Houston will honor the life and legacy of famed circus clown Emmett Kelly with Emmett Kelly Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The week‑long celebration begins April 18 with a Scramble Golf Tournament, followed by a movie night in the park on Friday, April 24, after the Kindergarten Circus. Families can enjoy the 1952 classic The Greatest Show on Earth along with movie‑style concessions.
Downtown Houston transforms into a full festival on April 25, featuring “The Running of the Clowns” 5K and Fun Run, the Emmett Kelly Day Clown Parade with live circus music by the Wind Jammers, and performances from clowns and entertainers from across Missouri. The schedule also includes the “Weary Willie Chili Cookoff,” an Emmett Kelly‑themed antique train set raffle, a classic car show, vendor booths, clown shows, live music, a petting zoo, pony rides, a rock‑climbing wall, and additional family activities.
The Houston Area Chamber of Commerce will close out the evening with a Demolition Derby, wrapping up a full day of entertainment in the Ozarks. Organizers say they’re excited to welcome the community to celebrate one of Houston’s most iconic hometown figures.
