ST. PAUL, Minn. (Nov. 19, 2025) — The Flint Hills Family Festival, produced by the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, today announced the headliners for the 2026 festival, happening May 29-30, 2026, in downtown Saint Paul. From daring acrobatics to barnyard antics, the two unforgettable headlining shows will be Tilt!, a circus-themed thrill ride by Cirque Mechanics, and the musical Click Clack Mooby Theater Works. Tickets for these shows will go on sale Fri., Nov. 21, for just $8.
This year’s headliner performances offer jaw-dropping acrobatics and heartwarming humor for audiences of all ages:
Tilt! by Cirque Mechanics | Public performances on May 29-30, Ordway Music Theater Step right up to Tilt! This electrifying new spectacle takes audiences on a high-flying journey through the magic, thrills and nostalgia of America’s iconic 1980s amusement parks. At the heart of this man-powered spectacle is a giant Ferris wheel, surrounded by whimsical, human-driven contraptions that evoke the classic rides and games of the era. Audiences follow along as a weary park worker’s day spirals into a playful chase, a whirlwind of stunts, surprises and laughter that builds to an unexpected moment of shared joy.
Click Clack Mooby Theater Works | Public performances on May 30, Ordway Concert Hall Cows that type and hens on strike – what’s a farmer to do? In this hilarious and heartwarming musical based on the beloved Caldecott Award-winning book “Click, Clack, Moo,” Farmer Brown’s barnyard turns upside down when the animals discover the power of negotiation. Will Farmer Brown give in to the animals’ demands? Told through catchy tunes and clever humor, it’s a “moo-ving” story about communication and compromise that provides fun and laughs for people of all ages.
Headlining shows inside the Ordway are just one part of an extraordinary collection of activities and performances showcased every year at the Flint Hills Family Festival. Throughout the festival, Rice Park and Landmark Park are bursting with energy as people of all ages enjoy hands-on activities, interactive experiences, and music, dance and art from cultures around the world. All outdoor activities at the festival are free to the public.
“The Flint Hills Family Festival is unlike any other festival,” said Ordway President and CEO Chris Harrington. “There’s no other festival in the nation that’s brought together more people or remained strong for as many years while building community through the arts, creativity and imagination. We’re adding to that tradition this year with a lineup loaded with spectacular stage magic and arts experiences. We’re so grateful for Flint Hills Resources and their long-standing commitment to this amazing event.”
“The Ordway does a wonderful job bringing our community together around the world-class arts experiences offered at the Flint Hills Family Festival and making them accessible to everyone,” said Flint Hills Resources Director of Community Affairs Heather Rein. “It’s inspiring to be a part of this unique tradition that’s sparked countless moments of joy for a quarter-century. We’re looking forward to building on that legacy this year.”
One of the largest and longest-standing events of its kind in the country, the Flint Hills Family Festival offers two festivals in one: School Week (May 27-29), when more than 10,000 students take field trips to the Ordway for arts and cultural educational experiences tailored to them, and Family Weekend (May 29-30), which is open to the public and engaging for people of all ages.
Since its inception in 2001, more than one million people have experienced the Flint Hills Family Festival. Now in its 26th year running, the festival is made possible through a partnership between the Ordway and Flint Hills Resources.