Kölnvention 2026 will take place from September 25 to 27, 2026 at the Gesamtschule Köln-Holweide in Cologne. Organized by Kölnvention e. V. in cooperation with the school's Circus Zappelino, this juggling convention promotes an alternative and community-oriented spirit, summarized by its slogan "Juggling's Not Dead".
Throughout the weekend, participants will have access to a large gymnasium equipped for free practice of circus arts. The space is designed to accommodate both beginner jugglers and experienced practitioners, with numerous opportunities for training, technical exchange, and meetings between enthusiasts from Germany and other European countries.
As with traditional juggling conventions, the program relies heavily on the participation of attendees. Spontaneous workshops and sessions led by participants will complement the free practice time. Everyone is invited to share their techniques, introduce their discipline, or offer a beginner's lesson, creating a friendly and collaborative atmosphere where learning primarily occurs through exchange.
The highlight of the weekend will be the Gala Show on Saturday night, which will bring together guest artists and community members in a show combining juggling, object manipulation, balancing, acrobatics and circus performances.
Fire arts enthusiasts will also have a specially designated Fire area for nighttime practice. Staffs, bolas, fans, double staffs, torches, and other fire apparatus are welcome, with organizers encouraging everyone to bring their own equipment.
Beyond training, the Kölnvention emphasizes the social aspect of conventions: encounters between artists, long passing sessions, improvised jams late into the night, discovery of new disciplines, and exchange of experiences. The event serves as a true gathering place for the circus and juggling community in the Cologne region.
The convention is organized with the support of Circus Zappelino, the circus school of the Gesamtschule Köln-Holweide. This collaboration allows access to facilities adapted to circus practices while strengthening the links between the amateur scene, young practitioners, and experienced artists.
To date, the organizers have confirmed:
a large training room accessible throughout the convention;
open workshops proposed by the participants;
a gala on Saturday evening;
a space dedicated to the fire arts;
Pre-registration is already open.
However, detailed schedules, accommodation arrangements, camping options, on-site catering, final prices and the complete workshop schedule have not yet been published and will be announced later.