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European Youth Circus

Every two years, young European circus artists gather in Wiesbaden for a spectacular festival: the European Youth Circus—October 22–25 at the Dern'schen Gelände!

A young man is doing a one-arm handstand on a handstand stand, with his legs spread in a V-shape. Yellow light is coming from behind him. — Illia Molotkov, Equilibristics

From October 22 to 25, 2026, downtown Wiesbaden will once again be transformed into an international stage for top-tier young circus artists: The Cultural Affairs Office of the State Capital of Wiesbaden is hosting the renowned “European Youth Circus” festival at the Dern’schen Gelände, right next to City Hall.

European performers aged 12 to 25 will gather here to compete in several contests—in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual respect. They will present spectacular performances drawing on both traditional and contemporary circus arts: breathtaking aerial acrobatics, world-class juggling, powerful handstand acts, and innovative stage performances come together to create a unique experience in the big top right in the heart of the city.

An international jury evaluates not only technical precision but, in particular, the creativity, innovation, expressiveness, and personality of the performing artists.

We would like to thank the Frankfurt RheinMain Cultural Fund for its support.

The 2026 Theme

The theme of the 2026 festival is “Out of the Bubble.”

Together with urban artists from Wiesbaden and the surrounding region, the festival is broadening its artistic horizons and building bridges between different art forms and communities.

Breakdancing, graffiti, rap, and skateboarding meet contemporary and classical circus arts. Together, they create opening shows, transitions, performances, and an urban supporting program that anchors the festival even more firmly in the region. The goal is to create a comprehensive artistic experience that highlights diversity and fosters new creative encounters.

“Out of the bubble” also stands for social dialogue, openness, and European solidarity—values that have shaped the European Youth Circus for many years.

Performances

Competition Shows

Thursday, October 22, 10 a.m., Competition A (school performance; remaining tickets may be available on short notice)
Thursday, October 22, 7:00 p.m., Competition B
Friday, October 23, 10 a.m., Competition B (school performance; remaining tickets may be available at short notice)
Friday, October 23, 7:00 p.m., Competition A

Awards Ceremonies for the Winners

Saturday, October 24, 7:00 p.m. (followed by an awards ceremony)
Sunday, October 25, 3:00 p.m.

Ecumenical artist service

Sunday, October 25, 11 a.m.

Picture gallery

The performers for the European Youth Circus 2026 have been selected.

A young performer showcases her balancing skills, holding a perfect handstand on a prop. — Merle's Handstand, Balancing Acts

A woman in the center of the picture is hanging by her hair in a stunning, soaring pose—the art of hanging by the braid — Amanda Heumann, Zopfhang

A young woman balances gracefully on one leg in the Cyr Wheel—a beautiful moment in this fascinating art form — Marlene Ziechmann, Cyr Wheel

A contortionist hangs in the air in a split position, several meters above the ground — Carla Rousavy, Strapaten

A young man tosses seven balls into the air and demonstrates his talent for juggling — Martin Roduner, Juggling

A group of six female performers in a group act: Three women ride unicycles while the other three sit on their shoulders — Sparkle Riders, Unicycle

Flying position of male and female performers in the art of strapaten: They hold themselves in the air with one hand while holding onto the rope with the other — Janaya & Felix, Godparents

The Art of the Catch Chair: A performer hangs upside down in the air in a ring position while her partner holds her securely by the leg — Duo Inka & Joel, Fishing Chair

A young man is holding two juggling rings behind his back while leaning forward slightly. — Markian Strotsiak, Juggling

An impressive lift performed by three women that perfectly showcases the skill and elegance of partner acrobatics — Anna, Sofiia, Yaroslava - Partner Acrobatics

A woman in a vertical split performs a backbend in the air while swinging on a rope—the art of the swinging rope & clowning — Lison Grandmaison, Juggling Rope & Clowning

A young man in a white suit is balancing on a board with five Rola-Bolas stacked on top of each other — Ivan Slipchenko, Rola-Rola

A balance artist is doing a handstand while in a split. — Joana Lokaichuk, Balancing Acts

A young man in an impressive pose, balancing on one arm with both feet stretched out in front of him in a split—the art of balancing acts — Illia Molotkov, Equilibristics

One woman is leaning backward in the ring, and the other woman is hanging from the ring with one leg — Alice & Irene, Air Ring

Almost parallel to the ground: A young performer in a Cyr wheel executes a spectacular move in which she stretches one leg upward — Sarah Urbina, Cyr Wheel

A young performer on the trapeze performs an acrobatic move in mid-air, arching her back completely — Varvara Fedorova, Dance Trapeze

A young performer juggling—she tosses four balls into the air with intense concentration and keeps them moving skillfully — Lina Breuer, Juggling

A trapeze artist hangs upside down in an elegant pose. — Salome Aebersold, Trapeze

A young girl is balancing on a rope while standing on one leg in pointe shoes — Valeria Garmider, Wire Rope

A young performer is hanging from a vertical silks and performing an acrobatic split — Olivier Wehbe, Vertical Towel

The Art of the Tumbling Board: Four acrobats in flight, one of whom is in the air while the others are on the ground — The Highflyers, Slingshot Board

An aerial acrobat hangs from a vertical rope (strapaten) and performs a dynamic, twisted move while holding on with just one arm — Anna Ponomarenko, Strapaten

A Western performer in an authentic cowboy outfit masterfully swings his lasso as he slowly transforms, as if by magic, into a cross-shaped monument — Jindra Faltyny, Lasso & Whip

A young diabolo performer gives it his all and focuses entirely on his prop, even though he has his hands full — Jano Schorno, Diabolo

Tickets

The image shows a floor plan of the spectator stands with seats color-coded by price category.

Advance ticket sales begin on August 1, 2026. Tickets are available at https://www.frankfurtticket.de/bundles/eyc2026/ (opens in a new tab) or at the Tourist Information Office in Wiesbaden at Marktplatz 1.

Ticket prices:
Please refer to the seating chart for the seating arrangement. Seats are arranged in blocks A through H in a circle around the arena, with blocks C, D, E, and F offering the best views. The boxes are located directly next to the arena.

Evening competition shows:

Regular price:
Box seats: 63 euros
; Tier 1, Sections C, D, E, F: 49 euros
; Tier 2, Sections B, G: 35 euros
; Tier 3, Sections A, H: 22 euros

Children/reduced price*:
Box seats: 40 euros;
Tier 1, Blocks C, D, E, F: 32 euros
; Tier 2, Blocks B, G: 26 euros;
Tier 3, Blocks A, H: 17 euros

Galas:

Regular price:
Box seats: 79 euros
(Section 1); Blocks C, D, E, F: 63 euros
(Section 2); Blocks B, G: 41 euros
(Section 3); Blocks A, H: 28 euros

Children/reduced price*:
Box seats: 47 euros
; Tier 1, Blocks C, D, E, F: 39 euros
; Tier 2, Blocks B, G: 30 euros
; Tier 3, Blocks A, H: 20 euros

All prices include sales tax, advance sales fee, and system fee. Special price for school groups: Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23, 10:00 a.m.: 10.50 euros.

*Discounts available for schoolchildren, college students, apprentices, and people with severe disabilities (GdB 70 or higher). Companions are admitted free of charge.

Wheelchair-accessible seats and service dogs:

To reserve wheelchair-accessible seats (plus one companion) or bring an assistance dog, please register in advance by emailing european.youth.circus@wiesbaden.de

For wheelchairs, please include the following information:
manual wheelchair or electric wheelchair + dimensions (width/depth); name; address; phone number; email

A separate ticket must be purchased for children who have reached their second birthday. Please note that loud music and sensory stimuli during the performances may not be suitable for young children. We recommend that children attend the European Youth Circus no earlier than their fourth birthday. The decision regarding this rests with the legal guardians.

European Youth Circus

The 2026 Theme