Frequency Carnival & Circus Is Rolling Into Maitland Showground These School Holidays

Roll up, roll up! School holidays are getting a seriously fun start at Frequency Carnival & Circus, rolling into Maitland Showground this spring.

Dive into a colourful mix of rides, games, showbags, treats and more, before taking your seats under the big top for a spectacular circus performance.

Frequency Carnival & Circus at Maitland Showground

School holidays are kicking off with three big days of carnival thrills, circus spectacle and old-school family fun at Frequency Carnival & Circus, taking over Maitland Showground from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September 2026.

There is plenty to keep the whole family entertained with amusement rides, sideshow alley, giant lawn games, carnival treats, showbags, roving performers and a full big-top circus extravaganza included in every entry ticket.

Carnival Rides & Side Show Alley Fun

There is no shortage of rides to choose from on your carnival adventure! Thrill seekers can hit the Music Trip, Dominator, Sizzler, Zoomer and Dodgem Cars, while younger visitors can climb aboard the Safari Train, Rainbow Slide, Cup & Saucer Teacups, Sky Chase, Aussie Kangaroo and Giant Inflatable Clown.

No carnival is complete without a wander through side show alley. Try your luck at Catch a Sea Character, Bust-A-Balloon, Bottle Smash, Slam Dunk Shootout, Laughing Clowns, Lucky Tickets and Tin Can Alley. 

Giant Games, Free All Day

One of the best-value features of Frequency Carnival & Circus is the giant games lawn, where families can play as much as they like at no extra cost. Challenge the kids to Giant Jenga, Giant Connect 4, Giant Snakes & Ladders, Giant Twister, Giant Chess and Giant Noughts & Crosses, or burn off some energy with sack races, egg and spoon races, tug of war, corn hole toss and giant LEGO building blocks.

There is also a weekend Tug of War tournament, with four teams battling it out before the finalists face off in the grand final. Bring your competitive spirit and prepare for some serious family rivalry.

A Big-Top Circus Included With Every Ticket

The star attraction is under the big top, where Circus Aurelia brings generations of circus tradition to Maitland with an action-packed, family-friendly production showcasing their incredible skill and showmanship.

Circus showtimes will be announced closer to the event, so keep an eye on the event details before heading along. 

Carnival Food, Showbags & Family Entertainment

Fill your day with classic fairground favourites including fairy floss, snow cones, popcorn, lollipops, chips on a stick, corn on the cob, chicken kebabs, cheese kranskys and fresh lemonade, with food trucks also serving up more options throughout the weekend. Plus, kids can browse the showbags, meet face painters and spot roving performers throughout the weekend.

With three days of entertainment at Maitland Showground, enjoy the wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere and good old-fashioned fun of Frequency Carnival & Circus. 

Where:    Maitland Showground, Blomfield St, South Maitland
When:     Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September 2026
Cost:       Adults $10, Kids $5, Under 5 FREE. Circus show and giant games included in entry. Rides and sideshow games are priced individually on the day, with ride passes available on-site. 

Book your tickets for Frequency Carnival & Circus and let the family fun begin!

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