While the average circus is a family friendly affair, the one coming to Corvallis at the end of this month is R-rated.

Called the Paranormal Cirque, this circus has been running since May of 2021, and is run by the parent company Cirque Italia. According to the official press release for the event the circus is a “unique creation of combined theater, circus, and cabaret with a new European style flare.” 

Paranormal Cirque is set to be at the Benton County Fairgrounds in the evenings from April 27 to May 1. Attendees either have to be 17+ years old, or be at least 13 years old with an accompanying 21-year-old guardian. Tickets —available online and on-site— cost $20 per attendee, depending on availability.

“The show itself is spooky and creepy, but not straight up scary. There’s a lot more humor and sexiness,” said host for Paranormal Cirque, Steve Copeland.  “So, it’s a good range of emotions in one evening.”

As one of the hosts for the show, Copeland’s job is to break the tension between acts by doing comedic bits.

 According to Copeland, the scariest part of the event is actually the preshow, which is why he recommends going at least one hour early to the show. During the pre show, the acts from the main show will be roaming around scaring the audience. 

While this isn’t their first year running the show, this is Paranormal Cirque’s first year doing shows in the Oregon area as well as the Washington area. Prior to expanding into the PNW, the circus was run in both California and other parts of the country.

“The show is always getting bigger and better. We’re always adding new Acts, new props, [and] new attractions,” Copeland said. 

For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, visit their website or visit the Benton County Fairgrounds; the BCF are open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. the week of the event and are open until 10 p.m. on show days. The website is currently offering a promotional code: FACE5OFF for $5 off tickets purchased online.