Circusstad Festival
Let yourself be surprised by a magical world full of acrobatics and theatre during the Circusstad Festival. From April 30 to May 4, Rotterdam transforms into a vibrant playground full of breathtaking acts, interactive performances, and creative workshops.
Circusstad provides a platform for both traditional and modern circus arts and emphasises innovation, craftsmanship, and storytelling. The festival attracts artists from home and abroad and offers a mix of spectacular performances, technical marvels and humour.
Circusstad Festival in the heart of Rotterdam
Circusstad Festival takes place yet again in Rotterdam! Top international artists from around the world perform, alongside young, up-and-coming talented circus performers.
It's all about circus theatre in the 21st century - an effortless fusion of dance, acrobatics, juggling, theatre and music, which results in spectacular magical performances for young and old! This festival is the perfect mix of entertainment for young and old, the place to create unforgettable memories together!
Highlights of Circusstad Festival 2025
Reclaim - by the Belgian Théâtre d'un Jour: an immersive performance where opera singing and acrobatics come together in a ritual setting.
Rise of the Olive - by the New Zealand circus trio Laser Kiwi: a surreal and hilarious mix of sketches and circus acts.
KA-IN - by Groupe Acrobatique de Tanger and Raphaëlle Boitel: a performance that combines traditional Moroccan acrobatics with modern dance.
Captain Frodo's New Family Freakshow - with Captain Frodo, Lisa Chudalla, and Melinda Meijs: a humorous and bizarre show featuring acts like squeezing through tennis rackets and sword swallowing.
Man Strikes Back - by Stijn Grupping and Frederik Meulyzer: a mix of juggling and live music in which man and machine engage in a hypnotic dialogue.
Ákri - by Manel Rosés: a solo performance featuring a 22-step high staircase, full of breathtaking feats.
OMÂ, or the privileges of the potato - Roxana Küwen Arsalan presents an intimate solo performance about identity and cultural differences, with humour and emotion.
Ballroom - The Belgian company Post uit Hessdalen creates a mesmerising performance where bouncy balls and dance come together.
Free shows and workshops at Circusstad
In addition to these performances, the festival offers free shows and workshops on the Schouwburgplein, allowing visitors to experience the magic of the circus for themselves.
Circusstad Festival venues
Besides Schouwburgplein, you can also watch performances at Theater Rotterdam, Oude Luxor Theater, the terrace of the Maritime Museum, Fenix I, Centraal Station and Tall Tales Studio. For the full programme and ticket information, visit the official Circusstad website.
Get your Circusstad tickets
Tickets are available on the festival website. New this year are the combo tickets, which allow visitors to attend multiple performances in one evening at a discounted price. If you are younger than 30, you can take advantage of discounted tickets. Get your Circusstad tickets in advance and enjoy the festival!