Credit: Circus Campus Avi Pryntz-Nadworny
The 2025 Philadelphia Fringe Festival is bringing the big top to the city with Circus Campus Presents: a spectacular showcase of 12 circus performances running three weekends from September 12-28. For the first time, the festival is dedicating an entire hub to circus arts, featuring everything from fire shows and aerial acts to magic and clowning.
(Credit: phillyfringe.org)
Circus Campus Presents is an affordable way to see some of the best circus talent in the country, with tickets starting at just $15 for students and $20 for general admission. The performances take place at the beautifully restored Circus Campus facility in West Mt. Airy, creating an intimate setting for these jaw-dropping acts.
Opening Weekend (Sept 12-14):
(Credit: phillyfringe.org)
Lunarium (Sept 12, 7pm) - An otherworldly fire show that will ignite the night
Architectonica (Sept 13-14, 3pm) - A mind-bending fusion of juggling and sculpture inspired by Da Vinci and Calder
You'll Grow Out of It (Sept 13, 7:30pm) - A raw, emotional solo circus show exploring chronic illness and growing up
Mae West: The Comeback Queen (Sept 14, 6pm & 9pm) - Camp comedy featuring the legendary icon at age 132
Mid-Festival (Sept 19-21):
(Credit: phillyfringe.org)
Laugh Magic LIVE (Sept 19, 6pm & 9pm) - High-energy comedy magic from a Penn & Teller: Fool Us performer
Mommy's Khimar (Sept 20, 3pm & 5pm) - A magical journey brought to life with puppets and dance
Double Bill (Sept 21, 7pm) - Fungi-inspired storytelling meets stunning aerial artistry
Grand Finale Weekend (Sept 26-28):
(Credit: phillyfringe.org)
Grant (Sept 26, 7:30pm) - Quirky clown-driven performance with absurd surprises
Dance Medicine (Sept 27, 6:30pm) - An ecstatic dance journey with live DJ and healing sound bath
Time Loops (Sept 27, 7:30pm) - A time-traveling circus adventure through history
Pink Lemonade (Sept 28, 6pm) - High-energy acts packed with childlike wonder
- Families looking for unique entertainment (many shows are all-ages friendly)
- Date night seekers wanting something different from typical theater
- Anyone curious about contemporary circus arts
- Budget-conscious culture lovers (seriously affordable tickets!)
Where: Circus Campus, 6452 Greene St., Philadelphia (West Mt. Airy)
When: Weekends September 12-28, 2025
Tickets: Starting at $15 (students) / $20 (general admission)
Info: phillyfringe.org
Whether you're into gravity-defying stunts, intimate storytelling, or interactive magic, this circus takeover of the Fringe Festival offers something extraordinary. It's a rare chance to see top-tier circus talent in an intimate, historic venue, and at prices that won't break the bank!
