Underbelly has announced the Circus Hub programme for the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, returning to the Meadows this August with a wide-ranging lineup of circus, cabaret and family-friendly shows.
The Circus Hub will once again be centred around two venues, the Lafayette Big Top and the Beauty Spiegeltent, alongside an outdoor bar and family area, continuing its reputation as a major Fringe destination.
Among the highlights is the debut of A Step And A Half by The Palestinian Circus at the Lafayette Big Top. The new production combines circus with the traditional Palestinian celebratory dance Dabkeh, aiming to promote hope and positivity through performance.
Contemporary circus company Aloft will present the UK debut of The Pieces, following their critically acclaimed Fringe success Brave Space in 2023. The new work explores connection and resilience through high-impact physical theatre.
Scandinavian company Below Zero will make their UK debut with PACE at the Beauty Spiegeltent. The intimate hand-to-hand duet examines relationships, power and equality through modern circus.
Returning audience favourites include Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett, Sophie’s Surprise 29th Party and family hit Splash Test Dummies. The Revel Puck Circus also returns to the Lafayette Big Top with The Wing-Scuffle Spectacular.
Other highlights include Wolf by Circa, YOAH by Japanese circus company Cirquework, The Flying Bubble Show by Maxwell the Bubbleologist and SHOWMAN by magician James Phelan.
Underbelly’s Head of Programming Marina Dixon said:
“Circus Hub is the home of world-class circus at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and this year’s programme reflects the incredible range and ambition of the work on offer. From bold new voices to returning favourites across circus, cabaret and more, it’s a line-up that showcases the very best in live performance from across the globe.”
Since launching in 2015, Underbelly’s Circus Hub has remained the Fringe’s dedicated home for international circus, hosting technically ambitious and visually spectacular work from across the world.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
