Back for a sixth time, the Carolina Circus Festival will return to Cary to promote the culture of circus. Held once again at Downtown Cary Park — and sponsored by Cary Magazine, Pura Vida Studio, Backwoods Orienteering Klub, One Tribe, and Elite Arts Physical Therapy — this mesmerizing free festival will feature circus wonder for all ages Saturday, September 13, from 3:30–9:30 p.m.
The annual celebration of arts and community, which welcomed over 10,000 attendees in 2024, will once again bring together a vibrant mix of performers, artists, and circus enthusiasts from across the region in support of mental health and suicide prevention in the movement community.
The festival has its roots in the deep history of circus performance as a source of entertainment and wonder. Under the stewardship of certified yoga and aerial instructor Alicia Calderwood, founder and owner of Pura Vida Studio and one of the co-founders and directors of Carolina Circus Festival, creativity and community will be celebrated in the form of both established and emerging artists.
Carolina Circus Festival aims to honor the circus tradition and provides a platform for artists, as Alicia has long maintained a passion for movement, performance, and mental health. From acrobats and jugglers to clowns and aerialists, the festival highlights a diverse array of talents that reflect the colorful tapestry of circus arts and reinforces the need for increased mental health awareness and advocacy.
Diverse performances throughout the day are suitable for all ages. Some of the main attractions include jaw-dropping ground aerobatics and breathtaking aerial, fire, and LED shows…