Do you believe in faeries? I do. I saw them with my own two eyes.
Cirquonscient kicked off its 2025 free faerie picnic series on a beautiful almost-summer Tuesday evening in Strathcona Park. This one hour family-friendly, outdoor circus performance presented by the Ottawa-based group was filled with ooohs and awwws from the audience as aerial performances took centre stage and whimsical characters, including graceful faeries who entertained and interacted with the crowd.
Faerie picnic. Photo: Stephen Bierbrier.
What is Cirquonscient? It is a collective of circus artists promoting creative expression and community connections through circus and other art forms. You may have seen some of their magic this spring at the inaugural Ottawa Aerial Circus Festival.
Tuesday’s faerie picnic kickoff was jam-packed with families and circus-enthusiasts sharing an evening with the enchanting characters performing circus arts, including aerial acrobatics. Attendees brought blankets, wore costumes, and thoroughly enjoyed the playful atmosphere, picnicking in the park while watching the show.
The faerie picnics are designed to be immersive and engaging, with performers using various circus disciplines like gymnastics and aerial silks (look up—look way up) to create a magical experience for the audience.
Faerie picnic. Photo: Stephen Bierbrier.
So bring your picnic blanket, snacks and bevvies and settle in for a delightful 60 minutes in nature filled with smiles, bubbles, dance, aerial spins and surprises.
Did the children have more fun or the adults? It was a toss up!
Catch the faeries again in Strathcona Park (35 Range Rd. in Sandy Hill) on Tuesday, July 22 at 6:30pm and Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 6:30pm. Free, but donations appreciated. Weather-permitting, of course.
More details on their website and their Instagram and Facebook.
