Steampunk village or dinner with acrobats? Circus magic landing in Prague

Forget what you think you know about the circus. This summer in Prague, gravity-defying acts, poetic storytelling, immersive theater, and even dinner served during performances are taking over the city, not just under one big top.

From Letná’s exciting new circus festival to a full steampunk fantasy from Cirque du Soleil, August and September are set to be a great time for circus enthusiasts.

Returning for its 22nd edition, the Letní Letná International Festival of New Circus and Theatre will transform Letenské sady into a world of acrobatic wonder. This year’s lineup features audience favorites and thrilling premieres from France and Canada.

The highlight is the Czech premiere of Ostinato by the French group Akoreacro, a long-time favorite at Letní Letná. Known for blending daring acrobatics with humor and live music, the troupe will present their new work right after its world premiere tour. Last year, they captivated the audience with a performance on a semi-trailer truck. This year’s show is still a surprise, but expect high energy and exceptional skill.

Also from France, Bêtes de foire brings their dreamlike Décrochez-moi-ça (Take It Off My Shoulder), a nostalgic tribute to traveling circuses. Look forward to flying hats, spinning coats, a rotating stage, and multi-instrumentalists creating a magical, surreal world where illusion and time merge.

French duo Max & Maurice returns for their final tour, offering acrobatics and a four-course vegetarian dinner in Les Grands Fourneaux #2. This theatrical dining experience unfolds among tables and courses. Picture choreographed chaos, musical improvisation, and stories told with a soup spoon in hand.

From Canada, The 7 Fingers present Duel Reality, an action-packed battle of love and rivalry. Expect the acrobatic skill of Cirque du Soleil but with a bold theatrical flair, all set in a sports arena where Shakespearean passion collides with Olympic-level tension.

Also from Montreal, the collective People Watching showcases Play Dead, a visually stunning and deeply human exploration of dreams and memory through acrobatics, physical theater, and dance. Their intimate, poetic style will likely resonate with those who enjoy circus with a touch of existential beauty.

Letní Letná begins on Aug. 13 with a performance by Czech circus legends Cirk La Putyka and runs through Aug. 31. Tickets are available now, and some shows, especially the dinner-acrobatics combo, are expected to sell out quickly.

Just three days after Letní Letná wraps up, the circus magic continues on Letenská pláň with a first for Prague: Cirque du Soleil under the big top. The world’s most famous circus troupe is coming to town with a 2,500-seat steampunk village on wheels, presenting its internationally acclaimed show KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities.

While Letní Letná focuses on innovative indie circus, KURIOS is a grand production. The show, which has impressed over 6 million spectators since its 2014 premiere, invites viewers into an alternate universe where the creations of a mechanical genius come alive, time shifts, and reality blends into fantasy.

Expect stunning acrobatics, edgy costumes, intricate set design, and an atmosphere that feels part Jules Verne, part Tim Burton.

KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities show’s custom tent, 19 meters high and supported by four towering masts, will be set up on Letenská pláň and from Sept. 3 to Oct. 5.