Carnival, circus or children's ride license

You need a license to run a traveling show or amusement ride for children.

Definition

A carnival is a traveling show with:

  • Acts
  • Games
  • Vending machines
  • Amusement rides

A circus is a traveling show with:

  • Acrobats
  • Clowns
  • Entertainers
  • Trained animals

A children's ride is an amusement ride for children that is either:

  • Operated by a coin
  • Powered by an animal

What to know

Before you begin

Use this information only as a general guide.

See how to open a new business

Requirement

We require insurance.

See the temporary liability insurance certificate

 

Applications

See carnival application
See children's rides application
See circus application

Fee

Find your license fee

Submit your application

Submit your application to Business Licenses

Report an issue

Contact us

Business Licenses & Consumer Services

Phone
612-673-2080

Fax
612-673-3399

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 220
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Office hours
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday – Thursday

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday

Minneapolis 311

Email Minneapolis 311

Phone

311 or 612-673-3000

Relay service

612-673-3000

Hours

7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Monday – Friday

See list of City holidays