Hand to Hand Festival brings dazzling display of circus arts to the Philadelphia stage

FringeArts, in partnership with Circadium, has announced the return of the sixth annual Hand to Hand Circus Festival, which will take place May 31 to June 2. FringeArts is known as Philadelphia’s home for contemporary performance, presenting progressive and world-class art that expands the imagination and boldly defies expectations. Circadium is a nonprofit, accredited vocational school with the mission of cultivating, inspiring, and innovating contemporary circus performance in America.

Over its six years, the circus arts festival has become one of the premier names among the many exciting spring festivals Philadelphia hosts. This year’s lineup will feature two events that will be held over three days as some of the most talented circus artists you can find will dazzle those in attendance.

In Begin Again, which will take place May 31, at 7:30 p.m. and June 1, with two showings at both 3 and 7:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy the county’s next great generation of circus artists. In an original work that explores the rhythm of time and the journey of the artist, Begin Again tells its story through a medium that includes juggling, aerials, acrobatics, clowning, and more. General admission is $25, with multiple discounts available for FringeArts members.

On June 2, audiences can enjoy Test Flights, which features a variety of fresh, new ideas and acts by some of Philadelphia’s favorite circus artists. The event is generously pay what you can, and an RSVP is required.

“For this year’s Circadium End of Year Show, we have brought in Artistic Director Ty Vennewitz from Oregon, and he’s created an original work of circus-theatre based on the book Einstein’s Dreams,” said Circadium Executive Director Shana Kennedy in a statement. “We’re continually looking to expand the possibilities of contemporary circus, and the Hand to Hand Festival is the perfect vehicle for these kinds of explorations.”

“We are thrilled to welcome some of the next generation of circus artists to the FringeArts stage this summer for the sixth edition of the Hand to Hand Circus Festival,” said FringeArts Programming Manager and Artistic Producer Mikaela Boone. “This festival is the perfect environment for audiences of all ages to experience the wonders of contemporary circus together.”

From juggling to contortion to trapeze and more, this year’s Hand to Hand circus festival is set to thrill, featuring artists like Thomas Miller, Four Dillon, Hailey Van Nyhuis, Harley Quigley, Nyla Welsh, Bailey Luk, Ava Gowanloch, Mx Battles, and more.

All performances and events will take place at FringeArts, located at 140 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd. Tickets are on sale now at FringeArts.com and by calling the FringeArts Box Office at 215-413-1318. Connect on social and follow @fringearts and  @circadiumschool.