WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13
12:00–14:00 If Circus Workshop: “Knitting Memories” (Rīgas cirks)
A workshop for women aged 60 and over, involving collaborative rope knitting and storytelling. No knitting experience needed. Advance registration will be required. Participation is free. Stories shared during the workshop will be featured in the performance “Melic.”
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17:00–19:00 Riga Circus School Playground & Screen-Printing Workshop by Dārta Vilmane (Rīgas cirks courtyard)
FREE ADMISSION
17:00–17:40 Documentary “Thinking Circus”, dir. Arne Mannott (Rīgas cirks Zirgu stallis)
FREE TICKETS (available from August 4th)
18:00–19:00 Discussion on the “Contemporary” in Contemporary Circus (Rīgas cirks)
A conversation exploring what makes circus “contemporary” today.
FREE ADMISSION
19:00 Federico Menini “Llar” (Rīgas cirks)
“Llar” (Catalan for “home”) is a visually evocative circus performance where a juggler balances wooden elements to build his shelter. The show explores our roots and relationship with the spaces we inhabit. Followed by a conversation with the artist.
TICKETS
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14
15:00 Riga Circus School Playground (Vērmanes Garden)
FREE ADMISSION
16:00 If Circus “Melic” (Vērmanes Garden)
“Melic” (Catalan for “navel”) is an ethereal meditation on the ties that bind us. Handcrafted ropes and physical performance form a poetic dialogue. Audience and performers together explore themes of support and belonging, gradually weaving them into a shared experience. Followed by a conversation with the artists.
FREE ADMISSION
17:00 Cie One Shot “One Shot!” (Vērmanes Garden)
An intense, musical show featuring acrobatics, axe throwing, and Chinese pole in a flawlessly choreographed spectacle. Belgian duo Maxime Dautremont and Foucauld Falguerolles prove that sometimes in life, you only get one shot – and they take it. Followed by a conversation with the artists.
FREE ADMISSION
17:00 Documentary “Thinking Circus”, dir. Arne Mannott (Rīgas cirks Zirgu stallis)
FREE TICKETS (available from August 4th)
18:00 CircRodini “The Amazing Katleen” (Rīgas cirks Courtyard)
This show revives forgotten circus traditions, giving them a modern breath. It honors the role of women and mothers in the circus, revealing both strength and tender vulnerability. The performance invites us to pause and embrace imperfection as a part of beauty. Followed by a conversation with the artist.
FREE TICKETS (available from August 4th)
19:00 Federico Menini “Llar” (Arena)
A second chance to see this captivating circus meditation on home – not only as a physical space but also as a metaphor. Followed by a conversation with the artist.
TICKETS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15
15:00 Riga Circus School Workshops (Vērmanes Garden)
FREE ADMISSION
16:00 If Circus “Melic” (Vērmanes Garden)
“Melic” (Catalan for “navel”) is an ethereal meditation on the ties that bind us. Handcrafted ropes and physical performance form a poetic dialogue. Audience and performers together explore themes of support and belonging, gradually weaving them into a shared experience. Followed by a conversation with the artists.
FREE ADMISSION
17:00 Cie One Shot “One Shot!” (Vērmanes Garden)
An intense, musical show featuring acrobatics, axe throwing, and Chinese pole in a flawlessly choreographed spectacle. Belgian duo Maxime Dautremont and Foucauld Falguerolles prove that sometimes in life, you only get one shot – and they take it. Followed by a conversation with the artists.
FREE ADMISSION
17:00 Documentary “Thinking Circus”, dir. Arne Mannott (Rīgas cirks Zirgu stallis)
FREE TICKETS (available from August 4th)
18:00 CircRodini “The Amazing Katleen” (Rīgas cirks Courtyard)
This show revives forgotten circus traditions, giving them a modern breath. It honors the role of women and mothers in the circus, revealing both strength and tender vulnerability. The performance invites us to pause and embrace imperfection as a part of beauty. Followed by a conversation with the artist.
FREE TICKETS (available from August 4th)
19:00 Roman Škadra “Absurd Hero” (Arena)
A witty and aesthetically sharp contemporary circus performance inspired by Albert Camus. It questions what it means to, like Sisyphus, endlessly wrestle with one’s burden – symbolized by a large red ball. The artist attempts to define his relationship with this weight. Followed by a conversation with the artist.
TICKETS
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16
12:00 Riga Circus School Playground (Vērmanes Garden)
FREE ADMISSION
13:00 Riga Circus School Students’ Showcase (Vērmanes Garden)
FREE ADMISSION
13:30 Riga Circus School Playground (Vērmanes Garden)
FREE ADMISSION
14:30 Rīgas mazākais cirks “Running Away with the Circus” (Vērmanes Garden)
A new generation of Latvian circus and stage artists – Elīna Konrade, Betija Krolle, Roberts Aubēns, Ketija Jurčenko, Andris Zeļonka, and Emīls Zenne – look at Latvia’s circus past and reflect on their personal journeys to explore why the idea of “running away with the circus” remains so compelling today. Followed by a conversation with the creative team.
FREE ADMISSION
15:00 Roman Škadra “Absurd Hero” (Arena)
A witty and aesthetically sharp contemporary circus performance inspired by Albert Camus. It questions what it means to, like Sisyphus, endlessly wrestle with one’s burden – symbolized by a large red ball. The artist attempts to define his relationship with this weight. Followed by a conversation with the artist.
TICKETS
19:00 Work-in-progress “Hurt” by Maija Sukute (Arena)
FREE TICKETS (available from August 4th)
20:00 Work-in-progress “Fragile Power” by Lelde Feldmane (Arena)
FREE TICKETS (available from August 4th)
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