A Weekend of Shows
to Save a Playground
In 2007, founders Jeff Jenkins and Julie Greenberg got word that their local playground at Welles Park needed repairs or faced removal. A favorite gathering spot in their neighborhood (especially with their then toddler son Max) they decided to rally the community and gather circus artists to do a weekend of shows to fundraise for the park. The playground was rebuilt and is still enjoyed to this day.
Under the Little Big Top
Energized off the success of their one weekend at Welles Park, and with the support of elected officials, park advisory councils and a diverse coalition of individuals and community organizations, Midnight Circus created an annual city-wide Circus in the Parks Tour. In 2011, after several years in the open-air, the purple and blue Little Big Top became the touring venue for Midnight Circus. The introduction of the tent allowed Midnight Circus to expand the tour’s reach, increase community fundraising, as well as perform rain or shine!
International Recognition
In 2014, Midnight Circus became the first American circus to be welcomed at the prestigious Montréal Complètement Cirque, also known as the Montreal Circus Festival. Over 185,000 festival-goers and 400 circus artists from dozens of international circuses were in attendance. The invitation and overwhelmingly positive response from the festival cementend Midnight Circus as an internationally acclaimed and recognized circus.
Shifting Gears to Stay Safe
In 2020, after nine years in the Little Big Top, Midnight Circus returned to the open-air to bring much needed joy and community engagement to Chicago. Prioritizing health and safety in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, MCITP was able to bring a smaller, reimagined Circus in the Parks tour to four neighborhood parks.
Spectacular Open-Air
Following the success of the safe open-air shows in 2020, MCITP as well as many Chicago arts organizations faced a shifting economic landscape. Unable to return to the Big Top, Midnight Circus remained steadfast and continued to bring bigger and more spectacular Open-Air shows that welcome upwards of 4,000 people per show!
Down the Road. . .
We are working hard to bring our tent out of retirement and back to communities around the city. Keep an eye out for the purple and blue Big Top in a neighborhood near you!
