The Open Air Circus Highlight 2024
27 & 28 April 2024

In the past, when the circus arrived in the city, the spectacle was announced to the people with parades, drums and trumpets. In keeping with this tradition, the YOUNG STAGE Festival will be ushered in with the open-air circus spectacle for young and old. On Saturday, 27 April and 28 Sunday, April 2024, you’ll be invited to linger and marvel at Barfüsserplatz, where you’ll be surrounded by cool drinks and breathtaking acrobatics. The little ones can try out various circus disciplines free of charge and under the guidance of professionals at the Circus Parcours. At the same time, a mobile circus troupe moves through the city with live music and surprises Basel residents with fascinating performances at various locations.

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The open air programm 2024

Experience this year’s program at Barfüsserplatz and let yourself be enchanted by the following artists on Saturday, 27 April and Sunday, 28 April every day from 13:00 to 18:30 h:

Circus Parcours
13:00 – 18:30

At the YOUNG STAGE Circus Parcours, the little ones can try out a wide variety of disciplines and become circus stars themselves. The children will be immersed deeply in the world of circus through balancing, juggling and playing diabolo under the guidance of real circus professionals.

Avital & Jochen
13:00 & 16:00

Avital & Jochen come from Germany and are an unbeatable team not only in life but also on stage. Humor, live music and impressive technique merge in their breathtaking show. Their trust and harmonious cooperation form the basis for a unique performance, which combines live music, comedy, aerial acrobatics, straps and juggling. In the finale, Avital & Jochen fly nine meters high and present an elegant choreography. Their duo trapeze act secured them the silver medal at the 2014 Festival Du Cirque De Demain in Paris, and they have been delighting audiences around the world for eight years.

Company Afterclap
13:45 & 16:45

“Red Hot Condition” is a 30-minute Lycra performance by the contemporary circus company “Afterclap”. The show humorously tackles the fitness boom and the pressure to look good by combining contemporary circus and physical comedy. Founded in 2019 by Nelli Kujansivu and Aaron Hakala from Finland, the show offers first-class circus with live funk music. It takes the audience into the colorful 80s era and combines passion for circus, comedy, irony and playfulness. “Red Hot Condition” is their first presented show.

Aramelo
14:30 & 17:15 

Two acrobats discover the trampoline as a playful object and the endless possibilities to use this device in their own unique way. The contrast between the two characters and their extraordinary way of combining partner acrobatics and trampoline tricks gives this number many humorous and surprising moments. It is an enchanting duet from Germany and Luxembourg, accompanied by uplifting music and impressive stunts, spectacular for both adults and children.

Duo Laos
15:15 & 18:00 

Immerse yourself in the fascinating 30-minute performance of “Otros Aires” by Duo Laos from Argentina. Partner acrobatics, tango and comedy merge seamlessly in their unique performance. Not only does the duo share an impressive cultural diversity, but also the survival skills of balance and flexibility. Experience a journey beyond conventional boundaries and enjoy the extraordinary synergy of acrobatics, tango and humor. “Otros Aires” is more than a show; It is an immersion into the artistic world of Duo Laos, characterized by grace, passion and a touch of comedy.

Mobile Circus Group
13:00 – 18:00 

Free, creative and incredibly talented! This is the mobile, international YOUNG STAGE Circus Troupe, which moves through the streets of Basel and inspires young and old for the circus. With live music and waving flags, the group will perform at popular places in Basel and amaze the city’s people on Saturday, April 27, 2024.

Facts & Figures about the open air

Free admission
The shows of the Open Air Circus Spectacle are free! But there will be busking and you can also support the open air shows via TWINT!

Top artists
Young, creative and innovative circus shows are presented in the open air. Some of the artists are former festival participants of the YOUNG STAGE show. The artists are very international, some from neighboring countries, and others from overseas. This spectacle will be amazing for sure!

Circus Parcours for children
Even the little ones will be inspired by the circus through becoming artists themselves. At the Circus Parcours, which also takes place at Barfüsserplatz, kids can try out various circus disciplines for free. Guided by professionals!

Diverse catering options
The surrounding restaurants, food trucks, coffee mobiles and drink-stands turn your visit to the open air into a culinary delight. Treat yourself to a delicious espresso, a cold ice cream or a refreshing beer and be amazed by the spectacular performances of the artists.

What if it rains?
We are committed to ensuring that all shows can take place. In the event of bad weather, we reserve the right to postpone or cancel certain shows. We try to provide information on our channels as early as possible!