WHO WE ARE

Midnight Circus in the Parks brings an intimate, exciting, world-class circus to the heart of every community in which it plays

Midnight Circus was founded on the belief that community involvement and the power of live performance can have long-term, positive impacts on neighborhoods throughout the city. We believe the circus belongs to everyone. To that end, we proudly offer accessible, equitable, and affordable performances that become a platform for individuals & organizations  to volunteer, fundraise, and become active members of their community.

How Does it work?

During our annual Circus in the Parks Tour, Midnight Circus partners with parks and local community groups to bring world-class circus to every corner of Chicago. Each weekend we travel to a new neighborhood, raise the Big Top and bring Midnight Circus to life.

A portion of proceeds go right back into the community that hosts us. Since 2007, we have raised nearly $2 million for Chicago Park Advisory Councils around the city, who have used funds for playground renovations, neighborhood programming, park beautification, and more!

18 years
bringing circus
to the people

Animal welfare and the circus are both conduits to reach people across Chicago and affect them in a positive way. With this in mind our cast always includes incredible four-legged acrobats, who also happen to be rescued Bully Breeds and beloved members of our family. 

Rescued by Jeff Jenkins & Julie Greenberg, Founders & Directors of Midnight Circus, these dogs have overcome incredible odds to become well-trained, well-socialized loving family pets. They are much admired performers and ambassadors for the breed as fan favorites of Midnight Circus in the Parks.

Our talented Pups, Rickie and Bobbie, spend their time out of the ring with Ringmaster Jeff visiting schools, camps and youth correctional facilities sharing their message and inspiring all those they meet.

All this is done through The Lola Foundation and the one of a kind Canine Kindness Corps program. The foundation was created by Jeff to honor his very first rescued dog Lola, who pioneered this work, and to continue reaching, teaching and inspiring the next generation to practice kindness in their lives.