Equilibri International Festival of Contemporary Circus
International contemporary circus at Rodari Park in Casalecchio di Reno
About Equilibri Festival
Equilibri, contemporary circus in Casalecchio di Reno
Born in 2011 from a passion for contemporary circus, Equilibri International Festival of Contemporary Circus is one of the most anticipated events of the Bolognese spring. Every year, Rodari Park in Casalecchio di Reno, on the outskirts of the Emilian capital, transforms into a circus village: a large tent theatre (chapiteau) stands at the center, surrounded by outdoor spaces where shows, concerts, and convivial moments alternate.
A circus without animals, for all ages
The distinctive feature of Equilibri is contemporary circus without animals: human skills are the protagonists, from acrobatics to juggling, from Chinese pole verticality to physical theatre, up to clowning and new circus. The festival is designed for families, young people, and children, with a language capable of exciting diverse audiences. Alongside the shows, there are live concerts, workshops, and talks on social issues, in an atmosphere of celebration and participation.
International companies and Italian artists
The festival brings renowned Italian and international companies and artists to Casalecchio di Reno, with productions from Spain, Argentina, France, and across the European circus scene. The program alternates big names in new circus with emerging young talents, preview works, and works in progress, culminating in the traditional Grand Gala of Contemporary Circus that closes the event.
A local project
Equilibri is organized by the association Arterego APS in co-design with the Municipality of Casalecchio di Reno and with the patronage of the Emilia-Romagna Region, and is included in the Bologna Estate program. All shows have free admission with a 'hat' collection: entry is free, and a voluntary contribution is collected to support the festival, a formula that makes contemporary circus accessible to anyone, in the heart of the Metropolitan City of Bologna.
Equilibri Festival — edition 2026
The 14th edition of Equilibri Festival animated Rodari Park in Casalecchio di Reno from May 8 to 24, 2026, spread over three weekends. The program alternated shows under the tent theatre, outdoor performances, concerts, and talks, confirming the international vocation of the festival dedicated to contemporary circus without animals. Opening on May 8 with a collective toast, grand finale on May 22-24 with the Grand Gala of Contemporary Circus. The festival is part of the Bologna Estate 2026 program.
Programme Equilibri Festival 2026
Weekend 1 — May 8-10
- Friday, May 8, 9:00 PM — La vertigine del desiderio, work in progress by Giacomo Costantini (El Grito), with Time To Loop and Duo Kaos (Time to Loop, bicycle acrobatics). Opening with a collective toast.
- Saturday, May 9, 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM — Shake Shake Shake by Cia Pakipaya (Spain), featuring Chinese pole and acrobatics; 7:00 PM Sperimentazioni Analogiche by Dott. Stok.
- Sunday, May 10, 3:00 PM — Magò Presente, performance and talk on femicide.
Weekend 2 — May 15-17
- May 15-16 — Banaba Flup by Street Fools, blending physical theatre and acrobatics (multiple performances).
- May 16-17 — Strati d'Eco by Nicolas Guz; Rubbish Rabbit Circus by Tony Clifton Circus, anarchic comedy; performances by students.
Weekend 3 — May 22-24
- May 22-24 — Grand Gala of Contemporary Circus, with six performances at various times.
- Friday, May 23, 7:00 PM — Lo Sciroppato by Mr. Lucky.
Musical guests include Sara Rimondi, Nicolas Guz, and Marilù D'Andria, with a closing concert by Ka:Lu et Zaraf featuring gypsy-techno sounds. Program subject to change; times and performances can be found on the official website.
Highlights Equilibri Festival 2026
Prices Equilibri Festival 2026
Practical information — Equilibri Festival
Where it takes place
The shows are held at Rodari Park in Casalecchio di Reno (Bologna), under the tent theatre and in the park's outdoor spaces.
How to get there
Casalecchio di Reno is a few kilometers from Bologna, reachable by train (Casalecchio Garibaldi and Casalecchio di Reno stations), by Tper bus lines, or by car from the Bologna ring road and via Porrettana.
Admission and reservations
All shows have free admission with a 'hat' collection (voluntary contribution). Reservations are recommended for indoor shows by calling 353 4098322 or online via the official website and Arterego's Eventbrite platform.
Contacts
Arterego APS, Via Piave 19, 40033 Casalecchio di Reno (BO) — [email protected] — www.arterego.org
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Where does it take place — Equilibri Festival
Parco Rodari (teatro-tenda)
Parco Rodari, Via Caduti di Cefalonia, 40033 Casalecchio di Reno