Hupstate Circus Festival seeks innovative and diverse circus shows to perform in Ithaca, NY September 4th -7th 2026. APPLY HERE: hupstatecircus.org/callforshows

Labor Day Weekend in Ithaca, NY - The fifth Hupstate Circus Festival will bring dozens of circus artists to Ithaca from all over the world from September 4th -7th 2026. The Hupstate producing team is currently seeking applications for indoor and outdoor shows for the 2026 Hupstate Circus Festival. Artists and groups are invited to apply at hupstatecircus.org/callforshows by October 1st. Guaranteed stipends will be provided based on the submission (ticket sales will not determine your stipend). Housing will be provided for the duration of the festival.

Since 2021, Hupstate has garnered international acclaim for its extensive programming and wide draw, establishing itself as the first international performance festival in the U.S. dedicated entirely to circus. The 2024 Hupstate Festival brought more than 45 circus artists from five different countries to perform in Ithaca, NY. Throughout the multi-day festival twenty events all over Ithaca dazzled over 5,000 audience members traveling from 22 states. Shows include both free and ticketed; indoor and outdoor; and geared towards all ages, and adult only offerings. 

Hupstate Circus elevates circus arts in the United States through high-impact and accessible festival and residency programs. Inspired by many international circus festivals, Hupstate has a vision to continually expand the notion of what circus is and can be, and to provide myriad ways for our community to experience circus as an art form. Hupstate is a portmanteau of Hup, the universal word for “go” in the circus world, and upstate, where this festival is proud to be held. 

Important Dates

The windows for applications open August 1 2025.

Application submissions close on October 1st 2025

Festival performance: September 4th-September 7th, 2026

Information and Contact

Application and full information can be found at hupstatecircus.org/callforshows

Contact: info@hupstatecircus.org

Social media: instagram.com/hupstatecircus