The story behind Austria’s biggest queer party.
Circus has grown into the biggest spectacle of its kind in Austria. We are bringing guests from all over Europe together in Vienna - with massive stage shows, epic beats, and nights that feel like a movie.
What started 15 years ago as a wild idea between two friends has blown up into Austria’s biggest and most iconic LGBTQIA+ party. But behind the massive production and the hype, we aren’t some corporate event machine - we’re still just a small, fiercely dedicated team that lives for the Vienna nightlife scene.
For a decade and a half, we’ve been throwing the exact kind of parties we always wanted to go to. That means taking over legendary venues like Arena Wien and the massive Praterdome, and going all-out with epic theme nights like Angels & Demons. Whether you're sweating to heavy, driving beats on the Circuit House floor or screaming the lyrics to your favorite anthems on the Pop floor, the energy is unmatched. With drag royalty and our amazing go-go dancers on stage, every event is an absolute visual trip.
But at its core, Circus is about chosen family. It’s a safe, inclusive playground built for every single identity in our community to connect, let loose, and just be real. Love, respect, and pure joy - this is what drives us. Here’s to the last 15 years, and the crazy nights still to come. Join the Circus!
No. Circus is for everyone. The crowd is diverse, welcoming, and inclusive - and that’s the point.
Most main Circus nights happen at Arena Wien. Circus XXL (Pride) is typically hosted at Prater Dome.
Usually 3 times a year: In April, June (Vienna Pride After Party), and October.
Yes there is a very popular Dark Room at Arena Wien! You can also show up to our after parties at Kaiserbründl Sauna if you want more action.
Only if you have a Style Ticket. Our themes are an invitation, not a must. Dress however you feel comfortable. You can be as naked or sexy as you want. There are some simple restrictions: No national flags of any kind. No racist, right-wing extremist, fascist, sexist, or homophobic symbols or messages. No sharp or dangerous costume parts.
Yes, Circus is strictly 18+.
Circus: World Premiere! · Arena Wien
The very first Circus event was almost a year in the making. We ordered a massive custom iron cage and a huge amusement park logo, booked two incredible DJs, and were honestly not ready at all.
In a stroke of pure luck, another big party production closed down just days before we launched, sending expectations for our debut through the roof.
Circus: Hot Wash! · Arena Wien
For our second edition, we stepped up the production with the first promo video of any party in Vienna. We built washing machine dancer pedestals and featured a bathtub show with a very dirty boy.
The highlight? Lowering clothes hangers from the ceiling holding €5,000 worth of Aussiebum underwear and letting the crowd grab what they wanted.
Circus: The Big Blackout! · Arena Wien
We planned a dramatic, simulated power outage synced to a record spin-down effect. It was a beautiful idea that failed hilariously.
The pyrotechnics went off while the lights were still on, and when we finally cut the power, the venue’s emergency exit signs kept the room way too illuminated. But when the music spun back up and the dancers flooded the stage with heavy-duty flashlights, the moment was saved.
Circus: Rise of the Super Heroes! · Arena Wien
After inventing the concept of an "Official Pride Night" in Vienna years before, we finally brought it under the Circus umbrella.
This superhero-themed night also marked the premiere of our infamous "Showdown After Hours" at Kaiserbründl Sauna.
Circus: It’s a Scandal! · Arena Wien
"It's a Scandal" lived up to its name. Inspired by the political debates over transgender bathroom laws, we released a provocative flyer featuring Tamara Mascara standing at a urinal, which promptly got us in trouble with social media algorithms.
On stage, the legendary Miss Candy and Tamara recreated the iconic Madonna/Britney MTV kiss.
Circus XXX · Celebrating 3 incredible years
To celebrate our three-year anniversary, we built a massive two-story Amsterdam-style house on stage.
But the real piece of history was our live act: Conchita Wurst delivered her final club performance here before she won the Eurovision Song Contest.
Space Invasion, Money - Cheap Thrills & Fright Night
Our production value skyrocketed during these years. We introduced massive LED walls, bedazzled a giant dollar sign with hundreds of thousands of rhinestones, and even redesigned a broken motorcycle and mounted it onto a revolving stage for a futuristic 80s fantasy.
Our dedication to the flyer art peaked for "Fright Night" in 2017, when we bought real grass and graveyard soil, and built a literal grave in our living room to take the picture.
Circus: Diner - Serving what you crave!
We went all out for "Diner - Serving what you crave!", building our first reusable, architectural stage set adorned with custom 3D neon letters.
The night was elevated to legendary status with attendance by RuPaul's Drag Race royalty Violet Chachki and Chad Michaels.
Circus: Welcome to Vienna! · Prater Dome
EuroPride hit Vienna, and we went all out. We kicked off the weekend at Arena Wien, and then moved to Prater Dome for "Welcome to Vienna!"
Selling out Austria’s biggest nightclub was a surreal experience that changed the trajectory of Circus forever, pushing us to scale up our productions. Our promo video for that party reached 3.4 million views on YouTube.
Canceled, streamed, then back again
Right after founding a new company and hiring our first employee to take Circus to the next level, the world shut down. Circus was actually the first big event in Austria that was canceled because of the COVID lockdown.
So instead, we were one of the first events to live-stream a party at home from dozens of locations across Europe, which was an incredible success with almost 100,000 simultaneous viewers all over the world.
Circus: Seven Seas
During the early months of the pandemic lockdown, we had meticulously hand-crafted a giant, breathtaking white shell for a project that was ultimately canceled.
Three years later, it finally got its moment to shine on the Circus stage before being sold to an opera production.
Circus XXL Spectacle! · The Ultimate Pride After Party
After years of waiting, we made our return to Prater Dome. Taking over Austria’s biggest nightclub, we transformed the venue into Circus world featuring four dance floors, 11 international DJs, and over 20 performers.
It was the unapologetic, sweaty celebration of freedom Vienna had been waiting for.
Circus: Big Business! · Arena Wien
"Big Business" was almost the party that didn't happen. First, Arena Wien was facing closure due to noise complaints. Then, on the night of the event, a terror threat was called in. Police arrived to sweep the entire venue for explosives.
Despite the chaos, we opened the doors one hour late and delivered an unforgettable party.
Krawall & Liebe, Heroes & Legends and EuroGames
After successfully returning to Arena Wien, 2024 became a year of expansion. We launched Krawall & Liebe, bringing a grittier, alternative queer techno vibe to Arena.
Shortly after, we hosted the Official EuroGames After Party at Prater Dome, welcoming thousands of queer athletes from across the continent for an unbelievable night of celebration.
