Yes, an aerialist can absolutely perform at an outdoor event, and outdoor aerial performances can create some of the most visually impressive moments at weddings, festivals, corporate events, resort celebrations, and private parties.
However, aerial entertainment requires more planning than simply choosing an open area and having a performer arrive.
Aerialists perform above the ground, which means the performance depends on having an appropriate rigging system, sufficient space, suitable ground conditions, and weather that allows the performance to take place safely.
Fortunately, outdoor venues don't necessarily need an existing structure for an aerial performance.
Freestanding aerial rigs can make it possible to bring aerial entertainment into locations where there is nothing overhead to rig from.
How Does an Aerialist Perform Outdoors?
One of the first questions event planners often have is:
“What does the aerialist hang from?”
For outdoor events, Southwest Florida Circus Company always provides the portable freestanding aerial rig used for the performance.
Clients do not need to rent, source, or arrange aerial rigging separately.
We also do not rely on trees, pergolas, venue structures, decorative beams, or other existing outdoor structures for aerial rigging. For outdoor performances, we use our own purpose-built portable rigging equipment so we know exactly what the aerialist is performing from.
The rig creates its own elevated performance point, allowing us to bring aerial entertainment into many outdoor spaces without attaching anything to the venue.
This can make aerial entertainment possible for:
- Outdoor weddings
- Resort events
- Country clubs
- Festivals
- Corporate events
- Private estates
- HOA celebrations
- Community events
- Waterfront events
- Outdoor receptions
We Bring the Aerial Rig to Your Event
For every outdoor aerial performance, our team supplies and sets up the portable freestanding aerial rig.
You do not need to hire a separate rigging company or provide aerial equipment.
Depending on the performance, the aerialist may perform on apparatus such as:
- Aerial hoop or lyra
- Aerial silks
- Aerial hammock
- Trapeze
- Other specialty aerial apparatus
Our portable rig allows us to create the aerial performance space without relying on the venue's existing structures.
When planning the event, we simply need to evaluate the proposed setup area for sufficient space, suitable ground conditions, access, surrounding obstacles, and weather conditions.
Not Sure If You Have Enough Space?
Send us information about your venue and proposed performance area.
Photos, measurements, and venue details can help us determine whether an aerial performance may be appropriate for your event.
Does the Ground Surface Matter?
Yes.
The ground beneath and around an aerial rig is an important part of determining whether a particular setup is appropriate.
Outdoor event spaces can include grass, concrete, pavers, asphalt, sand, artificial turf, and other surfaces.
The requirements can vary depending on the rig and configuration being used.
This is another reason it's better to evaluate the actual venue and performance area rather than assuming that every outdoor space will work the same way.
If you're considering an aerialist, tell us what the performance surface is and provide photographs when possible.
How Much Space Does an Outdoor Aerialist Need?
This depends on the aerial apparatus, rig being used, height of the performance, and the specific act.
Aerial rigs don't just require vertical space.
They also have a footprint on the ground, and the performance area needs sufficient clearance around the structure.
When we're considering an outdoor aerial performance, some of the first things we want to know are:
- Where will the performance take place?
- How much open space is available?
- What type of surface is underneath the rig?
- Are there trees, buildings, tents, power lines, or other overhead obstacles?
- Will guests be able to maintain an appropriate distance from the performance area?
- Is the event taking place during the day or evening?
Photos and measurements of the proposed performance area can be extremely helpful during the planning process.
What Happens If It's Windy?
Weather is one of the biggest differences between indoor and outdoor aerial entertainment.
Wind can affect both aerial equipment and the performer.
This can be particularly important with apparatus such as aerial silks because fabric can catch the wind.
Even with other apparatus, weather conditions still need to be evaluated.
A beautiful outdoor setting doesn't automatically mean conditions will remain suitable throughout the event.
The performance team must always have the ability to modify, postpone, or stop an outdoor aerial performance if conditions are not appropriate.
Outdoor Conditions That Matter
Wind
Wind can affect the apparatus, performer, and overall conditions surrounding an outdoor aerial performance.
Rain
Wet equipment, surfaces, and changing weather conditions can make an outdoor performance inappropriate.
Lightning & Severe Weather
An outdoor aerial performance should never take priority over the safety of performers, guests, or crew.
What About the Florida Heat?
Southwest Florida creates another consideration: heat and direct sunlight.
An outdoor performance in the middle of an August afternoon is a very different environment from a sunset performance in December.
When planning outdoor aerial entertainment, the time of day can affect both the performance conditions and the guest experience.
For many events, positioning an aerial performance closer to sunset can have another major advantage:
It looks incredible.
Aerial silhouettes against the evening sky can turn the performance into a dramatic visual centerpiece.
What Types of Events Work Well for Outdoor Aerialists?
Outdoor aerial entertainment can work especially well when the performance is meant to become a visual focal point.
Some examples include:
Weddings
An aerialist can perform during cocktail hour, guest arrival, or as a featured performance later in the reception.
Corporate Events
Aerial entertainment can create a striking visual centerpiece for company celebrations, galas, product launches, and receptions.
Resorts & Country Clubs
Large lawns, courtyards, pool areas, and outdoor event spaces can sometimes provide excellent environments for aerial entertainment.
Festivals & Community Events
A freestanding aerial rig can create a natural attraction that guests can see from across the event.
Private Parties
For larger private celebrations, aerial entertainment can transform an ordinary backyard or outdoor venue into something that feels much more like a produced event.
Planning an Outdoor Event?
If you're considering an aerialist, you don't need to determine all of the technical details yourself.
Tell us about:
Your venue • Event date • Performance area • Guest count • Event schedule
We'll help you determine what type of aerial experience may work for your event and what information we need from the venue.
