Jours de cirque means it’s the time of year when students from the École de cirque de Québec’s advanced circus arts program take their skills beyond the school walls. They showcase their talents and accomplishments to the public in a series of shows and performances, indoors and outdoors, throughout Quebec City. We look forward to seeing you at this unique and colourful event!
May 19 to June 7, 2026
Step into the world of the circus and let yourself be amazed by the year-end performances from the students of the École de cirque de Québec’s Higher Education program!
The students of the ÉCQ are ready to showcase their talent! From graduation performances and outdoor shows by second-year students to In Situ presentations by first-years, shows from our High School Circus Studies program and even acts by our recreational students, get ready to be dazzled by a wide range of circus skills and styles. And if all this inspires you to give it a try yourself, our certified instructors are here to guide you. Who knows, you might just catch the circus bug through the school’s recreational classes!
The graduation show from the Higher Education program at the École de cirque de Québec is a rare chance to discover promising new talent in contemporary circus, right here in Quebec City, just before they launch into their professional careers, often beyond our borders.
Presented in an exclusive staging, these professional-level performances offer the public a burst of acrobatic feats, creativity and emotion every year. With four to five shows, the graduating students generously share their passion in a way that will delight the whole family.
For these artists, it’s also a final chance to share their passion, technical mastery and artistic world with the Quebec City public, all under the roof of the school in Limoilou where their journey began.
Not to be missed: colourful, vibrant evenings rich in emotions.
👉🏼 Le rancard, Éclat de cirque #1 (SHOW SCHEDULE))
👉🏼 Ignorer la gravité, Éclat de cirque #2 (SHOW SCHEDULE)
Presented from May 20 to June 8.
The Éclats de cirque, formerly known as Zoom Cirque, are outdoor performances created by and performed by second-year students in the Higher Education Circus Arts program at the École de cirque de Québec.
Each show is the result of a four-week intensive workshop, led by a dedicated director for each group. Lasting about 30 minutes, these short performances offer students a unique opportunity to dive into collaborative creation and experience the spontaneous energy of street performance.
Designed for public spaces, these short shows aim to captivate, amaze and make contemporary circus shine beyond traditional walls.
The 2025 edition, “Nous sommes,” is directed by Arielle Warnke St-Pierre and presented from May 20 to June 4 at the Musée de la Civilisation by the 19 first-year students from the DEC in Circus Arts.
The In Situ project takes its name from an artistic concept: creating a performance designed specifically for a given space, inspired by its physical features, atmosphere and purpose. At the École de cirque de Québec, this project is offered to first-year students in the Higher Education program, giving them a unique opportunity to create and perform in some of Quebec City’s most iconic locations.
These spaces, chosen for their rich architecture and choreographic potential, become the stage for a 30- to 45-minute site-specific circus performance, presented once or twice daily to the venue’s visitors. Each show is the result of a collaborative creative process led by a stage director–choreographer and supported by two to three technical discipline instructors.
In Situ brings circus into majestic spaces, offering moments of poetry, movement and closeness. It’s a unique creation, shaped by the environment, for a dialogue between architecture, audience and emerging artists.
The year-end shows from the High School Circus Studies, a circus-focused curriculum offered in partnership with La Seigneurie and Cardinal-Roy high schools, are a chance for Quebec City audiences and students’ families to witness the impressive talent of all secondary-level cohorts in two shows: a 30-minute performance by Secondary 1 and 2 students, directed by Jacques Palardy-Dion, and a 45-minute performance by Secondary 3, 4 and 5 students, directed by Valérie Boutin.
Get ready to be amazed by the next generation of circus artists who are bursting with energy, creativity and a deep passion for the circus arts!
A highlight of the spring session, the end-of-year shows from our recreational program bring together students of all ages for five festive performances on the school’s professional stage as they showcase their talents, commitment and everything they’ve learned.
Participants present short acts woven into a collective production lasting about 90 minutes, delivered with high-quality technical support. It’s a rewarding and memorable stage experience set in a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with pride.
These family-friendly shows are a joyful celebration of a year filled with learning, effort and passion—not to be missed!
2026 dates and full details on the show to come.
On June 7 and 8, circus and juggling introductory workshops will be led by the recreational instructors of the school (parking on the 7e rue’s side). For the little ones, Initiative 1, 2, 3 Go Limoilou will host some introductory workshops on Sunday, June 8 only.
⚠️☔️ Please note: if it rains, the shows and workshops planned outside on the school’s forecourt unfortunately won’t take place.
For all ages! Try out juggling, balancing acts, trapeze and more with our certified instructors. A great chance to get moving, have fun, and experience the magic of the circus with the whole family!
Stay tuned for details about the 2026 edition!
Get ready for two action-packed days where the energy and talent of students from Quebec City’s Higher Education program take over the front plaza of the École de cirque de Québec!
All cohorts come together to showcase the original performances they’ve shared throughout the year and across the city.
