what is midnight madness?

Midnight Madness has been a Columbia High School tradition for over 35 years, whisking away the graduating class to a substance- and phone-free mystery overnight adventure on the night of graduation. The Midnight Madness destination is a closely kept secret, so we can’t tell you where the Class of 2025 is headed, but previous venues have included Fairview Lakes Camp, American Dream, the Jersey Shore, and a NYC Harbor cruise. This year will prove to be just as spectacular!

For the Class of 2025, Midnight Madness happens on June 18th. 

CHECK IN: Shortly after the commencement festivities end at Codey Arena, just as the sun begins to set, the Midnight Madness celebration begins. Every registered student will come to CHS for the official check-in, board their assigned bus, and leave their phones behind.

BUS PARADE: Every year the buses transporting our brand-new graduates to Midnight Madness parade through the streets of Maplewood and South Orange with flashing lights, sirens, and throngs of well-wishers cheering them on. It's a joyous journey! Finally, the buses drive off to the TOP SECRET VENUE for a party the Class of 2025 will remember for a lifetime.

SEND-OFF PARTY: Once the buses depart, parents and friends will convene at one of two SOMA bar/restaurant locations—our Send-off Party Sponsors (one in Maplewood, one in South Orange)—to attend the official gathering and send-off party. It’s a celebration for the rest of us while the newly minted grads are off on their overnight adventure.

ALMOST SUNRISE RETURN: After the festivities, around 4-5 am, the buses return with the exhausted and exhilarated CHS grads. Parents and Guardians arrive to pick up the kids at CHS.

That journey begins long before June, though. All year long, fundraising efforts help minimize the cost for our Class of 2025 graduates as they revel in their final moments of high school. Midnight Madness puts the FUN in fundraising: pink flamingos, CHS merchandise, senior lawn signs ... it's all designed to celebrate our senior class while raising money to fund an epic experience.

registration | now open!

Don't miss an unforgettable adventure!

Registration is now open at the early-bird rate of $90 per ticket, so reserve your spot today!

Every CHS Senior is invited, no matter their ability to pay the registration fee. If you'd like to help us make Midnight Madness accessible to all students, please consider sponsoring a student ... it's easy to donate on the registration page. And, if you need financial assistance, there's an option to request it when you register. 

TICKETS

give a flock | CLOSING SOON!

Order Deadline: Monday, May 5th!

Send a Flock of Flamingos to honor a 2025 Senior and raise money to help ensure every Senior can attend Midnight Madness. 

When you order a flock, our volunteers will deliver a group of flamingos to your Senior’s front yard. After a few days, the birds will fly on to their next location. 

Our goal is to flock as many Seniors as possible, so if you are able, please consider donating a flock or two … spreading the love so that more Seniors can be celebrated. If you need financial assistance, please reach out to chsflockingseniors@gmail.com.  

GIVE A FLOCK

NOTE: If your Senior would prefer NOT to be flocked, please let the Midnight Madness team know at chsflockingseniors@gmail.com. 

senior lawn signs | pick up in june!

CELEBRATE YOUR SENIOR WITH A CLASS OF 2025 LAWN SIGN!

Personalized Lawn Sign orders closed April 6th. We will have a limited number of non-personalized signs available for sale during pick up days in June. 

Our goal is for everyone who wants to celebrate their graduating student with a Senior Sign to have one. If you did not order a sign because you need financial assistance, please reach out to CHSSeniorSigns25@gmail.com.

Not sure if you ordered? Check your email for a confirmation from Cheddar Up.

Be sure to follow Midnight Madness on Instagram.