International Black Indigenous Circus Week
September 15-22, 2025
Jaw-dropping, tear-jerking, joy-inspiring circus.
From a family-friendly cabaret at Smith Playground to an innovative circus about death, there's something for everyone. Don't miss this action-packed week featuring work made by Black and Indigenous artists from around the globe.
Featured Shows
Tickets are on sale now! Click on each image for more information and to purchase tickets.
Are you a Black or Indigenous artist looking to join the conversations? There’s still time to register, including for paid performance opportunities!
The Schedule
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Panels & workshops are free with donations accepted. Anyone can drop in, but registration is appreciated!
Shows are generally sliding scale.
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Panels, workshops, and open studios locations are listed on the schedule.
Shows are spread out between three different venues in Philadelphia. Click on the show link to see the venue!
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3:00P - Welcome KIKI: Meet & Greet @ CCNH Great Hall
6:00P - “Ashes & Iron” by Daisie
7:30P - “NFRW/T” by ANKOLE
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10:00A - Panel #3: “BIPOC” Your Definition, Your Connection, Your Story @ CCNH Great Hall
11:00A - Workshop: Creative Exploration: Be You, “Not a Cookie Cutter” with ANKOLE @ CCNH Great Hall
12:00P - Open Studio for Circus Artists @ CCNH Great Hall
6:00PM “The Death Circus” by Joi of Dance @ Icebox
7:30P - “SMASH” @ CCNH Theatre
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10:00A - Panel #4: Artists with Disabilities @ Rebel Arts Movement Studio
12:00P - Open Studio for ALL @ Rebel Arts Movement Studio
6:00P - “Strange Root” by Julia
8:00P- SMASH!
9:30P - “Growing Pains” by Black Ice Circus11:00p - Black Circus After Dark @ Icebox
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12:00P - Family Friendly Cabaret @ Smith Playground
3:00P - “The Death Circus” by Joi
6:00P - “Strange Root” by Julia
6:30P - “Growing Pains” by Black Ice Circus -
12:00P - Open Studio for ALL @ Rebel Arts Movement
2:30P- “Growing Pains” by Black Ice Circus3:00P - “The Death Circus” by Joi
More Info
Black & Indigenous Circus Week is a chance for Black and Indigenous circus artists of any discipline and skill level to gather, share, learn and grow in community with like-minded artists. Co-created by Cannonball Festival, Rebel Arts Movement, Tauraro Artist Residency, and CSAW, the inaugural Black Circus Week takes place from September 15th-22nd, in Philadelphia.
Black & Indigenous Circus Week takes place during Cannonball Festival and the Philadelphia Fringe, where several new, full-length works by Black & Indigenous circus artists are presented. Supporting shows by artists is the core of Black & Indigenous Circus Week, supplemented by workshops, panel discussions, jams, kikis and cabaret performances. IBICW is a first step in removing barriers to allow Black/Indigenous creatives to see each others' work, commiserate and begin new artistic collaborations.
IBICW is open to the public to see new shows and support Black & Indigenous artists. We have a family friendly cabaret that allows for community members to witness circus performances for free.
ICIBW is planned and hosted by a Governing Committee of Black/Indigenous Circus Artists. Want to get involved? Email info@rebelartsmovement.org.