"Is this really happening?!" Those were the only words I could eek out of my gaping mouth during last Friday's living room performance at the Vespertine Circus. Okay, I also managed to say "I'll have the $2 white wine, good sir!" But really, that's about it. There were mesmerizing musicians, an astonishing aerial acrobat and her hooping partner. There were couches and a hodgepodge of chairs filled with the artists friends and family and some random Facebook stalkers like us. But the most surprising attraction had to be the bar in back, serving $2 wine, beer, and soda. *Rub eyes in dream-like stupor.* Like the others have noted, this is an eerily magical place, concealed behind residential walls. Part Alice in Wonderland, part Burning Man, part Dark Carnival...yet approachable enough for average folks like you and me. The shows are $10-15 sliding scale at the door, and while the venue itself may not appear to merit such a cover, the sheer novelty and unexpectedness of everything that ensues is worth the cha-ching, in my opinion. read more

The Vespertine Circus - Like Warhol's Factory - Performing Arts Near Me

There are many reasons to fear and loathe Facebook. Sit at any bar, eavesdrop on any bus conversation, and woo any self-aware youngin' with a lit degree, and you'll hear a litany of FB complaints, usually coming straight from the mouth of your's truly about the inanity of self-promotion and narcissism. But when I step back from talking about my status in the third person or rapidly de-tagging myself from pictures that I don't want my mom to see, I appreciate how useful it has been in finding some cool events. Cue the Vespertine Circus, which I circuitously found when I saw an event listing for audiafauna, one of my favorite local acts. Not knowing what to expect, nor caring much, since my beloved band was performing, I came with little to no expectations, just being a groupie and rounding up some friends for a night out. Literally located in someone's living room, with barnyard lighting and some scattered cushions, this is a very comfy venue. The circus itself is not the corndog/creppy clown carnavale that I envisioned. There are contortionists, lovers, advanced hoopers, and what I came for-music and dancing. My heart was won by the ginger with an improvised violin/trumpet contraption, who's in a band from Seattle called Impossible Bird, another serendipitous music find that's put an extra hop in my step. Come support this amazing endeavor-such a heartwarming atmosphere, and if you're missing your weekend night boozin', drink assured that there's some cheap wine, though I opted for the cheap alcoholic-free ginger beer. After being intoxicated by the good vibes this place is percolating, you won't need anything else. read more

See all

Good lord, No Graves, No Masters was stunning. It's hard to even articulate how incredible it was. Simply jaw-dropping. I had no idea circus could be that good. The Vespertine Circus has some of the most physically talented, incredible, and hauntingly beautiful performances I've ever seen. As someone who has competed in physical activities at various levels, I looked at what they were performing and continuously thought to myself "I don't think I could do that even if I put my mind to it forever". Simply unreal. read more

Saw High Tide recently and No Graves, No Masters in 2019. Both were beautiful experiences that immersed you in the odd and humorous worlds they built; High Tide was surprisingly earnest and sweet, which was refreshing. The performers play with so much joy, it made us happy. read more

WoOooOoOoOoOoW!!!!!!!!!!! You know what's awesome? Small, charming, indie circuses, that's what. Everything about this show was just delightful. It was so real and authentic; this is how a circus should be! The venue was delightfully intimate, the performers were delightfully engaging and very talented... overall, I must say, I am impressed with what a small-ish (6 people, maybe) group of young (definitely all in their early 20's) artists can pull off. The clown was hilarious, the aerialist performer was mesmerizing, and the guy with the big silver ring... well, I could go on for a while. I had the pleasure of seeing their Bon Voyage show on the 24th. They're taking off to tour the West Coast for the summer, but be sure to catch them next time they're in town. Tickets are ~$15. I know I'll be there! read more

I went to the Vespertine Circus's June 3, 2011 Bon Voyage show and it was absolutely delightful! The circus is hosted in a warehouse in Oakland. The area is a bit sketchy but do not be fooled by its outer appearance. Upon entering the performance space, warm squashy sofas and lounging cushions surround a beautiful white and gold stage. The performance space also includes some raised seating in the back, a nicely appointed toilet and a bar that serves cocktails, beer and wine (and I believe it also serves non-alcoholic beverages as well). Before the show begins the performers mingle around the room telling stories, jokes, making balloon animals, greeting both new people and friends alike. The doors open a half hour before the show begins, enough time to meet some really interesting people, buy a drink and find a good seat. The show itself was lovely, each performer has a distinct character and story that is revealed throughout the evening. There is a mime, who you are told is truly a mute, who is deeply in love with a life-size windup doll, that the ringmaster claimed to have found among the misplaced possessions of gypsies. The mime is incredible at the corde lisse and the windup doll does some beautiful silks. There is also a lazy, snotty contortionist (who is really funny and has a great act with the mime) who does some amazing aerials as well as a juggler who likes to stick nails in his face. Best of all was the clown Tilly Rex, a tiny tiny girl who likes to eat fire, steal and cause havoc for everyone in the circus. The cost to get in, especially if you buy your tickets online, was quite reasonable ($15 online $20 door). If you get the opportunity you should definitely check these guys out. read more

These guys are incredibly talented and are very passionate about all of their performances. With a unique cast of characters with a broad range of talents this is a one of a kind show worth the venture out to Oakland. From acrobatics, fire dancing, juggling, and breathtaking arials, this is hands down a must see show. Ive had the honor of meeting the whole troupe personally and they are all amazing people who truly care about what they are doing. The bottom line is, if you want a mind blowing experience, see the Vespertine circus. read more

No Graves, No Masters at Z Space was an excellent show that combined comedy, horror, and social commentary into a mesmerizing spectacle. Top-notch performances from talented aerialists, contortionists, clowns, and a charismatic M.C. (the hokey pokey will never be the same) made for a memorable evening. read more

Just last week I went and saw a performance from the Vespertine Circus called HINGE at the Great Star Theater in San Francisco. The theater itself was a little hinky and certainly old and full of "character" as some might say, but not without its charm. Getting that out of the way I have to say it was really awesome to check out a circus show that really no one else has done or even considered doing. Allowing the audience to effect the show. Basically using various sounds we, the audience, could control the music and lighting in a way to change the performance itself. Sometimes the lights and music would make it hard for performers to do their acts, but despite the mistakes this caused I had to say it was a lot of fun! Getting to feel like I was part of something rather then always being one step removed seemed to give it a more personal feel. Also there was an app that you could run on your Iphone that would give a lot of story and background about each and every character so it could add a layer of narrative depth that I could enjoy at many different levels. I'd ding it for being a little bit too wordy at times so it didn't always feel like an easy read. Talk about creative way to bring the circus to another level though! When the show concluded I was instantly sold, and proceeded to tell all my friends this is a must see show for how much fun it was as well, as how interesting it was as a concept. Was this show for everyone? Certainly not. If anyone came on the late side the whole thing would be extremely confusing for those watching the show, and it is still somewhat fledgling in the experience of the show itself but hot diggity daffodil it was some amazing interactive theater. Nothing I've ever experienced before. If you want to see some really awesome, ground breaking interactive theater meets circus for all ages and are willing to see the small mistakes made as all part of the storytelling experience? This forever. If you are looking for a conventional circus act with everything you would expect to get out of any run of the mill circus act? You should go somewhere else. read more

Just saw HiNGE. It was wonderful! The combination of astoundingly talented circus performances with the innovative audience-controlled elements made for a unique and unforgettable experience. Being a part of influencing how the show progressed added a level of depth and connectedness to the fates of the characters that I wasn't expecting. I only wish I'd been able to attend multiple nights so I could've seen the different endings. This troupe is wonderful. I can't wait to see what they do next! read more

The Rocky Horror Circus Show, now playing at San Francisco's Great Star Theatre, isn't really related to Rocky Horror Picture Show directly - but it's fun and sexy and a really great time. The Vespertine Circus features talented performers, including aerialists and contortionists, many "dressed" in RHPS outfits (our MC for the evening was a lovely and funny Magenta;, for instance). You won't want to miss one eye-popping moment of this show! read more

For me was one of the worst shows that I've ever been, we were bored to death and we really didn't get what it was about.. The Circus performances were OK but we didn't like the acting and the whole plot was very poor and confusing. I really wanted to like it, after reading all the yelp reviews I thought it was going to be a very good show but it turned out to be very disappointing. read more

The Vespertine Circus - Performing Arts Near Me

See all

Come one, come all! This is a kinky, quirky, oddball affair, full of aerial acrobatics, contortion, juggling, and salted peanuts. Also puppets. And the seating is made of stacked up mattresses. Did I mention that it's odd? Delightful. Odd. It's like if Cirque Du Soleil met Tourette's Without Regrets at the Edwardian Ball and promptly fell in love. Or rather, promptly fell in bed and semelparitously reproduced. (Look it up.) This is the resulting baby. Tickets aren't terribly expensive and are often offered at a discount if you buy 'em in advance. Requires a nominal membership fee that's waived if you bring a group. Food wise, there's a smallish bar that serves house concoctions and home-popped popcorn, but that's it (so far). The neighborhood isn't great, but the parking is convenient. All in all a good show put on by a talented crew. Hats off. read more

I went to the June 24, 2012 Bon Voyage show and the one word I can use to describe it, AMAZING! It was a truly magical experience. My only complaint was that it didn't go on all night. The experience of being so close that you are almost in the performance gave a perspective that I had never even though possible. The passion and skill of the performers showed in all that they did. I saw more story and emotion conveyed in the movement of a foot then I am able to muster some entire days. The world they create in there performances, thats where I want to live all the time. I will see them at every opportunity. read more

No Graves No Masters was a HOOT and a half. The performers are incredibly talented and the show was funny, well-paced, and entertaining from start to finish. read more

Wonderful! Wonderful! Reminds me of the old time traveling circuses. The Vespertine Circus put on a great show with incredible aerials, contortion, fire spinning, clowning and juggling, and more. I was mesmerized the entire show! If they come your way, go see 'em! read more

Just saw Important Business in SF and what an amazing show it was!! Breathtaking display of skill & beauty intertwined with humor. One of the best shows I've seen and I can't wait for the next one!! read more

Cirque de Soleil meets Burning man in this approachable, lovely circus! I highly recommend. :)

Important Business: evocative intersection of art and life, a glimpse of beauty.

Love the new show Important Business. Saw it in Sacramento today at Cal Stage and kept me very entertained. I saw them over the summer as well and they never disappoint. read more

We went to see Serious Business in Sacramento and loved it. All new music, and a whimsical perspective that made me look at my office job in a new light. My big favorite was the Printer Jam, when 3 performers became a printer, using choreographed gymnastics and a really cool song made from printer noises. My 4 year old had a great time too. We'll be looking forward to more performances in the future! read more

When they come to your town you have to go see them. It was a funny, magical and amazing night. Such incredible talent! One of those nights where you just wanted to see more, it ended way too soon. I just was trying to pick my favorite part of the show to mention here and I realized I loved it all so much I couldn't think of one. They were all great! read more

I saw their performance of HiNGE on Friday the 13th of November and was very impressed. The conceit of the show is that the audience are audio and lighting technicians who are able to raise and lower the light levels and change the music on demand, but only when a consensus has been reached. Part of the fun is that with few exceptions the audience is never instructed when to do this, so a member or two will start the sound (clapping, shhhing, etc) to effect a change and if the rest of the audience agrees, they will join in. The light and sound levels do affect the performances as well. The performers were all really good, and the variety of different acts was also well done. The only downside is they have an App that you can load to further you immersion in the show but at this time it is iPhone only. If there had been an Android app that would've been great. read more

Incredible acts, and fun character work when interacting with the audience 1-on-1. The audience participation effecting lights and sound took a little while to get off the ground, neat concept. I absolutely plan on seeing the next show Vespertine puts up. read more

I have seen this show a few times now. These talented, engaging, down to earth entertainers of amazing abilities are fantastic to witness. Their show is like nothing I have ever seen (well maybe on a television show with stunt men, and cameras cutting away). My children now ages 6, 7, and almost 10 saw their show last night as well as over a year ago and each time they become giddy and excited to see what will happen next. As well as being attractive to pint size viewers the circus has shown me they can change things up for the all adult crowd. I am always impressed. They can make your heart beat up into your neck wondering if someone will get hurt or your smile hurt your face because they are so adorable and funny. They are respectful and professional and have a very positive vibe. If you get a chance to go to a show......GO!! You will be amazed, thrilled and your jaw might just try to hit the floor. read more

Everything a Circus should be and then some. Musical score was worth the price of admission. The puppet show leaves you wanting more and the silks and ropes leave you mesmerized. Yes you should go and go again. The Ring Master also deserves Kudos for keeping the show going effortlessly. read more

I saw the Verspertine Circus in Oakland and it was lots of fun. You get to see the action close up, right next to the performers. There's aerial artists performing acts 20' above, fire dancers so close you can feel the heat on your face (or stay back, but I like it hot), and lots of other quirky but fun acts kept me entertained for hours. Highly recommended for all, and the crowd was so nice. read more

even though its located in oakland, the vespertine circus is worth the trip! i love the fact that this circus is on the smaller side, the intimacy makes it that much funner. not to mention how freakin talented all the performers are. semi-interactive, and always entertaining, this is an awesome show and i recommend it to anyone looking to be dazzled, or in the mood for a good laugh. you won't be disappointed! read more

We had two aerialists from Vespertine Circus perform at our Cirque de Soleil prom. They were AMAZING! The kids even stopped dancing several times to watch them. I would highly recommend them! Very entertaining! read more