San Diego Circus Festival is a festival of knowledge where artists make connections, elevate their careers, and celebrate the magic of circus!  

Over four exciting days, artists showcase creations and perform in front of a live audience, and learn invaluable career and act development from industry professionals in Artist Pathways. 

Each act is evaluated by industry professionals. OPENING SHOW from San Diego Circus Center’s “Artist in Residency and Master Youth Intensive” project kicks things off with a themed base show "SeeME•HearME•KnowME", followed by three more show nights: Student, Emerging Pro, and the Professional Finale and Awards Ceremony closes the Festival with provocative performances and celebration! 

The Artist Pathway: A course with a wealth of knowledge from the lens of industry professional Stacy Clark. Most festivals offer workshops from a discipline point of view and our festival will focus on another aspect of the industry that is extremely beneficial to the artist. The Artist Pathway focuses on Career Development and Act Development. 

The San Diego Circus Center is at the forefront of creating the next generation of circus performers that will entertain audiences around the world!  We are steadfast in our mission to help contemporary circus performers achieve their dreams.  Our goal is to find talent, nurture growth and provide opportunity. In doing so, with the San Diego Circus Festival we envision a cultural gathering of circus art that invites the outside world for an up-close view, creating memories for a new generation.