what is midnight madness?

Midnight Madness has been a Columbia High School tradition for over 35 years, whisking away the graduating class to an inclusive, 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 2026 is headed, but previous venues have included RPM Raceway, American Dream, Fairview Lakes Camp, and a NYC Harbor cruise. This year will prove to be just as spectacular!

For the Class of 2026, Midnight Madness happens on June 17th.

CHECK IN: Shortly after the commencement festivities end at Codey Arena, just as the sun begins to set, the Midnight Madness celebration begins. (Note to senior families: Plan your graduation celebrations for another night because your seniors will NOT have time for dinner or family parties before Midnight Madness.) Every registered student will leave their phones behind, come to CHS for the official check-in, and board their assigned bus.

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 2026 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 (last year they were St. James's Gate in Maplewood and Felina Steak 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.

THE BIG REVEAL: No one will know the location until our grads and volunteers arrive on site! The Midnight Madness team will post pictures of the arrival and throughout the event, so be sure to follow us on Instagram @chs_mm for updates!

ALMOST SUNRISE RETURN: After the festivities, around 4 am, the buses return with the exhausted and exhilarated CHS grads.

The adventure begins long before June, though. All year long, fundraising efforts help minimize the cost for our Class of 2026 graduates as they revel in their final moments of high school. If we could raise enough money, we'd love to send every senior for free. And that's where YOU can help! 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.

Would you (or your business) like to become a sponsor? Please see our sponsorship opportunities that range from covering the cost of one student to sponsoring the bus parade or sunset send-off party. Sponsorships start at just $125. You’ll join the long list of past Midnight Madness sponsors who have made a safe and memorable event possible for generations of CHS students!

Give a flock!

One of our favorite CHS fundraising traditions is Senior Flocking—when a flock of beautiful pink flamingos and a celebratory sign magically appear in a senior's front yard overnight! The birds hang around for a few days and then fly off to their next location.

For $35, you can flock your own Senior or donate a flock … every flock benefits Midnight Madness! Flock orders open soon!

Questions? seniorflocking@columbiahsa.com

senior lawn signs

Celebrate your Senior by displaying a CHS Class of 2026 Senior Lawn Sign at your home! Your $35 donation to Midnight Madness gets you a personalized, color 18”x24” lawn sign with your Senior’s name. Sign orders open soon!

Questions? seniorsigns@columbiahsa.com