Circus Lake Fest

An open-air circus on Lake Caldonazzo

Circus Lake Fest is a festival of contemporary circus, street arts, theatre, and live music held in Calceranica al Lago, a small town overlooking Lake Caldonazzo in Valsugana, in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). Conceived and managed by a group of volunteers from the Circus Lake Committee, in collaboration with the Bolla di Sapone association and the Valsugana Lagorai Tourist Board, the festival was born in 2021 with a pilot edition and has returned every year at the end of summer since.

The concept: reclaiming public space

The heart of the project is as poetic as it is practical: for a few days, a section of the lakefront, usually occupied by parking and traffic, is pedestrianized and returned to the people. Where there were once cars, acrobats, jugglers, tightrope walkers, and musicians now appear. It is an invitation to walk without the fear of traffic, to rediscover a sense of lightheartedness, and to reflect on the relationship between community and public spaces, which are increasingly being transformed into "non-places" serving only transient tourism.

What to expect

• Contemporary circus shows: acrobatics, juggling, hand-balancing, fire performances, and acts designed to amaze and thrill.
• Street arts and theatre: artists who bring the lakefront to life with comedic, poetic, and surprising performances.
• Live music: concerts and bands that keep the evenings going until late.
• Activities for children and families: workshops, games, and moments designed for the little ones, especially on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Craft market, food, and drinks: a moment of gathering and conviviality on the shores of the lake.

A grassroots festival

Circus Lake Fest is a "bottom-up" initiative, built by the passion of about seventy volunteers and constantly evolving from year to year. Admission to the shows is free: the activities are supported by public donations, the sale of food, drinks, and merchandise, and the work of supporters. The festival has become one of the most original summer events in Valsugana, capable of combining artistic quality, environmental awareness, and a sense of community.