Step right up and head to Pennsylvania’s ‘big top!’ Aerialists, jugglers, acrobats and all things circus are taking over Philadelphia’s Circus Campus as Philadelphia School of Circus Arts celebrates World Circus Week and 52 Weeks of Firsts (America’s First Circus Performance) from April 10 to April 19, 2026. Come ready for thrilling performances, hands-on workshops and family-friendly events. Festivities kick off on opening night Friday, April 10th with Test Flights, an evening of contemporary circus works-in-progress by professional and student artists.
On Saturday, April 11th, look for a complimentary celebration in partnership with the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee, as part of the city’s yearlong 52 Weeks of Firsts celebration honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary. Look for performances and workshops, including Intro to Hula Hoop, Youth Trampoline and Intro to Family Circus. Ticketed workshops that day include Twisty Climbs on Silks, Aerial Dance for Non-Dancers and Aerial Playground for Adults.
On Saturday, April 18th, look for the World Circus Day Spectacular Finale, featuring two pay-what-you-can performances, including History to Gritty for families, and Nitty Gritty geared more toward the grown-ups. Proceeds from the World Circus Day performances will benefit The Attic Youth Center, a Philadelphia nonprofit dedicated to supporting LGBTQ youth. Additionally, between April 10th and April 19th, also look for circus after school drop-in programs, Juggling Club, half day youth circus, pop-up pole and specially priced $5.20 Intro to Circus Workshops (in honor of Philly 250). All events are no charge or a small low cost ticket, and take place at 6452 Greene Street. For a full list and more details visit @philly_circus on social media and visit phillycircus.com.
Philadelphia School of Circus Arts (one of the most unique schools in America) and Circus Campus (one of the only venues of its kind in the country) will celebrate the roots and birhtplace of American circus during a spectacular, spectacular ten day celebration. All events will take place on Circus Campus, the home of the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, located in West Mt. Airy. The campus serves as a vibrant hub for circus training, creativity and community engagement throughout the Philadelphia region. Students, guests and show-goers come from all parts of the region and state, as well as from across the East Coast and country.
This year’s celebration is part of the city’s yearlong 52 Weeks of Firsts celebration honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary. 52 Firsts initiative, highlighting Philadelphia as a national leader in contemporary circus. In fact, the first modern circus in the United States was founded right here in Philadelphia on April 3, 1793, making the city a historic birthplace of American circus arts.
“From gravity-defying aerial acts to hands-on opportunities to try circus skills yourself, the weeklong celebration shines a spotlight on Philadelphia’s vibrant and growing contemporary circus community. Visitors will have opportunities to watch professional artists perform, explore behind-the-scenes creative processes, and even step into the ring to learn circus skills firsthand.” – PSCA Executive Director Kitsie O’Neill. “We have something for everyone – from curious first-timers to seasoned circus fans. This is a celebration we have dreamed about having since we opened, and we can’t wait to host everyone this April.”
Philadelphia World Circus Week Festival and 52 Weeks of First Festivities include:
* Friday, April 10
Test Flights
No Charge
7:30pm
The week kicks off with Test Flights, an evening of contemporary circus works-in-progress created by professional and student artists. The performance offers audiences a rare look into the creative process as artists experiment with new ideas and develop innovative acts.
Blending circus with theater, dance, music, and performance art, Test Flights showcases the wide range of storytelling and artistic expression possible through contemporary circus. Each act represents a new creative “test flight,” allowing artists to share emerging work with the community in an informal and welcoming atmosphere.
* Saturday, April 11
52 Firstivals Celebration
No Charge
11:00am to 1:00pm
As part of the city’s yearlong 52 Weeks of Firsts celebration honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary, a fre e Saturday Firstival will take place Saturday, April 11 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Philadelphia School of Circus Arts to celebrate Philadelphia as the birthplace of American circus arts. Produced by the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee, the event will feature aerial performances, family-friendly circus activities, and storytelling highlighting Philadelphia’s history of innovation. Visitors can also try beginner circus skills through no charge introductory workshops with advance registration. Guests will enjoy aerial demonstrations on fabric, sling, and trapeze; dance and ground movement performances; interactive circus activities for families and children; and opportunities to meet artists and learn about circus training. All April 11 workshops are no charge with advance signup. For other historic Philadelphia firsts, Saturday Firstivals take place weekly throughout 2026, celebrating the many historic “firsts” that began in Philadelphia.
* April 10-19
Community Events Throughout the Week
World Circus Week continues with a variety of programs designed to welcome the broader community into the circus arts.
* Wednesday, April 15
Juggling Club
7:00pm
This no charge weekly gathering welcomes jugglers of all levels. Beginners can learn the basics while experienced jugglers can refine their skills or experiment with new tricks. Participants can also try unicycling and other object manipulation skills. Equipment will be available for anyone who wants to give it a try.
* Circus After School Half-Day Drop-In Program
Perfect for students when school schedules include early dismissals, this special drop-in program allows K–12 students to spend the afternoon learning real circus skills in a safe, supportive environment.
Participants rotate through a variety of circus activities, including:
Aerial arts (fabric, sling, and trapeze)
Juggling and object manipulation
Acrobatics and tumbling
Balance skills
Creative movement and games
Program hours: 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Cost: $55 per participant
* Special World Circus Week Offer
To celebrate the week, Adult Intro Circus Classes are available for just $5.20 throughout World Circus Week, giving newcomers an affor dable chance to try aerial arts, juggling, and other circus disciplines.
* Friday, April 17
Half-Day Youth Circus
12:00pm to 3:00pm
Looking for something exciting and active on Friday, April 17th when the Philadelphia School District has a half day? Join us for special drop-in sessions of our Circus After School (CAS) program, designed for kids in grades K–12! Students will spend their afternoon learning real circus skills in a safe, supportive, and high-energy environment.
Drop-off begins at 12:00pm with pick-up at 3:00pm
During the afternoon, participants will rotate through age-appropriate circus activities such as:
Aerial (Sling, Fabric, and Static Trapeze)
Juggling & object manipulation
Acrobatics & tumbling
Balance skills
Creative movement & games
Our experienced coaches focus on building confidence, coordination, teamwork, and creativity — all while having a ton of fun!
Also available – extended version:
12:00pm to 6:00pm
Participants rotate through age-appropriate circus activities including aerial arts, juggling, acrobatics, and circus games designed to build coordination, confidence, and teamwork.
* Saturday, April 18
World Circus Day Specatular Finale
5:00pm – From History to Gritty – family friendly performance
8:30pm – Nitty Gritty – grown-up showcase
Philadelphia World Circus Day festivities will conclude with TWO pay-what-you-can performances. Our 5pm Family show, From History to Gritty, will feature professional circus artists from our very own faculty. Our 8:30pm show, Nitty Gritty, will be more adult themed with our faculty revelling that bad things happen in Philly. Both high-energy shows celebrate all things Philly, as staff dazzle the audience and share their love for the City of Brotherly Love. Expect awe, artistry, and a whole lot of wow.
All are welcome—bring your friends, your family, and your sense of wonder!
PSCA’s Spectacular Staff Shows always serve as a way to give back to our community. In the past, we have donated to Trenton Circus Squad and provided no charge summer camp for children in our community. What better way to show our love and appreciation for Philly than giving back to this great city? Please pay-what-you-can and help us to raise money for our LGBTQ youth with The Attic Youth Center, and enjoy the show!
“From History to Gritty” (Family Show) – 5:00pm:
Kick off an unforgettable evening with “From History to Gritty,” a lively, family-friendly circus spectacular celebrating the spirit, history, and grit of Philadelphia. This high-energy performance features the extraordinary talents of Philadelphia School of Circus Art’s professional faculty as they bring the city’s rich circus roots to life through dazzling acts, playful storytelling, and jaw-dropping skill. From breathtaking aerials to dynamic acrobatics, our performers showcase the artistry and passion that make Philadelphia’s circus community so vibrant. Designed for audiences of all ages, this show blends history, humor, and hometown pride into a joyful celebration of the City of Brotherly Love.
“Nitty Gritty” (Adult Show) – 8:30pm:
Close out Philadelphia School of Circus Art’s World Circus Day celebration with “Nitty Gritty,” a bold, late-night circus cabaret that leans into the wild, weird, and wonderfully gritty side of Philadelphia. This high-energy, adult-themed performance features PSCA’s faculty artists cutting loose with daring acts, irreverent humor, and a playful nod to the city’s rough-around-the-edges reputation. Expect jaw-dropping aerials, thrilling acrobatics, and mischievous moments as our performers revel in the idea that sometimes the best stories come from when things don’t go quite right in Philly. It’s circus with attitude—raw, energetic, and full of hometown pride.
Both performances feature dazzling aerial feats, acrobatics, and theatrical flair.
Proceeds from the shows will benefit The Attic Youth Center, a Philadelphia nonprofit dedicated to supporting LGBTQ youth.
World Circus Week brings together artists, students, families, and neighbors for a joyful celebration of creativity, movement, and community — all under one big circus roof.
Whether you’re watching breathtaking performances or trying circus skills for the first time, the event invites everyone to experience the wonder and excitement of the circus arts.
Everyone is welcome. Bring your friends, your family, and your sense of wonder.
For more details, special $5.20 workshops, complimentary workshops with registration, show information and more visit phillycircus dot com, follow @philly_circus, by email info at phillycircus.com, and/or call (215) 849-1991.
ABOUT PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL OF CIRCUS ARTS
Philadelphia School for Circus Arts, “Best of Philly Winner” for kid’s classes, is the region’s center of contemporary circus arts. PSCA presents professional and student productions during the year. Seasoned faculty lead a curriculum featuring aerials (static trapeze, sling, aerial silks and lyra), juggling, unicycling, tightwire, tumbling, acrobatics, and physical conditioning. In addition to ongoing classes, PSCA also offers introductory workshops, birthday parties, rental space, summer camp and special guest performances. Students are all ages and all levels. For more information, visit phillycircus.com.