy More Las Vegas Roller Coasters And Attractions At Circus Circus »

Midway

Always part of the original design, the Midway transports you to the carnival, where games of skill offer prizes for the lucky ones. Circus Circus offers a delightful mix of classic arcade games, state-of-the-art video games and competitive games to secure your bragging rights. Classics like Circus Downs have you rolling your ball to move your horse down the track faster than your competitors, with the stakes ramping up with every player added and better prizes to the victor.

Ever evolving to be on the cutting edge of entertainment, the Midway continues to grow and change with the times now offering contact-free methods of game payment with the new Midway Card. The Midway card is a reloadable card that offers an easy way to play your favorites and try some new games while you’re at it. Whether you’re collecting tickets for your next big score or adorable prizes on a date, the Midway promises to be fun for all ages.

Festival Grounds

A new addition to the Las Vegas Strip, this 37-acre open-air festival venue offers enough room for multiple stages, food vendors, outdoor pavilions, permanent restroom facilities and a dedicated transportation area—7.5 acres of one actually. Festivals that have been held at this location include Rock in Rio USA, iHeart Music Festival and Day N Vegas, to name a few. Located directly across from the SAHARA and next to the Circus Circus, this centrally located venue has been rocking crowds since 2014.

Casino

Choose the Circus Circus casino for some great bets that are legendary in their generosity. Read More: Bet On Circus Circus Slots At The Casino »

Shopping

While Circus Circus doesn’t boast the brand name stores that other hotels on the Strip offer, you can be sure that there aren’t much better places to pick up a variety of Las Vegas-themed souvenirs than here. Most shopping is located on the Promenade just outside of the Adventuredome, with 40,000 square feet to peruse, shop and score great deals, you won’t be disappointed.

Hotel Shops

Circus Market

Convenience at your fingertips. If you forgot something at home, or are looking for your newspaper fix, this hotel lobby shop has it all and then some.

It’s Vegas

Shops conveniently located throughout the property at the Hotel Lobby, Promenade and casino levels, offering Circus Circus and Las Vegas exclusive merchandise.

Market Express

Another quick shop for the forgetful among guests, or a quick stop for an essential. Open 24 hours, located on the casino level.

Promenade

Below the Knee

Socks, laces and everything a shoewear enthusiast needs to be the most stylish on the block.

Essentials

The perfect stop to grab sundries, candy and trinkets.

Trading Post

Satisfy your sweet tooth with the newest candy shop on the block or near the ‘dome.

Main Tower

Circus Spirits

Thirst stops here. Liquor, beer and wine are front and center for anyone needing a pick-me-up.

Gifts 4 Less

What’s in a name? The truth, in this case. You name it, they have it—with Las Vegas on it. Hair accessories, clothing and so much more await you.

Midway

Midway Gift Shop

Toys, shirts and snacks? What more could you need while playing your favorite games?