When the circus comes to town, Snoopy naturally pays a visit. There he falls for a beautiful poodle performing there. He soon runs away to join it. While he quickly becomes a star performer, Charlie Brown is distraught by Snoopy's decision while Snoopy himself has to face some realities of show business himself.

Several new different Peanuts sketches are featured in this TV special, adapted from the comic strip, including Peppermint Patty's stint at dog training school and Charlie Brown spending time in the hospital.