Edmonton plays host to a myriad of popular festivals each year, and among them, the Alberta Circus Arts Festival (ACAF) truly stands out. This vibrant event aims to cultivate a regional and national voice for contemporary Canadian circus. Its founders and artists are passionate about sharing their expertise and insights, creating a launchpad for creativity, technical mastery, and collaboration, writes edmontonski.com.
A Rich History
This annual festival’s roots stretch back to 2001, when it was founded by Firefly Theatre and Circus, an award-winning Alberta company renowned for its original, high-calibre acrobatic performances. Initially an online event, ACAF soon found its physical home in Edmonton’s French Quarter, with La Cité Francophone becoming its primary venue. During the festival, local audiences are treated to world-class contemporary circus in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Annie Dugan serves as the festival’s Executive Producer. Since 2000, she’s been integral to every Firefly Theatre production, wearing many hats including directing, producing, creating, and curating. Annie’s dedication and passion for her craft earned her the Mayor’s Canada 150 Award for groundbreaking artistic leadership, and Global TV even recognized her as a “Woman of Vision.”
Stephanie Gruson is another key producer who has significantly contributed to the festival’s growth. A company member and artist with Firefly Theatre & Circus since 2013, Stephanie enthusiastically joined the Firefly team in 2021 as Director of Operations and Special Events. She has a genuine passion for acrobatic and circus arts, having performed in numerous Firefly Theatre productions, including KOLABO and PANACHE.
Erin Duvall came aboard Firefly Theatre & Circus in 2008, dedicating a decade to recreational training. In 2022, she opened Sapphire Circus Arts. Erin, a graduate of Grant MacEwan College’s Graphic Design and Digital Communications program in 2007, began designing for Firefly Theatre & Circus in 2013. As one of the founders of the Alberta Circus Arts Festival, Erin is thrilled to unleash her creativity and craft something truly unique and beautiful that spotlights Alberta’s vibrant circus community.
People absolutely adore this festival! For four exhilarating days, attendees get to revel in top-tier circus performances by artists from around the globe. Plus, unique workshops offer everyone a chance to learn to juggle or walk on stilts, and even chat with the performers. Age, gender, or anything else doesn’t matter here – there’s truly something for everyone, so boredom is never an option. And as an extra bonus? Admission is absolutely free!
A Unique Program
In 2025, ACAF kicked off on June 19th and wrapped up on June 22nd. Day one saw incredible artists from across Canada, including local Albertan talent, grace the stage. That evening, audiences were captivated by performances from Samara von Rad, Justin Dale, Julia Moon, and more.
On the second day of the festival, Welt Couture and Sexy Love Puppets created a brand-new fashion collection live on stage! Front-row spectators watched as stunning creations transitioned from sewing machines directly into circus acts, giving a whole new meaning to fast fashion. The show was truly fun and action-packed, filled with dazzling acrobatics and infectious dance tunes.
June 20th took festival-goers on a journey to alternate worlds with The Vessel, alongside a friendly trio united by a shared passion for creativity. Everyone felt the wonder and warmth of this captivating circus spectacle, brimming with acrobatics and live music, and a voyage where imagination knew no bounds.
On June 21st, audiences were treated to the acrobatic show FLŌ, which transported them to the heart of the ocean. Memories, movements, and metaphors intertwined, illustrated through acrobatics, aerial arts, and Chinese pole skills. Inspired by real maritime adventures, the performance by Hugo Noel and Alexi Gord seamlessly blended dynamic acrobatic feats, real experiences, documentary imagery, and an imagined future into a rich, sensory narrative. FLŌ blurred the lines between theatre and genuine experience, where there are no actors or spectators, only fellow travellers united by the waves of the story. Edmontonians wholeheartedly embraced the premiere of FLŌ from Quebec’s A Pirate Life Adventures and Catwall Acrobats with great enthusiasm.
Also on this day, aerialist Sasha Galitsky’s film, Wild Aerial, showcased gravity-defying stunts performed in sub-zero temperatures, all without a safety line. To deliver such a show, she underwent extensive preparation, meticulous risk assessment, and cultivated unwavering confidence. The film beautifully captured the majestic yet fragile beauty of Canada’s mountain landscapes. The film’s climax featured Sasha executing an ambitious outdoor stunt.
Each year, The Alberta Circus Arts Festival promises Edmontonians a fresh, engaging, and truly unique program!