Clown in Town: Bozo popup coming to Highland Park for one weekend only

Step back in time later this month in Highland Park where iconic Chicago program “Bozo’s Circus” will make a weekend appearance.

Madame Zuzu’s, 1876 First St., will host “Bozo’s Circus” from Oct. 18-20 to celebrate the legacy of the legendary clown with a weekend of live discussions, performances, family-friendly activities and more.

Tickets are limited and available for purchase online at the Madame ZuZu’s website.

The special comeback is brought to you by famous Highland Park resident Billy Corgan, whose love for Bozo continues to this day.

“I grew up loving Bozo’s Circus and even had the incredible experience of attending the show as a child; as well as performing on WGN’s final episode on June 12, 2001,” Corgan said in a press release. “Bringing Bozo to Highland Park is both surreal and fun and I’m excited for what’s to come.”

Corgan added that special events like this are a big reason Madame Zuzu’s exists.

“Chloé (Mandel) and I opened Madame Zuzu’s as a place for memories and good old-fashioned fun for families, and this event is where we shine best,” he said. “We can’t wait to see Bozo history buffs and children of all ages walk in and smile.”

Bozo the Clown was originally created in 1946, and Chicago’s “Bozo’s Circus” premiered in 1960, went national in 1978 and wrapped up in 2001.

The rights to Bozo the Clown were purchased in 2021 by “Scream” actor David Arquette and his wife, Christina. Arquette will portray Bozo during the Highland Park experiences.

“I’m thrilled to be able to bring Bozo the Clown to Madame ZuZu’s with Jozo Bozo and all my clown friends,” David Arquette said in the statement. “It will be a weekend full of laughs, nostalgia, art, music and FUN! I can’t thank Chloe and Billy Corgan enough for welcoming all us clowns to Highland Park to clown around.”

The event kicks off Friday, Oct. 18, with a special Q&A panel, “An Evening with the Stars: Celebrating the Legacy of Bozo,” featuring Joey D’Auria, David Arquette, Marci Harmon, Jeff Bell, Corgan and George Pappas. Hosted by WGN’s Dean Richards, the panel will discuss the impact of Bozo the Clown on generations of fans.

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19-20, offer family-friendly fun with Bozo Circus Family Art, Museum and Activities. Highlights include surprise performances by the Bozos, vintage carnival games, limited-edition merchandise, craft stations and a Bozo Buckets Challenge, for a few select winners each day.

The evening of Oct. 19 offers an adults-only cocktail hour followed by a magic show by world-renowned illusionist Shimshi, currently the resident illusionist for the Wynn Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

On Oct. 20, the weekend concludes with a sold-out Bob Ross painting class taught by David Arquette’s Bozo the Clown.

Throughout the weekend, guests can enjoy Madame Zuzu’s plant-based menu, featuring a special “Carnival Menu” with classic carnival treats.

The event is a collaboration between Madame Zuzu’s and David Arquette, who will also be making a surprise appearance alongside Bozo the Clown. A limited-edition 7-inch vinyl release by David Arquette and the Bozos will be available exclusively at the event and online at MadameZuzus.com for 48 hours.

The event also partners with the Museum of Broadcasting.

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