Funambolika – International New Circus Festival
World-class contemporary circus arrives on the Pescara seafront
About Funambolika
Funambolika, the new world circus in Pescara
Founded in 2007, Funambolika – International New Circus Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the Abruzzo summer and a key reference point for nouveau cirque in Italy. Every year, the festival brings some of the most innovative and award-winning contemporary circus companies from around the world to Pescara, the capital of the province of the same name in Abruzzo, many of which make their Italian debut or perform exclusively for the festival.
A festival blending acrobatics, theatre, and poetry
Conceived and directed by director and circus historian Raffaele De Ritis, Funambolika has made "new circus" its signature: moving away from traditional animal acts and rings, it embraces an artistic language that blends aerial acrobatics, juggling, dance, live music, physical theatre, and visual arts. Over the years, the stage has hosted world-renowned companies from Australia, the UK, France, Kenya, and Italy, captivating both adult audiences and families alike.
Festival venues
The heart of the event is the big top set up at the Marina di Pescara tourist port, which hosts long-running shows with evening performances. Other events take place in the city's main venues, from the Auditorium Flaiano on the seafront to the Teatro Massimo, allowing the festival to span the entire city overlooking the Adriatic.
Organization
Funambolika is produced by the Ente Manifestazioni Pescaresi, a historic cultural institution of the city recognized for its national significance, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Municipality of Pescara, and the Abruzzo Region. It is a project that has successfully brought world-class international circus to a provincial city, turning it into a recognized landmark far beyond regional borders.
Funambolika — edition 2026
The 20th edition of Funambolika, which marked the festival's twentieth anniversary, took place in Pescara from June 12 to July 7, 2026. A high-profile international program, spread between the big top at the Marina di Pescara tourist port, the Auditorium Flaiano, and the Teatro Massimo, was conceived and directed as always by Raffaele De Ritis for the Ente Manifestazioni Pescaresi.
The program alternated between Italian immersive noir fairy tales and Kenyan acrobatic comedy, culminating in the spectacular national exclusive by the Australian company Circa Contemporary Circus, confirming the festival's commitment to bringing the best of world contemporary circus to Abruzzo.
Programme Funambolika 2026
June 12 – 20 — Marina di Pescara Tourist Port (big top), 9:15 PM
Interno Notte – Insomnia — Teatro nelle Foglie (Italy). Immersive noir fairy tale featuring aerial acrobatics, physical theatre, and magic, with evening performances (closed Monday, June 15).
- Tickets: adults €12 — children up to 12 years old €8
June 22 — Auditorium Flaiano, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo, 9:15 PM
Let's Twist Again! — The Black Blues Brothers (Kenya). Kenyan acrobats blending rock'n'roll, comedy, and breathtaking stunts.
- Tickets: adults €15 / €12 — children €8
July 7 — Teatro Massimo, Via Caduta del Forte, 9:15 PM (national exclusive)
Wolf — Circa Contemporary Circus (Australia). Dance, electronic music, and extreme acrobatics in a national exclusive that closed the festival.
- Tickets: adults €20 / €15 / €10 — children €8
Highlights Funambolika 2026
Prices Funambolika 2026
Practical information — Funambolika
Location
Performances under the big top are held at the Marina di Pescara tourist port. Other events take place at the Auditorium Flaiano (Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo) and the Teatro Massimo (Via Caduta del Forte).
Times
Shows generally start at 9:15 PM. Late entry is not guaranteed once the performance has begun.
Tickets
Tickets are available on Ciaotickets and at authorized sales points. Discounts are available for children, and multi-show passes can be purchased.
Contacts
Ente Manifestazioni Pescaresi – tel. +39 085 693093 – [email protected]. Information and trailers are available on the official website www.funambolika.com.
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Where does it take place — Funambolika
Porto Turistico Marina di Pescara
Porto Turistico Marina di Pescara, 65121 Pescara