In this episode of the Circuspreneur Podcast, hosted by Shenea Stiletto, we celebrate the return of the Vegas Variety Circus Festival, happening October 22–27 in Las Vegas.
Following the success of its 2024 debut, the Vegas Variety Circus Festival returns this year with an even more extraordinary showcase featuring awe-inspiring circus performances, innovative and daring new acts, and stunning visuals that highlight international artistry. Beyond the spectacle, the Festival champions global cultural exchange by bringing together artists and audiences from around the world, drives community and economic impact by enriching Las Vegas’ cultural landscape and boosting tourism, and embraces social responsibility by donating a portion of every ticket sold to programs supporting foster children.
At the heart of this vision is Maxim Popazov, founder and entrepreneur, who continues the 150-year legacy of the Popazov-Koch Russian circus dynasty. A globally recognized hand-balancing artist, Maxim is celebrated for three signature acts: Hand Balancing on a Pedestal (inspired by Anatoly Zalevsky), The Advocate (a book-themed piece choreographed by Ruslan Ganeev), and Chair Balancing (directed by Valentin Gneushev).
What inspired you to create the Vegas Variety Circus Festival?
Maxim:
It’s always been our dream to have a real circus festival in Las Vegas. I’ve been performing here since 2011, and from the very beginning, I felt that this city — which is a global entertainment capital — needed a festival of its own. We wanted to give back to the community, not just perform and make money. The idea was to help young artists find opportunities and for producers to discover new talent.
This year alone, we’ll have 17 international judges and around 45 producers and VIPs from around the world. For performers, that means a direct chance to network, connect, and potentially land their next contract. Festivals like this build bridges between continents, companies, and generations of circus artists.
Julia:
We grew up in circus families, so this isn’t just a project — it’s personal. We want to share what circus has given to us with the next generation.
How will this year’s festival be different from the inaugural one?
Julia:
Last year, the festival was held at UNLV’s Performing Arts Center. This year, we’re stepping fully into our roots — into the big top. Thanks to our partners at Circus Vargas and Marinelli, we’ll host the festival in a traditional circus tent at Craig Regional Park.
The tent environment opens up bigger possibilities: we can present larger aerial acts, bring in specialty acts like the Marinelli Brothers’ Wheel of Death, and even feature an adorable dog act. We’re also adding an inflatable amusement park for children to make the experience more immersive and family-friendly.
Maxim:
The big top gives us the soul of circus. Theater is beautiful, but a tent is home. It allows us to offer audiences and performers a more authentic and spectacular experience.
Why are circus festivals so important for artists and audiences?
Maxim:
A festival is a meeting point. Performers meet producers face to face — not just through videos or social media. That personal connection often leads to real opportunities. The circus industry still thrives on personal relationships, reputation, and shared experience.
We’ve traveled to events like the Latin Congress of Circus in Mexico, and we’re proud to now host a festival that attracts producers from Europe, Latin America, and the U.S. It keeps the tradition alive while bringing it into the modern world.
Julia:
Circus festivals aren’t only about contracts — they’re about inspiration. They help keep the art form alive, evolving, and emotionally resonant. With smartphones competing for attention, we want to give people — especially kids — something real, something that touches their hearts.
How are you making the festival more inclusive and community-oriented?
Julia:
We’re blending circus and variety acts — singers, dancers, and gymnasts will share the stage with acrobats, aerialists, and clowns. Local dance and gymnastics schools will perform in the opening ceremony, giving kids a platform to experience performing in front of a live audience.
Maxim:
Another big part of this year’s festival is social impact. For every ticket sold, a donation will go toward supporting foster children. We’re organizing at least one dedicated show exclusively for foster kids — possibly more.
We’re also launching a radio campaign to give away 50 free tickets per week to local families. The goal is to make circus accessible to kids who might otherwise never experience it.
Julia:
Many children in Las Vegas live just minutes from the Strip but have never seen a show. We want to change that. Circus is for everyone.
What are the challenges of running a circus festival in the U.S., and how do you see it growing?
Maxim:
The biggest challenge? Funding. We currently receive zero government support. Everything is self-funded through our own company and a few generous sponsors like Circus Vargas, Circus Abracadabra, and American Circus Fest. We have wonderful local partners who help with infrastructure — like lighting towers — but there’s no public arts funding.
In other countries, cities support festivals directly. For example, in Bayeux, France, the mayor personally hosts the jury and supports the circus festival as a matter of civic pride. We don’t have that in the U.S., and it’s a gap we hope can be closed.
Julia:
In America, when people hear “festival,” they often think of food or music. Circus festivals are rare here, and changing that perception takes time and persistence. But we believe this festival can become an anchor event — one that grows year after year.
Maxim:
We dream of bringing larger troupes from China, Europe, and beyond. But to scale up, we’ll need real investment — either through sponsorship or government support. In the meantime, we’re building with heart, resilience, and a lot of circus love.
How does circus contribute to children’s growth and the wider community?
Julia:
Circus gives kids something priceless — a sense of belonging, movement, joy, and purpose. Many children have never had these kinds of opportunities. Seeing their faces light up when they come to the festival — that’s everything.
Maxim:
Circus isn’t just one art form. It’s a space where acrobats, aerialists, clowns, singers, dancers, and magicians all meet. It’s also discipline, artistry, and community. Live entertainment teaches kids something the virtual world can’t: presence, collaboration, and resilience.
Julia:
And it’s healthy! Circus builds strength, confidence, and focus. It’s a beautiful alternative to endless screen time.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
The Vegas Variety Circus Festival builds on its successful 2024 debut with even bolder acts, breathtaking visuals, and global artistry.
It serves as a platform for international cultural exchange, connecting artists, producers, and audiences from around the world.
The festival strengthens Las Vegas’ cultural and economic landscape, driving tourism and community engagement.
A portion of every ticket sold supports transformative programs for foster children, highlighting its strong social impact mission.
Founder Maxim Popazov continues a 150-year family circus legacy, bringing world-class artistry and vision to the big top.
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This post was last modified on October 11, 2025 3:35 am