How does the whole thing work? 

Every registered student comes to the CHS cafeteria after graduation to check in and get assigned a bus. The buses depart CHS for a celebratory parade through our two towns and then onto the secret venue. They'll have dinner and hours and hours of fun at the venue before returning home. 

Parents, please review and share with your senior! For everyone’s safety, we have a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for drugs, alcohol, edibles, vapes, and any illegal substances.

If a student is found under the influence—at any point—they will be sent home immediately. That means even if we’re already at the venue, YOU will be called and expected to pick up your child—no matter the hour.

Help us keep this night safe, fun, and unforgettable—for all the right reasons.❤️

If you have questions about anything not covered here, email mm@columbiahsa.com. 

Do students have to be registered to attend?

Yes! All attendees must be a 2025 CHS graduate and have a parent waiver and emergency contact info on file to attend. Registration closed on Monday 6/16. If you have questions about a current or new registration, please email mm@columbiahsa.com.

What about medication or medical needs? 

If your child needs to bring medication or medical devices, you must email mm@columbiahsa.comby 12:00 PM on Wednesday, June 18 for approval. There will be a nurse at the venue all night. If they have a severe food allergy or a medical condition, please let us know so we can advise the nurse. 

Can you tell me where they're going?

It’s a surprise! Only a handful of people know—and that’s how we like it. 

Do they need to bring ID? 

Yes! All students must bring a school ID or driver's license to check in. No exceptions.

What should students wear?

Be casual and comfortable—this is not prom. Sneakers and shorts are perfect if the weather’s warm. If it’s chilly, a sweatshirt is a great idea. Midnight Madness will keep them on their feet—we recommend comfortable, closed-toe shoes so they can fully participate in all activities.

Can they bring a tote bag or backpack? 

No large bags. We’ll have clear bags at check-in and ask everyone to transfer items into it. It’s big enough to fit a yearbook if they want signatures! 

Midnight Madness has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for drugs and alcohol. Students will be screened by security during check-in. Anyone found with excluded items, or suspected of being under the influence, will NOT be allowed to board the bus or will be sent home from the venue. Parents will be contacted and required to pick up the student from either CHS or the venue. 

Again, ZERO TOLERANCE—we cannot stress this point strongly enough! No water bottles, alcohol, edibles, vapes, or illegal substances of any kind! We will call you in the middle of the night to pick your child up at the venue. We really will. 

No Phones—Seriously? 

Yes—phones are not allowed. It’s a Midnight Madness tradition. There’ll be security checks before boarding buses. A pro photographer will capture the night, so no need for phones or cash.

What time do students need to be at CHS? 

Arrive at CHS between 8:30pm and 9:30pm on Wednesday, June 18. Don’t stress if post-graduation traffic slows you down—we’ve built in plenty of time to load the buses!  

Can they bring a car and park it overnight?

Yes! They can park in the CHS lots down Parker Ave (near the YMCA/Gleason condos). Leave the flagpole lot for staff and volunteers, please. 

How do they know what bus they're on?

Buses are assigned at check-in in the cafeteria. Want to ride with friends? They should know the number of kids in their group and arrive and check in together—they should coordinate that ahead of time. If they prefer a quiet ride to the event, they can ask for a seat on the Quiet Bus.  

Will students be fed?

Yes! Food will be served at the venue, along with snacks throughout the night. And, thanks to Sonny's Bagels & True Salvage Kitchen (gluten-free), they can grab a breakfast bite before boarding the buses home. 

What if they need some quiet time? 

There will be a Quiet Zone set up outdoors with soft seating, low lighting, and minimal noise—perfect to rest or recharge. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll arrange an indoor option for at least part of the evening. If they prefer a quiet ride to the event, they should ask for a seat on the Quiet Bus. 

What time will students be back at CHS?

Expect to return to CHS between 4:00–4:30am on Thursday, June 19. Need to contact their ride? Make a plan—maybe leave a phone with a friend who’s parked overnight. 

BEST BET: Follow our Instagram account@CHS_MM for updates throughout the night: Bus departure, snaps from the event itself, and an update on when we depart the venue for our approximate ETA at CHS. 

The CHS Midnight Madness Bus Parade celebrating our new graduates is for EVERYONE at CHS and beyond! Pick a spot on the route, bring your signs and noisemakers ... it's a party!! 

Or, after dropping off your grad at CHS, head on over to one of our official send-off parties in Maplewood and South Orange! 

Gather with friends, families and parents of fellow CHS Seniors to celebrate and watch the MM buses en route with our grads to their mystery destination. Wherever you decide to celebrate, you'll want to be in position by 9:30pm. 

St James's Gate in Maplewood welcomes families and friends to arrive at the restaurant as soon as grads are dropped off at CHS for MM check-in. Dinner reservations are available for those who want them. Others can gather at the bar or outside to celebrate. 

Families and friends are welcome to arrive at Felina Steak in South Orange as soon as graduation is over. Reservations are recommended for those looking to enjoy dinner in the dining room. Their bar is also available with the full dinner menu on a first come/first served basis. Outdoor dining options are available as well, weather permitting.