Circus is Coming!

In 2024, Finnish contemporary circus was showcased in almost 30 countries, reaching audiences as far-flung as New Zealand and South Korea. Remarkably, Finnish circus consistently draws larger crowds abroad than in Finland. Our mission is to ensure that this art form captivates and enchants audiences in Finland as well.

The Sirkus tulee! campaign, organized by Circus & Dance Finland, aims to present contemporary circus as a vibrant, visible phenomenon. Working alongside the circus community, the initiative is designed to pulse through the streets, play boldly on social media, and spark curiosity among both the public and the press.

The campaign officially kicks off on World Circus Day, April 18, and will continue until the end of September.

2026: The Year of Finnish Circus

The Finnish circus scene is currently buzzing with activity: Sirkus Finlandia is celebrating its landmark 50th anniversary, while Oulu – the European Capital of Culture 2026 – has integrated a wealth of world-class circus into its official programming. Furthermore, the Helsinki Circus Festival, a major new contemporary circus event, will make its grand debut in the capital this September.

The latest milestone for the industry comes from contemporary circus artist Kalle Nio, whose work Tempo has been selected for the prestigious dance programme at the Venice Biennale. Nio is only the second Finn to be featured in the dance programme’s entire history.

Sirkus tulee! is a campaign by Circus & Dance Finland designed to boost the visibility of circus arts across the country. Contemporary circus is a multidisciplinary art form that seamlessly weaves traditional circus skills with elements of popular culture, dance, film, and the visual arts. It is defined by fearless risk-taking, technical virtuosity, and a wild, visual sense of humor – offering experiences for audiences of all ages. The Sirkus tulee! campaign is supported by the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation.