This is by no means a comprehensive list of circus events but these community led circus festivals and tours create an incredible annual calendar for Aotearoa.

Annual Circus Events

Please contact ANZCA if you have events that should be added.
23-27 January 2025

Mangakahia, Whangārei

Northland Circus Festival

Come one, come all, old friends & new!!
Come along Circus Kumarani's 18th Northland Circus Festival! At a BRAND NEW LOCATION! Only a 15min drive from Whangarei.
Circus Kumarani brings Northland Circus Festival to Mangakahia Sports complex in Poroti, Whangarei.

14th-16th February 2025

Paparoa, Kaipara

<h1>Aotearoa New Zealand Juggling and Circus Festival</h1>

Love juggling and circus arts?
Celebrate this Valentine’s Day by making the trip north for three full days of workshops, shows, and hanging out with new and old friends! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this festival is for everyone.

23-24 May 2025

Tamaki Makaurau / Auckland

Youth Circus Festival

Youth Circus Festival 2025 brings two days of fun and inclusive circus to Circability Central at Victoria Park, in central Auckland!

Circability invites all ages, all abilities and all cultures to join in this free two-day festival, accommodating all skill levels. No experience? No problem! Youth will enjoy our in-depth workshops each day, consisting of juggling, diabolo, kendama, unicycle, trapeze & silks, hula hoop and more! Come along to learn more about the circus and about yourself, and get ready for a really fun couple of days.

Both days of our Youth Circus Festival are open to everyone: Friday will feature workshops during a school-day schedule, highlighting our social circus work while incorporating the Auckland special schools we engage with, while Saturday's youth and community circus stretches from 10am - 4:30pm, with a special circus forum following the workshops and end-of-session performances!

Reserve your spot now so we can accommodate you and ensure there's enough room for everyone to participate! We can't wait to see you for another awesome Youth Circus Festival.

24-28 July 2025

Aongatete Lodge

25th- 28th September 2025

Ōtautahi / Christchurch

Hone your skills, try new disciplines, and meet phenomenal performing arts enthusiasts from around New Zealand.
Experience 3 days and nights of dance and circus workshops, including:
• Yoga
• Juggling
• Aerials
• Acrobatics
• Dance
• Handstands
• Mobility and Stretch

Register by filling out the following google form: https://forms.gle/dS6JXrEeCsebssS18

3-4 October 2025

Ōtautahi / Christchurch

<h1>Aotearoa Young Aerialist Competition</h1>
AYAC is a performance and technique based competition where the elements of musicality, creativity, strength and stage presence are greatly regarded in each performer. Their aim is to provide a professional space where young aerialists can showcase their talent, gain recognition for their skills and support aspiring performers on their path towards being professional athlete.
www.ayac.co.nz

13-17 November 2025

Ōtepoti / Dunedin

Circulation is one of Aotearoa’s best-kept secrets: a music, workshop and circus performance festival just 20 minutes drive from Dunedin at the incredible Whare Flat/ Waiora Scout Camp.

Join in a celebration of circus, community and freedom. Everywhere you turn is an opportunity to get inspired, learn, and hone your skills. Circulation has a strong community focus and boasts a child friendly environment.

Workshops cater from beginners through to intermediate and advanced. Try your hand at circus, object manipulations, fire and flow arts, dance, yoga, cabaret, busking, music, spoken word, and many more. If the dozens of scheduled workshops each day don’t spark your curiosity then keep your eyes peeled for spontaneous renegade workshops, skills shares, and jams from our generous community.

Each night is a riot of live music and performances.

7-10 November 2024

Raglan

Freedom 2 Fly Festival

Get ready to experience a captivating fusion of artistry and movement at Raglan’s only performing arts festival, FREEDOM2FLY FEST. This annual celebration of contemporary circus and dance will take place from November 7th to November 10th, 2024, transforming Raglan into a mesmerizing movement fair where the extraordinary meets the rhythmic.

Freedom2fly Fest is dedicated to showcasing a diverse range of artistic talents, including contemporary circus, dance performances, and theater. The festival provides a platform for both emerging and established artists to exhibit their skills, fostering creativity and cultural appreciation within the community.