Carnival, circus or children's ride

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
Carnival ride in motion

Before you begin

See How to open a new business

License applications

Fee

Find your license fee

Submit your application

Submit your application to Business Licenses & Consumer Services

If you have questions, contact:

More information

Complaints

Report a complaint about an entertainment or recreation business

Disclaimer 

The information on this page should serve as a guideline only.

Request accessible format

If you need help with this information, please email 311, or call 311 or 612-673-3000.

Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Contact us

Business Licenses & Consumer Services

Community Planning & Economic Development

Email Business Licenses

Phone

612-673-2080

Fax

612-673-3399

Address

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

 

Minneapolis 311

 
 

Email Minneapolis 311

 
 

Phone

311 or 612-673-3000

TTY

612-263-6850

 

Office hours

7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Monday – Friday