24th International Circus Festival Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Isère 2026 in Grenoble

From 19 to 22 november 2026

From November 19 to 22, 2026, the Palais des Sports in Grenoble will host the 24th edition of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Isère International Circus Festival, an event that has become a must-see for all circus arts enthusiasts. Considered one of the world's top three circus festivals, this major international event brings together the best artists from around the globe each year for a prestigious competition where nearly 20 exceptional international acts showcase their talent before a jury of professionals and an ever-growing audience. For four days, Grenoble becomes the capital of international circus, offering a spectacle that blends virtuosity, poetry, emotion, humor, live music, and spectacular performances.

Since its inception, the Festival has been built around a strong ambition championed by Guy Chanal, president of GC Productions and creator of the event: to offer a truly international gathering while remaining faithful to the founding values of circus arts. The 2026 edition continues this philosophy by combining the great classics of traditional circus with a deliberate openness to new generations of artists and contemporary forms of live performance. As Guy Chanal points out, the Festival's audience today comprises three, even four generations of spectators who come together to share a common sense of wonder. The Festival thus preserves the traditions that have made the circus great while offering modern, sensitive, and innovative creations capable of captivating families, enthusiasts, and professionals alike.

Each edition features a genuine international competition where artists from all corners of the globe present their creations, hoping to win the Festival's prestigious awards. Spectators enjoy several qualifying performances before the grand finale on Saturday evening, culminating in the awards ceremony, followed by galas showcasing the distinguished artists. This format allows for the discovery of a wide variety of circus disciplines: aerial acrobatics, trapeze, balancing, juggling, contortion, hand-to-hand acrobatics, clowning, Cyr wheel, Chinese pole, tightrope walking, object balancing, strength acts, group performances, and many other surprises that make up a completely new program each year.

The selection of artists is based on the work of the International Artists Agency, a major partner of the Festival. Founded in 2007 by Kristoff Estefano, Ide Guerra, and Sergey Petrov, this agency specializes in representing and developing the careers of performing artists worldwide. For nearly twenty years, it has supported both emerging talents and internationally renowned artists, developing collaborations with festivals, theaters, and cultural institutions in numerous countries, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, China, and Russia. Its objective is to foster international exchange, promote artistic innovation, and support creators in projects where technical excellence is combined with genuine emotional depth. For the agency, each artist has a unique story, and each collaboration represents an opportunity to bring cultures closer together through live performance.

The Festival's artistic direction is overseen by Joseph Bouglione, a leading figure in contemporary circus. Director of the Cirque d'Hiver Bouglione, he has worked for many years with the most prestigious international productions. His career has led him to collaborate with Europa-Park, Cirque Roncalli, Carré Amsterdam, the Big Apple Circus in New York, Cirque Vasquez in the United States, the Stuttgart Christmas Circus, as well as numerous productions in China, India, Mexico, Spain, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and at the Osaka World Expo. In 2015, he notably participated in the creation of the first traditional circus show under a big top in Sanya, China. At the Grenoble Festival, Joseph Bouglione does more than just direct. He also oversees the technical direction, the selection of music, costumes, and lighting, the composition of the orchestra, and the recruitment of artists to ensure a cohesive, rhythmic show of exceptional artistic quality. His commitment to the circus earned him the title of Knight of the National Order of Merit in 2003 and, in 2019, the Circus Ambassador Award from the World Circus Federation under the patronage of HSH the Princess of Monaco.

The Festival's musical atmosphere is provided live by the Paris Circus Orchestra, the event's official orchestra since 2021. Founded following a tour with the Cirque d'Hiver Bouglione under the artistic direction of Pierre Pichaud, this ensemble specializes in creating bespoke compositions and arrangements for circus performances. Each act benefits from a specially tailored soundtrack designed to respect the rhythm, emotion, and traditional codes of the ring. The orchestra has notably featured violinist Oriane Carcy, soloist with the French Republican Guard, who is a regular guest with leading national orchestras. In recognition of its work, the Paris Circus Orchestra received the Étoile – Prix d'Honneur from Producer GC Productions at the 19th Festival.

The audience will be guided throughout this 24th edition by Anaïs Pic, who will be taking on the role of ringmaster for the entire Festival for the first time. A Grenoble native and graduate of the Cours Florent drama school, Anaïs is a theater actress, stand-up comedian, and performer of her show "Pépite." She is very familiar with the event, having presented the Saturday afternoon show for several years. Deeply attached to this tradition, she explains: "Before becoming a circus presenter, I was first and foremost a child, captivated by the spectacle the festival offers us each year. I am deeply moved to be able to contribute my small part to the festival and help bring dreams to all the generations who come to see the show." Her enthusiasm, her connection with the audience, and her love of the circus will be the link between the artists, the ring, and the spectators throughout the six performances.

Behind the scenes is a team of passionate professionals who work year-round to ensure the Festival's success. Guy Chanal oversees the entire production alongside Manon Chanal and Huguette Chanal, who respectively manage administration, ticketing, logistics, team coordination, and supervise some thirty hostesses responsible for welcoming the public. A true family business, the Festival is built on a collective commitment where everyone plays a vital role in providing spectators with a seamless and welcoming experience. Marcello Althoff, technical director and head of the stagehands, oversees the smooth running of each performance, coordinates equipment changes, and ensures the perfect flow of acts. Jean-Philippe Loupi is responsible for the artists' management and support throughout the event. Working alongside them are the sound and lighting technicians, the setup teams, the stagehands, and all the volunteers who enable the Festival to operate under the best possible conditions.

The Festival also offers a wide range of activities for families. Before the shows and during intermissions, children can meet the King Jouet mascot, a partner of the event, participate in prize draws to win gift vouchers or large teddy bears, and enjoy activities specially designed for them. Younger children also participate in the Festival thanks to the children's jury, overseen by Julie Courtois. A former circus instructor for about fifteen years in Corenc, and holder of a State Diploma in Physical Activities for All with a specialization in circus arts, she now works for the APASH association, a commission of AS CEA ST Grenoble, which promotes access to sport for people with physical or mental disabilities. Her commitment to inclusive sport and her passion for circus arts have made her an essential figure at the Festival since its inception.

The show lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including intermission, and is suitable for a very wide audience. However, it is not recommended for children under three years old, and noise-canceling headphones are mandatory for children under two. The organizers recommend arriving at least forty-five minutes before the start of each performance to facilitate security checks, seating, and audience accommodation. Accessible seating is available for people with reduced mobility; please reserve your seat with the organizers.

Easily accessible by tram, bus, train, car, or plane, the Palais des Sports in Grenoble offers an ideal setting for this international event. Visitors can take advantage of their visit to discover Grenoble's main tourist attractions, such as the Bastille and its famous cable car, the Grenoble Museum, the Dauphiné Museum, and the city center with its many shops. Several partner hotels located nearby also allow guests to extend their stay in optimal conditions.

Finally, the Festival also invites enthusiasts to discover the list of winners from previous editions, the extensive photographic archives, and the press review that retraces more than twenty years of history. The articles dedicated to the Festival bear witness to the constant evolution of this event, which has become one of the largest circus gatherings in Europe. Each year, the regional and specialized press highlights the quality of the programming, the excellence of the invited artists, and the Festival's ability to renew its offerings while remaining true to the values that have built its reputation.

More than just a show, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Isère International Circus Festival is a celebration of all facets of circus arts. For four days, artists, technicians, musicians, organizers, volunteers, and spectators share a common passion in a friendly atmosphere where wonder is at the heart of every performance. Between international competition, live music, family activities, human connection, and exceptional performances, this 24th edition promises once again to offer an unforgettable experience to all who enter the Palais des Sports in Grenoble.

• Site Officiel
• Page du Festival 2026
• Infos pratiques
• Billetterie officielle

International Circus Festival of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Isère