Friday 22 January
20:00
Competition Show
1st programme.
ViewMonaco · Main Event Guide
Monte-Carlo International
Circus Festival 2027
The complete ViewMonaco guide to ten days of world-class circus in Monaco: competition programmes, the Awards Gala, Winner’s Shows, New Generation, tickets, parking and the practical side of a Fontvieille stay.
22–31 Jan2027 dates
10 daysFestival period
49thCircus Festival
14thNew Generation
FontvieilleBig top venue
The 2027 edition
The circus world meets in Monaco.
The 49th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo runs from 22 to 31 January 2027 under the Fontvieille big top, alongside the 14th New Generation. The event brings major international circus artists to Monaco for competition programmes, award presentations and a final sequence of Winner’s Shows.
For visitors, the Festival is both a performance event and a Monaco tradition. This guide connects the official programme with ticketing, parking, transport, places to stay and the practical details around attending shows in Fontvieille.
A Monaco tradition
Founded in 1974.
Created by Prince Rainier III.
Still a family legacy.
Prince Rainier III created the Festival to support traditional circus and circus families. Princess Stéphanie has served as Festival President since 2005, continuing a tradition that has become one of Monaco’s most distinctive annual events.
Official 2027 programme
From the competition to the Winner’s Shows.
The organiser has published the principal 2027 performances. Times below are the official schedule currently listed and should be rechecked before travel.
Saturday 23 January
14:00 & 20:00
Competition Shows
14:00 · 2nd programme.
20:00 · 1st programme.
Sunday 24 January
10:30 & 15:00
Reduced Show + Competition
10:30 · Two-hour show at reduced price.
15:00 · Competition Show, 2nd programme.
Monday 25 January
19:00
Ecumenical Celebration
Special celebration inside the Chapiteau.
Tuesday 26 January
19:30
Awards Gala Evening
Gala performance including the official award ceremony.
Wednesday 27 January
11:00 · 15:00 · 20:00
Public Holiday Programme
11:00 · Two-hour show at reduced price.
15:00 & 20:00 · Winner’s Shows.
Thursday 28 January
19:30
Winner’s Show
Evening performance featuring Festival winners.
Friday 29 January
20:00
Winner’s Show
Evening performance featuring Festival winners.
Saturday 30 January
10:30 · 15:00 · 20:00
Final Weekend
10:30 · Two-hour show at reduced price.
15:00 & 20:00 · Winner’s Shows.
Sunday 31 January
10:30 · 14:30 · 19:30
Closing Day
10:30 · Two-hour show at reduced price.
14:30 & 19:30 · Winner’s Shows.
Inside the Festival
More than a sequence of shows.
The Monte-Carlo Festival combines competition, awards, young talent and a long-running Monegasque circus tradition.
Competition Programmes
Two principal selection programmes present international acts before the Festival jury and Monaco audience.
Golden Clown
The Clown d’Or is the Festival’s most prestigious distinction, awarded during the gala phase of the event.
Winner’s Shows
After the awards, multiple performances bring prize-winning acts back into the ring through the closing weekend.
New Generation
The 14th New Generation continues the Festival’s platform for young circus artists and future international talent.
Since 1974
The Festival was founded by Prince Rainier III and has become one of Monaco’s longest-running international cultural traditions.
Ecumenical Celebration
A special celebration takes place in the Chapiteau on 25 January 2027 at 19:00.
Tickets & seating
Choose the performance before choosing the seat.
The Festival publishes a detailed 2027 price grid by performance and seating category. Because prices vary by date, programme and section, use the official tariff rather than relying on a single headline price.
Book by Performance
Competition Shows, the Awards Gala, reduced-price performances and Winner’s Shows each have their own ticketing options.
Seating Categories
The official seating plan includes several fauteuil and gradin sections around the central circus ring. Compare the exact category before purchase.
Awards Gala
The 26 January Gala combines a major Festival performance with the official awards ceremony and is one of the key nights of the edition.
The official ticket office is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 18:00. Ticket availability, prices and conditions can change; verify the latest information directly with Monte-Carlo Festivals.
Plan your visit
Fontvieille is compact, but plan the arrival.
The Festival takes place under the Chapiteau in the Fontvieille district. Arrive with time for security, seating and any pre-show plans around the venue.
Festival location
Monte-Carlo Festivals lists its ticket office and visitor contact at 5 Avenue des Ligures, 98000 Monaco, beside the Fontvieille big top.
Parking
The organiser lists Parking des Écoles, Stade Louis II, Saint-Nicolas, Les Salines and Wurtemberg among the practical parking options.
Public transport
Bus connections and Monaco’s pedestrian routes can reduce the need to drive directly into Fontvieille, especially before popular performances.
Food at the big top
The organiser lists the Café du Cirque and food trucks around the Chapiteau. For a full meal before or after the show, compare Fontvieille and nearby Monaco restaurants.
Plan the complete stay
Build a Monaco weekend around the Festival.
A circus performance can be the centre of the day without being the whole trip. Use ViewMonaco for accommodation, restaurants, local events and practical planning.
Hotels
Fontvieille is convenient for the Chapiteau, while La Condamine and Monte-Carlo remain practical depending on the rest of your plans.
Restaurants
Plan lunch or dinner around your performance time and allow for pre-show arrival.
Monaco Guide
Explore Fontvieille, nearby attractions and practical visitor information for the rest of your stay.
FAQ
Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival 2027 questions.
When is the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival 2027?
The 49th edition runs from 22 to 31 January 2027 under the Fontvieille big top in Monaco.
What is New Generation?
New Generation is the Festival’s competition and showcase for young circus artists. The 2027 event is its 14th edition.
When is the Awards Gala?
The Awards Gala Evening is scheduled for Tuesday 26 January 2027 at 19:30.
What are the Winner’s Shows?
They are post-award performances featuring Festival winners and are scheduled repeatedly from 27 to 31 January.
Is there a reduced-price show?
Yes. The official programme includes two-hour performances at reduced prices on 24, 27, 30 and 31 January.
Where can I park?
The organiser lists Parking des Écoles, Stade Louis II, Saint-Nicolas, Les Salines and Wurtemberg. Check current access and availability before driving.
Who founded the Festival?
Prince Rainier III founded the Festival in 1974 to support traditional circus and circus families. Princess Stéphanie has been President of the Festival since 2005.
ViewMonaco · Monte-Carlo Circus Festival
Make the Festival part of a complete Monaco stay.
From the Chapiteau to hotels, restaurants, transport and other January events, use ViewMonaco as the local layer around the 2027 Festival.
Independent visitor guide by ViewMonaco. ViewMonaco is not affiliated with, endorsed by or the official website of the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo, New Generation or Monte-Carlo Festivals. Programme, ticketing and operational information can change; verify current details with the official organiser before travelling.
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