In brief: CircArte will take place from 9 to 25 October 2026. The programme includes 23 events, 16 of which are free to attend. The main venues in Alicante are Las Cigarreras, Monte Tossal, Teatro Arniches, Teatro Principal, Universidad de Alicante and Espacio La Fundición.
From 9 to 25 October 2026, Alicante and several towns across the province will host the 17th CircArte contemporary circus festival. The programme features 23 shows and activities, performances by 14 circus companies, family workshops, acrobatics, juggling, clowning, aerial arts, trampolining and a major closing gala at Teatro Principal de Alicante.
The festival will take place across ten venues in Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, El Campello, Beniardà and Benimantell. A large part of the programme is concentrated in Alicante itself, making CircArte easy to combine with a few days by the sea, walks around the city and other events featured in the Alicante events calendar for October–December 2026.
🎪 Coming to Alicante for CircArte?
Stay at Alicante Smart Hotel and combine the festival with a seaside break.
✔ Convenient accommodation in Alicante
✔ Book 3 nights and get 15% off
✔ Book 5 nights and get 20% off
✔ Welcome bottle of Alicante wine – one per stay
✔ Late check-out until 13:00 – subject to availability
📅 The autumn offer is valid for stays until 30 November 2026.
Cannot be combined with the Club Alegría discount or other promotions. Offer subject to availability.
CircArte 2026: what to expect
CircArte celebrates contemporary circus in all its forms. This year, audiences will see acrobatics, balancing acts, juggling, clowning, aerial performances, trampoline acts, diabolo, Cyr wheel and other circus disciplines.
The festival brings together 14 companies and 51 performers. One of CircArte’s major advantages is the accessibility of its programme: 16 of the 23 events are free.
The festival is not only for dedicated circus fans. The programme also includes activities for families with children, open workshops, street performances, music, markets and theatre-based productions.
Main CircArte events in Alicante
9 October – festival opening
The first day of CircArte will take place in Alicante’s Zona Norte. At 16:30, Plaza de Argel will host an open circus workshop and face painting.
At 17:30, a street parade accompanied by the Klakibum batucada will set off from the square and finish at Plaza de la Cruz. At 18:30, LaNördika will present the show Tres Tristes Trolls.
All events on 9 October are free.
10 October – a full day of circus at Las Cigarreras
Centro Cultural Las Cigarreras will become one of the festival’s main venues. The programme will run from 11:00 to 20:00.
- 11:00–12:30 – family circus workshop;
- 12:30 – Los autitos chocadores concert by Billy Mandanga;
- 16:30 – open freak show;
- 18:00 – Inquieto by Jean Philippe Kikolas.
A bar and craft market will also be available throughout the day.
11 October – Sublunar at Monte Tossal
At 17:30, Alcoy-based company Bot Project will present Sublunar. The performance will take place at Monte Tossal as part of the city’s Otoño en Parques programme.
Admission is free.
16 October – premiere at Teatro Arniches
At 20:00, Teatro Arniches will host the premiere of Abans de caure by Barreto and La Victoria.
18 October – family workshop at Universidad de Alicante
At 11:00, Museo de la Universidad de Alicante (MUA) will host a free family circus workshop. Participation is free, although advance registration is required.
20 October – Mahmud y no solo Mahmud
At 19:00, Puntocero will present Mahmud y no solo Mahmud at the Paraninfo de la Universidad de Alicante.
23 October – VIII Gala de Aéreos
At 20:00, Espacio La Fundición will host the eighth Gala de Aéreos del Espacio Fractal, an evening dedicated to aerial acrobatics.
25 October – Gran Gala Circarte at Teatro Principal
The festival will close with one of the standout events of the entire programme – the Gran Gala Circarte at Teatro Principal de Alicante.
The show starts at 19:00. Specially created for the closing night, the programme will bring together seven performers and circus acts: Ricky el profesor de tenis, Spinish Circo, Edu, Cira, Nata Galkina, Carla Carnerero, as well as Fifi y Fer.
The gala is suitable for families and will bring almost three weeks of CircArte 2026 to a festive close.
The festival also takes place beyond Alicante
Part of the CircArte 2026 programme will take place outside the city. The festival also extends to San Vicente del Raspeig, El Campello, Beniardà and Benimantell.
For example, on 24 October Casa de Cultura de El Campello will host almost a full day of circus activities, including the inclusive Malabares sin Barreras workshop, ¡Arriba! by José Luis Redondo, La piedra de madera by Cia EIA and, in the evening, La Trastienda by La Gata Japonesa.
For visitors staying for several days, choosing accommodation in Alicante makes it easy to combine the festival’s main city events with trips along the coast and around the province.
Book your stay at Alicante Smart Hotel
How to combine CircArte with a break in Alicante
October is a great time to visit Alicante. The peak summer season is winding down, but the city still has a lively cultural calendar. CircArte lasts almost three weeks, so there is no need to travel just for a single show – you can choose several events and explore Alicante at the same time.
During the day, you can stroll through the historic centre, visit Santa Bárbara Castle or spend time by the sea. Even in autumn, it is worth exploring the beaches of Alicante before heading to a festival performance or concert in the evening.
If your trip falls over a weekend, check the programme in advance, as the busiest CircArte days include several events at different venues.
Where to stay during CircArte 2026
If you are travelling to Alicante specifically for CircArte or want to combine the festival with a short autumn break, you can stay at Alicante Smart Hotel.
Staying in Alicante itself is convenient because most of the festival’s main venues are located in the city, while your free time can be spent enjoying restaurants, the sea, walks and other local attractions.
✨ Spend a few days in Alicante
CircArte is a great reason to enjoy an autumn weekend by the Mediterranean.
Book Alicante Smart Hotel directly and combine the festival programme with city walks, the beach and time to relax.
✔ 3 nights – 15% discount
✔ 5 nights – 20% discount
✔ Complimentary bottle of Alicante wine
✔ Late check-out until 13:00 – subject to availability
The offer is valid for stays until 30 November 2026 and is subject to availability.
Useful information about CircArte 2026
- Dates: 9–25 October 2026
- Main city: Alicante
- Number of events: 23
- Free events: 16
- Participants: 14 companies and 51 performers
- Main venues: Las Cigarreras, Teatro Principal, Teatro Arniches, Monte Tossal, Universidad de Alicante, Espacio La Fundición
- Other towns: San Vicente del Raspeig, El Campello, Beniardà and Benimantell
- Official information: festivaldecirco.com
FAQ
When will CircArte 2026 take place in Alicante?
The 17th CircArte contemporary circus festival will take place from 9 to 25 October 2026.
How many events are included in the CircArte programme?
The festival programme includes 23 shows and activities across ten venues in five municipalities in Alicante province.
Do I need to buy tickets for CircArte?
Not for every event. Sixteen of the festival’s 23 events are free. Some performances and activities require a ticket or advance registration.
Is CircArte suitable for children?
Yes. The programme includes family shows, circus workshops, street performances and activities suitable for audiences of different ages.
Where should I stay if I am coming to Alicante for CircArte?
Most of the key events take place in Alicante, so staying in the city is the most convenient option. Alicante Smart Hotel is suitable for a short festival trip or a few days exploring Alicante.