CIRCFest will return in 2024.

One performer stands on the shoulder of another, who is sitting down on a blue chair reading a circus book. A third performer sits on the ground next to the chair. They wear matching colours are are tangled in pink and orange yarn.

The most exciting circus festival in the southern hemisphere

Did you know that Brisbane is home to some of the world’s most exciting circus companies? Many people are surprised when they learn that Brisbane is a global circus city and boasts three major circus training schools. Our home-grown circus companies are festival favourites, headlining at Edinburgh Fringe, Rio Carnivale and even popping up at Glastonbury and Coachella. The Australian circus network is a powerful connected community, and they make absolutely thrilling shows.

In our program you will discover circus shows that will excite you, challenge you and make you laugh out loud. You will see ordinary people do absolutely extraordinary feats of acrobatics. Families will find delightful shows that entertain everyone. And our Late Night shows will keep you up all night!

Check out the program here

Frequently asked questions

  • The full program of show’s will be released on January 31. After that, head to the What’s On page, and then click on the show that tickles your fancy. Follow the ticket booking link and book directly from the venue.
    Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to know when the program drops!

  • Modern circus do not work with animals as a general rule, although occasionally you might still see trained dogs. There are very few travelling circuses left who tour with animals in Australia, or around the world.

    In modern circus, you will see real people who have trained to make their bodies do incredible and highly skilled performances. The modern circus artist can amaze you using just their own body!

  • There are many places to learn circus in Brisbane, so why not try a class and see what you get out of this fun, versatile, and challenging exercise.

    Vulcana Circus: Queensland’s oldest women’s arts organisation, Vulcana is based in Morningside and offers classes for women, non-binary and gender-diverse adults, and kids of all genders.

    Flipside Circus: Is currently building a brand-new circus centre in Hamilton, Brisbane where they will host a range of classes mostly for kids and teens, but also a range of adult classes too.

    Circa: One of the world’s leading performance companies, you can take classes at their Fortitude Valley training centre and see if you have what it takes to be an aerialist or a tumbler.

A performer in a red dress has their legs stretched far apart as they walk a tight rope, as the audience look on. There are lots of bubbles in the air coloured by the lights.
 
A photo of three actors wearing grey and brown tones, with hats and black round strap on noses. They are sitting at a table with ladders and material behind them, with everything covered in white paint. Rope and tins of paint are on the ground.
 

CIRCFest Meanjin is the brainchild of Cluster Arts, Australia’s premiere circus and physical theatre production house.

Cluster Arts is a global conduit for Australian artists in circus and physical theatre. We boldly seek opportunities to empower, advocate and elaborate artists to make work in a financial stable way. We unapologetically deliver the incredible value of the arts to society. We humbly tell a big story.

Learn more about Cluster Arts