Official press releases and media information for the 5th American CircusFest®. For media inquiries and press accreditation, contact us at media@circusvargas.com.
Temecula, California
America's Premier International Circus Festival
April 22–23, 2026 · Under the Circus Vargas Big Top
The fifth annual edition of American CircusFest® will be held in the heart of Southern California wine country on April 22–23 under Circus Vargas's elegant Big Top, installed at Promenade Temecula, 40820 Winchester Road in Temecula. The annual festival attracts professional circus artists from around the world competing in two consecutive performances before a distinguished panel of judges, vying for Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards. Tickets for the festival are now on sale at: www.AmericanCircusFest.org.
Fanny Kerwich, Founder of the Festival, said: "The festival has grown over the past four years and performances have become more competitive. It is really a one-of-a-kind circus competition in the United States featuring some of the world's best circus artists as well as emerging artists, and it will offer the people of Temecula, California, and beyond a unique opportunity to enjoy classical circus acts presented in new and innovative ways."
As a special treat this year, legendary Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson will serve as The Voice of The Festival while decked out in traditional Ringmaster's Top Hat and Tails. The iconic ringmaster of the world-renowned Circus Vargas and "the Last Ringmaster" of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Johnathan has rightfully earned the coveted title of "America's Ringmaster."
International Panel of Judges
An international panel of judges will gather in Temecula to make the difficult decision of deciding who is the "best of the best" among competing circus artists. Hailing from across the globe, they collectively represent more than three centuries of professional circus experience as owners, producers, directors, and artists.
Additionally, American CircusFest® will host circus-related events, such as a panel discussion open to professionals and to the public, at 11 am PT on April 23 inside the Circus Vargas tent.
Circus Vargas generously hosts the competition in its circus ring under its comfortable, state-of-the-art, climate-controlled blue, white and gold Big Top as part of its engagement in Temecula with its all-new, spectacular production of 'Masquerade.' Circus Vargas will be appearing at Promenade Temecula April 14–27 (circusvargas.com).
American CircusFest® was created in 2022 by Fanny Kerwich, an eighth-generation circus performer of French descent and the Founder and Artistic Director of Lone Star Circus® in Dallas. American CircusFest® is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit charity whose purpose is to create dreams, excellence, and international exposure for circuses and their artists.
For more information, visit: americancircusfest.org.
media@circusvargas.com
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To every visitor, artist, and circus fan who made this edition unforgettable — thank you. More info on the next edition coming soon.
