Date
Friday 22 - Sunday 24 August 2025
See Running Times
Venue
John Cain Arena
Tickets
Adults from $79.90*
* Based on the lowest adult price listed via Ticketek. Subject to availability and fees.
Cirque du Soleil returns to Melbourne with its most unique production CORTEO, set to charm audiences for the very first time.
Heading to John Cain Arena from 21-24 August, this exceptional show, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca (who also directed LUZIA), first premiered in Montreal under the Big Top in April 2005.
In a Cirque du Soleil first, the stage is central in the arena and divides the venue, with each half of the audience facing the other half, giving a unique perspective not only of the show but also a performer’s eye view of the audience. The set curtains, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, and the central curtains, which were hand-painted, give a grandiose feel to the stage. This sets the tone for the poetry of Corteo. Since its creation, the show has amazed over 12 million spectators in 30 countries.
Running Times
Friday 22 August
- Gates Open: TBC
- Gate 6 (via Western Plaza)
- Gate 7 West / East (via Olympic Boulevard)
- Gate 8 (via Eastern Plaza)
- Start Time: 7:30pm
- Event Concludes: TBC
Saturday 23 August
Show 1
- Gates Open: TBC
- Gate 6 (via Western Plaza)
- Gate 7 West / East (via Olympic Boulevard)
- Gate 8 (via Eastern Plaza)
- Start Time: 4:00pm
- Event Concludes: TBC
Show 2
- Gates Open: TBC
- Gate 6 (via Western Plaza)
- Gate 7 West / East (via Olympic Boulevard)
- Gate 8 (via Eastern Plaza)
- Start Time: 8:00pm
- Event Concludes: TBC
Sunday 24 August
Show 1
- Gates Open: TBC
- Gate 6 (via Western Plaza)
- Gate 7 West / East (via Olympic Boulevard)
- Gate 8 (via Eastern Plaza)
- Start Time: 12:00pm
- Event Concludes: TBC
Show 2
- Gates Open: TBC
- Gate 6 (via Western Plaza)
- Gate 7 West / East (via Olympic Boulevard)
- Gate 8 (via Eastern Plaza)
- Start Time: 4:00pm
- Event Concludes: TBC
Note: Times are approx. and subject to change without notice.
Important Event Information
- There are several options for your journey to John Cain Arena:
- Public transport is the quickest and easiest option. Before you attend, plan ahead and allow extra travel time for any major disruptions.
- Parking is available at the Eastern Plaza Car Park (Entrance D, Olympic Boulevard). We strongly recommend pre-booking; drive-up spaces are subject to availability. Bookings close at midnight the night before the event.
- Note: Accessible parking must be pre-booked via Ticketek.
- To ensure a smooth entry into the venue, download your tickets to your Digital Wallet.
- Bags must be A4 size or smaller. Larger bags are not permitted.
- Cloaking is available via the Information Desk (Gate 6 & 8). Any prohibited items listed in the venue Conditions of Entry will not be accepted for cloaking.
- All retail outlets are cashless. Any transactions must be made using a credit or debit card.
- If you or anyone in your party has sensory needs, our Sensory Room is located on Level 3 via Lift 1.
- If you have purchased a VIP package, the event promoter will be in contact with details regarding your experience.
Note: This event may contain sequences of flashing lights, laser, strobe, haze and pyrotechnics which may affect guests who are susceptible to photo sensitivities and medical conditions.
Plan Your Visit
Cirque du Soleil Corteo
Corteo, which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the artist with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.
The clown pictures his funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels. Juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection, the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us. The music turns lyrical and playful carrying Corteo through a timeless celebration in which illusion teases reality.
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