Two new circus festivals launch in Finland – Summer highlights for circus and dance

Here is our curated selection of must-see circus and dance festivals in Finland this season.

New Additions and Circus Highlights

Circus Festival Ou | Oulu | June 12–18, 2026 This inaugural festival in Northern Finland spans everything from street circus to traditional big-top tents. The program features 11 shows, circus-themed films, and an exhibition. Featured artists and companies include Jani Nuutinen, Arctic Ensemble, Lumo Company, and Circus Simon. More info: circusfestivalou.com

Silence Festival | Kaukonen | June 4–7, 2026 Located in the village of Kaukonen in Lapland, this festival offers a unique atmosphere where circus, music, and visual arts meet Arctic nature. Highlights include Inertium, a new work by Jani Nuutinen featuring an opera singer, and a collaboration between vocalist Vilma Jää and knife-thrower Zaza Kuik. More info: hiljaisuusfestivaali.fi

Helsinki Circus Festival | Helsinki | September 10–13, 2026 The first-ever Helsinki Circus Festival is a dedicated celebration of Finnish circus excellence. Over four days, the festival presents 13 different performances ranging from contemporary circus and new magic to comedy and children’s shows. The extensive lineup includes Race Horse Company, Agit Cirk, Recover Laboratory, and many others. More info: helsinkicircusfestival.fi

Other Circus Dates:

• Salo Circus Festival: July 30 – August 2.
• Sysäys Orivesi (Circus and Dance): July 25.

Summer of Dance

URB26 | Helsinki | June 3–7, 2026 Curated by Yilin Ma, this festival of urban art and culture at Kiasma brings together social choreography and experimental music. The program includes Sonya Lindfors’ common moves revisited and Biret Haarla Pieski’s Main Character. More info: kiasma.fi/urb26

Kuopio Dance Festival | Kuopio | June 8–14, 2026 The Nordic region’s longest-running dance festival continues its tradition of international excellence. This year’s program features GöteborgsOperans Danskompani with works by Sharon Eyal and Hofesh Shechter, alongside new creations by Botis Seva and Marcos Morau. More info: kuopiodancefestival.fi

Pispala Schottische (Pispalan Sottiisi) | Tampere | June 10–14, 2026 A major international folk dance festival gathering hundreds of performers for concerts and “night dances” in a communal atmosphere. More info: sottiisi.fi

Helsinki Festival | Helsinki | August 18 – September 5, 2026 Finland’s largest arts festival includes a strong dance program featuring the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan and Botis Seva’s BLKDOG. More info: helsinkifestival.fi

Late Season Picks

As summer turns to autumn, the momentum continues with several key events in September:

• Kerava Circus Market: September 5–6.
• Ou Dance Festival + Stretch Further – Exploring Identity (Oulu): September 9–13.
• Helsinki Circus Festival: September 10–13.
• ANTI – Contemporary Art Festival (Kuopio): September 15–20.
• Tampere Flamenco Week: September 17–20.