2026 Aerial Artistry Showcase - REGISTRATION OPENING SOON
FESTIVAL SHOWS
Get ready for a weekend of circus magic! The festival features live shows by professional circus artists from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines, a circus movie night, and a vibrant LED circus flow jam where artists and community members can spin, glow, and create together. You can also join the fun at a playful charity fundraiser with audience participation—because at this festival, the audience gets to be part of the show too.
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Opening Show:
Night at the Gallery
presented by Cirquonscient
When the gallery closes and the patrons go home… that’s when the art really comes to life.
Join us for a playful and imaginative circus interpretation of works of art, where paintings step off the walls and come to life. Through a vibrant blend of aerial acrobatics and other circus arts bring iconic artworks and artistic styles to life in surprising ways.
What happens in the gallery after dark stays in the gallery.
Friday, May 22, 2026
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
LabO Theatre, Arts Court
10 Daly Ave, Ottawa ON
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Circus gameshow
for charity
WIN GREAT PRIZES
Step right up for a night of circus chaos, ridiculous challenges, and fun - all in support of a great cause.
At Who's Prop is it Anyway, the audience becomes the show. Volunteers from the crowd will transform into outrageous circus characters, compete in hilarious games, and improvise their way through mystery prop challenges. Come cheer, play, and help us raise funds while celebrating the joy of circus and community.
💛 Ticket sales support charity
🎟 Prizes from local businesses
🎪 Wear something circus-themed for a chance to win a prize!
Zero pressure. Maximum fun. Recommended for ages 19+
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2026
9:15 PM - 10:15 PM
LabO Theatre, Arts Court
10 Daly Ave, Ottawa ON
Aerial Artistry Showcase
Come experience the excitement of the Aerial Artistry Showcase, watch talented aerialists from ages 6 years+ take the theatre stage to perform and compete across three streams: Developing, Emerging, and Elite. An inspiring celebration of circus aerial artistry, creativity, and skill.
Whether you’re a circus fan, supporting a performer, or just looking for unique entertainment, this showcase highlights the incredible talent within the aerial circus community.
Saturday, MAY 23, 2026
• 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
LabO Theatre, Arts Court
10 Daly Ave, Ottawa ON
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CIRCUS Film night
with Circus International Film Festival
The Ottawa Circus Festival is excited to partner with the Circus International Film Festival to create Circus Film Night! An evening of circus stories, artistry, and inspiration—on the big screen and under the festival lights. This is a chance to experience the magic of circus through film and connect with the growing world of circus cinema.
This event will include a short discussion on how artists can create their own circus films, offering insight and inspiration for performers interested in exploring film as a creative medium.
The Circus International Film Festival is an annual virtual festival streaming worldwide, showcasing circus cinema from around the globe. April 18 – May 3, 2026. https://www.circusinternationalfilmfest.com/
Popcorn, passion, and circus culture—this is one night you won’t want to miss.
Saturday, MAY 23, 2026
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
LabO Theatre, Arts Court
10 Daly Ave, Ottawa ON
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CIRCUS LED FLOW Jam
with Music.Art.People
Join us for a glowing night of creativity as the Ottawa Circus Festival teams up with Music.Art.People for a special LED Circus Jam.
Bring your flow toys, LED props, circus skills, or simply come watch and enjoy as the space transforms into a vibrant playground of light, music, and movement. This open jam invites artists, performers, and curious newcomers alike to share, collaborate, and create together.
Music.Art.People, an artist collective based in Canada’s capital city, will be providing the live DJs for the evening! https://www.musicartppl.com/
Come spin, flow, connect, and light up the night with us.
Ages 16+
Saturday, MAY 23, 2026
8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
LBO 2201, Arts Court
10 Daly Ave, Ottawa ON
Capital CaRrousel
Festival Showcase
Capital Carousel/Carrousel de la Capitale, a spectacular circus showcase featuring professional aerial artists, juggling, hand balancing and hoop diving acrobats.
Watch as performers soar high above the stage, juggle with mesmerizing precision, balance with extraordinary control, and launch themselves through hoops in daring displays of athleticism.
Celebrate the magic of circus as these incredible artists push the limits of strength, coordination, and creativity. Whether you’re a lifelong circus lover or experiencing the magic for the first time, join us for a celebration of creativity, artistry, and the captivating spirit of circus.
Everyone welcome.
Sunday, May 24, 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
LabO Theatre, Arts Court
10 Daly Ave, Ottawa ON