The Barnum Festival was founded in 1948 as a way to build community spirit as well as to honor Bridgeport's most famous resident, Phineas Taylor Barnum – world renowned showman, businessman and community leader.?? P.T. Barnum was above all an entertainer; he promoted celebrated hoaxes and founded the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The Barnum Festival celebrates this great showman with our annual celebration from mid-May to July 4^th and in true Barnum tradition, a Ringmaster is appointed each year to entertain us, while also promoting the Greater Bridgeport region.?? The Festival focuses on many of Barnum's imaginative concepts such as the Jenny Lind Concert, Champions on Parade, a Children's Wing Ding Parade, the Great Barnum Street Parade, and concludes with a spectacular fireworks display at Seaside Park.

The Festival is a celebration of people and 'communities united.'?? Come celebrate a great tradition with events throughout May, June, and July including the culmination of the festival with fireworks and a parade for the community. Don't miss a single exciting moment!