From April 29 to May 3, 2026, Rotterdam will once again transform into a playground for contemporary circus as Circusstad Festival returns for its 13th edition. For five days, the Dutch port city becomes a meeting point for artists, audiences, and industry professionals, all drawn by the energy and creative daring that defines today’s circus.
This year’s theme, FREE!, explores the many dimensions of freedom: freedom from violence, freedom to be who you are, and freedom to imagine new ways of living and creating together. Circus, with its tradition of openness and experimentation, offers a powerful stage for these ideas. Across theaters, public spaces, and festival venues, artists will present work that is playful, daring, intimate, and at times deeply reflective.
The program spans the full spectrum of contemporary circus. Expect performances that combine acrobatic virtuosity with theater, dance, and visual storytelling, touching on themes such as identity, LGBTQI+ expression, overconsumption, and social inclusion. Clowns, aerialists, physical storytellers—and even an elephant that may not be quite what it seems—populate a program designed to surprise, move, and delight audiences of all ages.
Discovering the Next Wave: The Dutch Circus Showcase
Alongside the public festival, Circusstad hosts the Dutch Circus Showcase, a curated professional program that invites international programmers, producers, and presenters to explore the latest developments in the Dutch circus landscape.
Running from April 30 to May 2, the showcase offers three days of premieres, works-in-progress, pitching sessions, and networking events. It provides a rare opportunity for industry professionals to discover emerging talent, connect with artists, and experience new touring work at an early stage.
The program begins on Thursday afternoon with registration and a warm welcome before the artistic journey begins. The showcase opens with the premiere of Droplines by Tall Tales Company, followed by the Dutch premiere of The Idle Hour by Motus Murmuri, created by Samuel Rhyner. A welcome drink sets the tone for the days ahead, offering the first chance for conversations between artists, presenters, and producers. Those wishing to extend the evening can also attend additional festival performances by Canadian collective People Watching and UK-based performer Laura Murphy.
Friday turns the spotlight toward new creations in development. The day begins with pitching sessions where artists present their latest projects, offering insight into the ideas shaping tomorrow’s circus. In the afternoon, professionals can attend a work-in-progress presentation by Leire Froufe, followed by Helena & Goos’ VRIJ / FREE!, a piece that resonates strongly with the festival’s theme. The evening continues with Michael Zandl’s FOOD, before optional performances, including SCUSE by Canadian artist Frédérique Cournoyer Lessard.
Saturday brings the professional gathering to a thoughtful close with the Take Care Conference, organized by FEDEC and Codarts University of the Arts, and co-funded by the Creative Europe programme. Dedicated to mental health in the circus sector, the conference brings together artists, students, and professionals for discussions, workshops, and keynotes exploring well-being in an often demanding artistic field. The artistic program continues with the premiere of Cristian Boscheri’s Pleaser, before the showcase concludes with a final drink and informal networking.
Throughout the showcase, visiting professionals can also attend additional festival performances at a special industry rate, making it easy to combine the curated program with the wider international lineup presented across Rotterdam.
Circus for Everyone
At its heart, Circusstad Festival remains committed to accessibility and openness. Many performances are free and accessible to the public, inviting both dedicated circus lovers and curious passersby to encounter the magic of contemporary circus in unexpected places across the city.
With its blend of artistic daring, international exchange, and community spirit, Circusstad Festival 2026 promises five days where Rotterdam becomes a living stage—celebrating a simple but powerful idea: the freedom to imagine, create, and connect.
Circusstad Festival 2026
📅 April 29 – May 3, 2026
📍 Rotterdam, Netherlands
For the full program and schedule, visit the festival website.