Under the Circus Vargas Big Top
April 22 & 23, 2026
Temecula, California · Between Los Angeles & San Diego
American CircusFest is the premier international circus competition in the United States. Each year, a hand-picked selection of the world's most extraordinary circus artists compete under one Big Top — judged by a distinguished panel of global circus legends.
The 5th edition will be hosted by Circus Vargas in Temecula, California. Two nights of breathtaking performances where Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards are on the line — and careers are launched on the world stage.
5th
Edition
6+
Countries
10
Jury Members
Hosted by Circus Vargas
"To promote excellence in the performance and education of circus arts — stimulating community appreciation, providing emerging artists with professional experience and international exposure."
American CircusFest is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit charity.
A world-class international selection of circus artists competing for Gold, Silver, and Bronze.
At just fifteen, the only female performer who can balance on seven rollers — already a star of El Circo de las Estrellas.
San Diego native and multi-gold Viva Fest champion, training since age four. Her act was directed by Aurelia Cats.
A second-generation Colombian circus artist specialising in the Aerial Rola Bola, juggling, and the Globe of Death.
Venus María Muñoz Morera and Manuel Alejandro Gil Hernández — graduates of Cuba's National Circus School with 12+ years of international experience.
Four daredevil riders performing breakneck stunts inside a giant sphere of meshed steel. Featured in all Circus Vargas 2025 productions.
Fourth generation of an Italian circus dynasty. Formerly with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey — has performed at Circus Knie, Circus Nikulin, and the Monte Carlo Festival.
An internationally distinguished panel representing centuries of combined circus expertise — from Cirque du Soleil to Ringling Bros., Cirque d'Hiver, America's Got Talent, Budapest to Las Vegas.
France
5th-generation member of the Bouglione dynasty — Cirque d'Hiver, Paris
United Kingdom
Head of Scouting & Head of Casting, Resident Shows — Cirque du Soleil
USA
Director of Casting & Performance — Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
Canada
President, Big Top Trio — leading U.S. circus producer
USA
Emmy- & PGA Award-nominated Casting Director & Producer — America's Got Talent
Italy
President — International Circus Festival of Italy
Hungary
Director, International Circus Arts Network — Capital Circus Budapest
Brazil
Founder, CEO & Artistic Director — Abracadabra Reder Circus
Spain
President — Starlight Production & Showbusiness
Russia
Founder & Producer — Las Vegas Variety Circus Festival
April 22 & 23, 2026
Two evenings of competition
Circus Vargas Big Top
Temecula, California
Between Los Angeles & San Diego
On sale now
Reserved seating under the Big Top
American CircusFest is audition-only. Submit your act for the 5th edition and perform on an international stage under the Big Top.
Submit Your ActExperience the world's finest circus artists competing live under the Circus Vargas Big Top. April 22 & 23, 2026, in Temecula, Southern California. Secure your seats now.
Reserved seating · Under the Big Top · Limited availability
American CircusFest is the premier international professional circus competition in the United States. Founded in 2022 by Fanny Kerwich, an eighth-generation circus performer of French descent, the festival brings together hand-picked circus artists from around the world to compete for Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards under a Big Top. It is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit charity.
The 5th American CircusFest takes place on April 22 and 23, 2026, under the Circus Vargas Big Top tent in Temecula, California — conveniently located between Los Angeles and San Diego.
American CircusFest is audition-only. Submit your act by email to casting@americancircusfest.org. If you are represented by an agent or sponsor, please explain in the email. Artists are selected by the festival's artistic committee.
The 2026 jury includes nine internationally renowned circus professionals: Regina Bouglione (Cirque d'Hiver, Paris), Charlie Burrows (Cirque du Soleil), Sarah Davison (Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey), Ian Garden, Jr. (Big Top Trio), Renee Massie (America's Got Talent), Fabio Montico (International Circus Festival of Italy), Suzy Eötvös (International Circus Festival of Budapest), Frederico Reder (Reder Circus, Brazil), and Maxim Popazov (Las Vegas Variety Circus Festival).
New Generation is a parallel competition open to circus arts students and emerging practitioners of all ages and levels. The winner earns the chance to perform as a guest artist in the professional festival. It features a variety of circus disciplines, workshops, and Q&A sessions with industry professionals. Learn more about New Generation →
Sponsorship opportunities are available at Gold, Silver, Bronze, Media, and Hotel levels. American CircusFest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. For sponsorship enquiries, visit our Sponsorship page or contact us at casting@americancircusfest.org.
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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.
