Step Right Up for a Week of Circus Fun with Free Shows, Hands-On Workshops, and High-Flying Performances
Enjoy performances, hands-on workshops, and plenty of chances to see—or try—amazing circus skills like aerials, juggling, and acrobatics. It’s all part of 52 Weeks of Firsts, celebrating Philadelphia’s historic role as the birthplace of the first modern U.S. circus in 1793.
As a special offer for the week, adults who are curious about trying circus classes can take advantage of Intro to Circus classes offered April 11–17 for just $5.20, celebrating the spirit of 52 Weeks of Firsts. 🎪
Click HERE for details and to receive your promo code.
Friday, April 10
FREE!
Test Flights is an evening of contemporary circus works-in-progress. It features professional and student artists blending circus with other disciplines, such as theatre, dance, music, and performance art. Taking place in PSCA’s beautiful Sanctuary space in W. Mt. Airy, Test Flights is open to the public and FREE to attend!
Saturday, April 11
52 weeks of Firsts
In 2026, America turns 250, and Philadelphia is throwing the ultimate citywide celebration honoring Philadelphia’s legacy of innovation produced by the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee.
Step right up! The thrills, the acrobatics, the spectacle … America’s first circus performance wowed crowds in Philly. Celebrate the art of awe at the place where center ring first stole the show.
FREE!
PSCA’s Firstival event begins with an opening ceremony with a Once Upon A Nation storyteller sharing the true tale of America’s First Circus, family activities, giveaways, music and entertainment, selfie stations, and the spotlighting of a #1 Sculpture representing that milestone.
Each of the stories is created by Once Upon A Nation historical experts, then recorded by an actor and made available below after the Firstival. All of the free Saturday Firstivals take place throughout 2026 at the locations — or in neighborhoods representing the locations — where these significant Firsts occurred.
All Ages Intro to Hula Hoop
FREE – spots are limited, please pre-register HERE
Grab a hoop and come play! This 60 min workshop will help anyone get started with the many ways in which we can use and perform with hula hoops.
Youth Trampoline (ages 8 – 17)
FREE! – spots are limited, please pre-register HERE
Coach Halley will show you the basics of our trampoline! Learn to jump and drop in several high flying poses. Open to all skill levels, ages 8-17.
Family Intro to Circus (age 6+)
FREE! – spots are limited, please pre-register HERE
In this Introduction to Circus Arts class, participants ages 6 to adult will learn basic aerial acrobatics on static trapeze & sling/hammock, juggling, plate spinning, and tight wire.
Twisty Climbs on Silks (ages 16+)
$35 per participant – spots are limited, please pre-register HERE
In this workshop, you will work on silks climbs that twist and turn as you gain height. Expect to learn single and split panel sequence climbs that can add flair to any ascent!
Pre-requisites: able to invert in the air repeatedly on silks or rope.
Aerial Dance for “Non-Dancers” (ages 16+)
$35 per participant – spots are limited, please pre-register HERE
Just kidding, dancers can join too 🙂
This workshop aims to help students explore movements beyond the aerial skills we learn in class. Whether you want some guidance creating a new routine, or you want to feel more comfortable finding your flow in the air, this workshop is for you! Participants will do some silly exercises, play with a little choreography, and learn creative strategies to help you brainstorm for future performances. We will be exploring aerial dance across multiple apparatuses.
Prerequisites: class levels beginner and up
Optional: Prior to the workshop, participants are encouraged to prepare a short & simple sequence that they can experiment with at the end of the class.
This workshop runs 2:00 – 3:30pm
Adult Aerial Playground (ages 18+)
$35 per participant – spots are limited, please pre-register HERE
This workshop is for our intermediate level aerial students. The playground will consist of aerial equipment that is not typically used in our regular classes. This time is for you to explore and put your existing aerial knowledge to use as you interact with different equipment. Coaches will be monitoring on the floor.
Equipment may include: Tippy Lyra, Helix, Ladder, Cube, Aerial Pole, Cloud Swing
Sunday, April 12
$25 per participant – spots are limited, please pre-register HERE
Join Coach Michelle as she teaches you choreography to the Sabrina Carpenter song, “Feather”. This class is intro friendly, but feel free to bring your heels and kneepads!
Wednesday, April 15
FREE!
Open juggling club for all ages, all levels! Juggling Club is a space for PSCA students, staff, and the general public to practice juggling and unicycling. New jugglers are welcome to attend and learn. Juggling equipment is available to borrow or buy.
Friday, April 17
Kids Half Day Camp
Looking for something exciting and active on Friday, April 17th when the Philadelphia School District has a half day? Join us for special drop-in sessions of our Circus After School (CAS) program, designed for kids in grades K–12!
Students will spend their afternoon learning real circus skills in a safe, supportive, and high-energy environment.
Drop-off begins at 12:00pm with pick-up at 6:00pm
During the afternoon, participants will rotate through age-appropriate circus activities such as:
- Aerial (Sling, Fabric, and Static Trapeze)
- Juggling & object manipulation
- Acrobatics & tumbling
- Balance skills
- Creative movement & games
Our experienced coaches focus on building confidence, coordination, teamwork, and creativity — all while having a ton of fun!
12:00pm – 6:00pm: $55.00
Need More Time? We’ve Got You Covered!
Extended Care: 6:00pm – 7:00 pm
Running late? Add extended care for $15.00.
Whether your child is brand new to circus arts or already loves the spotlight, our half-day drop-in is the perfect way to stay active and inspired when school lets out early!
Saturday, April 18
5:00pm – 9:30pm
2 Spectacular Staff Show Fundraisers
Our World Circus Day festivities will conclude with two pay-what-you-can performances. Our 5pm Family show, From History to Gritty, will feature professional circus artists from our very own faculty. Our 8:30pm show, Nitty Gritty, will be more adult themed with our faculty revelling that bad things happen in Philly. Both high-energy shows celebrate all things Philly, as staff dazzle the audience and share their love for the City of Brotherly Love. Expect awe, artistry, and a whole lot of wow.
All are welcome—bring your friends, your family, and your sense of wonder! 🎪💫
Our Spectacular Staff Shows always serve as a way to give back to our community. In the past, we have donated to Trenton Circus Squad and provided free summer camp for children in our community. What better way to show our love and appreciation for Philly than giving back to this great city? Please pay-what-you-can and help us to raise money for our LGBTQ youth with The Attic Youth Center, and enjoy the show!
pay-what-you-can
5:00pm From History to Gritty • Family Show
Kick off an unforgettable evening with From History to Gritty, a lively, family-friendly circus spectacular celebrating the spirit, history, and grit of Philadelphia. This high-energy performance features the extraordinary talents of Philadelphia School of Circus Art’s professional faculty as they bring the city’s rich circus roots to life through dazzling acts, playful storytelling, and jaw-dropping skill.
From breathtaking aerials to dynamic acrobatics, our performers showcase the artistry and passion that make Philadelphia’s circus community so vibrant. Designed for audiences of all ages, this show blends history, humor, and hometown pride into a joyful celebration of the City of Brotherly Love.
8:30pm Nitty Gritty • Adult Show
Close out Philadelphia School of Circus Art’s World Circus Day celebration with Nitty Gritty, a bold, late-night circus cabaret that leans into the wild, weird, and wonderfully gritty side of Philadelphia. This high-energy, adult-themed performance features PSCA’s faculty artists cutting loose with daring acts, irreverent humor, and a playful nod to the city’s rough-around-the-edges reputation.
Expect jaw-dropping aerials, thrilling acrobatics, and mischievous moments as our performers revel in the idea that sometimes the best stories come from when things don’t go quite right in Philly. It’s circus with attitude—raw, energetic, and full of hometown pride.