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
6
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.
Born in Mexico City from two prominent circus families — Rosales Portugal and Fuentes Gasca. A master of trampoline, aerial straps, high wire, and juggling.
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.
5th and 6th generation circus artists from Prague combining unicycling and juggling in a unique family act performed across Europe and the United States.
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.
Christian and Nicole Bilea — a fifth-generation aerialist duo showcasing remarkable strength and elegance across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean.
More artists to be announced
An internationally distinguished panel representing centuries of combined circus expertise — from Cirque du Soleil to Ringling Bros., Cirque d'Hiver to the greatest festivals in Europe.
United Kingdom
Head of Scouting & Head of Casting, Resident Shows — Cirque du Soleil
France
5th-generation member of the Bouglione dynasty — Cirque d'Hiver, Paris
France
Director of Casting & Performance — Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
Brazil
Founder & CEO of the award-winning Reder Circus, creator of the Doc Musical genre
Italy
President — International Circus Festival of Italy
Canada
Leading U.S. circus producer — formerly Garden Bros. Circus, Canada's largest circus
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 internationally renowned circus professionals: Charlie Burrows (Cirque du Soleil), Regina Bouglione (Cirque d'Hiver, Paris), Sarah Davison (Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey), Frederico Reder (Reder Circus, Brazil), Fabio Montico (International Circus Festival of Italy), and Ian Garden, Jr. (former Garden Bros. Circus).
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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