Swiss Juggling Convention 2026

Every summer, Switzerland hosts the National Juggling Convention, a traveling festival dedicated to juggling and the circus arts that over the years has visited cantons such as Zurich, Bern, Geneva, Vaud, Valais, and Grisons. In 2026, it’s Ticino’s turn: from August 21 to 23, Tesserete will host the 39th edition, marking the third time the event has come to the canton after Bellinzona (2000) and Cevio (2015).
The event is organized by the Collettivo Acrobolieri, a group of jugglers from the Lugano area, together with the association “39th Swiss Juggling Convention in Ticino.” A founding principle of the Swiss Convention is to remain open to everyone: admission is free, and you can participate for a single day or the entire weekend, regardless of your level of experience.
A SPACE FOR EXCHANGE, NOT COMPETITION
Juggling is unique in that it is a discipline based on exchange rather than competition. Throughout the weekend, spaces remain open for free practice, while impromptu workshops allow experienced jugglers and those simply curious to share techniques and learn from one another. It’s the main event of the year for Swiss jugglers and acrobats to meet outside their local groups—and for the public and residents of the region to experience these disciplines up close.
WHERE IT TAKES PLACE
The convention takes place in various locations around the elementary schools in Tesserete: the gym and the basketball court for open practice and workshops, the school’s covered area for the info point, a food stand serving freshly prepared meals, and a refreshment stand (with beer and wine), the Giascion area for parking, RVs, and tents, and the parish hall for the public performance.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Gym open all weekend, available for free juggling practice
Spontaneous workshops on various disciplines and skill levels, from beginners to advanced
Public performance open to everyone, Saturday evening at the parish hall, with a suggested donation
Juggling Olympics
On-site food stand and refreshment bar
A community atmosphere of sharing, practice, and fun
PROGRAM (subject to minor changes)
Friday, August 21
4:00 PM Festival opening
5:00 PM Gym opens, free juggling
Saturday, August 22
7:30–9:30 AM Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Gym opens and spontaneous workshops
3:00 p.m. Free show for children
4:00 p.m. Beginners’ workshop
8:30 p.m. Open-mic show at the parish hall (donations welcome)
Sunday, August 23
7:30–9:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Gym opens
10:00 a.m. Meeting of the Swiss Juggling Association
2:00 p.m. Juggling Olympics
5:00 p.m. Event closes
WHO IS IT FOR?
The convention is open to everyone: experienced jugglers, curious beginners, families, and anyone who wants to discover the world of circus arts in an informal and welcoming setting, in the heart of Ticino.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Location: Tesserete, Canton Ticino (gym and elementary school grounds)
Dates: August 21–23, 2026
Admission: Free
Website: sjc2026ticino.ch
Contact: in2fo@sjc2026ticino.ch
The full program, information on accommodations, directions, and details about the event’s partners are available on the official website sjc2026ticino.ch.


Note: This text was translated by machine translation software and not by a human translator. It may contain translation errors.