🎪A First Timer's Guide to FLIP CIRCUS 🎉GIVEAWAY Closed🎉

If you've driven by Woodfield Mall lately, you've probably spotted the red-and-white tent and wondered what's inside. We got to check out FL!P Circus firsthand, and here's everything you need to know before you go.

Macaroni KID Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates was hosted by Flip Circus to experience this adventure.

What Is Flip Circus?

FL!P Circus is a traveling, animal-free big-top circus created by the Vazquez family, who bring over 50 years of circus experience to every show. It's an intimate, modern circus experience under a climate-controlled tent - no seat is far from the ring, no matter where you're sitting.

Our Family's Experience

Our family had a blast at the Flip Circus Show! My 4 and 7 year old were ready for the action and loved seeing the big top and all of the performers in action! Jaws dropped, hands clapped and now I want to learn how to juggle! 

What stood out most to me was the strength of these performers! The agility and speed of these women and men was incredible - and how they stay focused with cheering crowds and feet above the ground - mind blowing. The live band was also amazing - you had your traditional circus tunes, and then they'd rock out some KPop Demon Hunters (they knew their crowd)! We've also been following them on social media and they look to be having a blast traveling the country doing these shows. Now I see why people used to want to runaway and join the circus way back when - heck, I do now, too! There were so many unique and talented people on the stage and in the music stand, there was never a dull moment. Even the set up and breakdown crews were fun to watch them set up things that had to keep people safe then break down so easily!

Incredible performances by: Saylon Dancers, Dede Larible (Juggler), Misha Usov (Clown), Kung Fu Boys (Headstands), Comedy Trapeze Vazquez, Jimmy Saylon (Magician), Alexander Litchner (Trapeze)

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Arrival & Doors

Doors typically open about 30 minutes before showtime - you can park in the lot connected to the performance area right behind the DSW. You can also park across the perimeter drive by the old Sears Auto (be cautious crossing the street). The Box Office and Will Call are in the Trailer on site if you didn't grab your tickets online... psst use code GONOW30. Make time to take pix in front of the Big Top, The Disco Horse, and the Back Drop 📸

Inside the Tent

Walking in it's one of those "IT'S BIGGER ON THE INSIDE?!" moments. There's a photo opp with one of the performers right when you enter, another during intermission (life-size inflatable elephant and bear), and after the show (steampunk-style large bike and performers). We skipped ours because my little guy was nervous next to the pretty lady and had... a face. The photo opps run around $15-$25 for the printed memory. 

There is a full concession stand with red and blue slushies, popcorn, nachos, soda, candy and more. There's also a souvenir table with light up swords and spinny things and fun Flip Circus apparel. 

There are port-o-potties outside the tent, and a changing station right near that exit for the little ones. There's stroller parking inside the space before the ramps up to the seats. 

The crew directs you to your seats, and there's really not a bad seat in the house - being in the round, you get a view of everything, and performers circle around to reach every side. Seats fold down so you're not squeezing past anyone (careful if you drop anything - you don't want it going beneath the floorboards! Ask a crew member for help if it does). Temperature was very comfortable for the evening show, with fans keeping the air flowing throughout. I was fine in a t-shirt; one of my kids opted for a light hoodie. 

Runtime

The show runs about 1 hour and 45 minutes. For the 7:00 PM performance: doors open at 6:30 PM, showtime starts at 7:00 PM (actual start closer to 7:03 PM), a 15-minute intermission hits around 7:50 PM, and the finish time was around 8:36 PM. 

Best For

This is really great for all ages! Our 4 and 7 year old were engaged the whole time (well, sometimes distracted by their popcorn and light-up slushie cups), and there were moments where my husband and I looked at each other like "how did they do that?!" We saw families of all ages, couples on a date, grandparents with their grandkids, and even a mom with a 2-month-old who chilled through the whole show. 

Good to Know

There's a space to keep strollers just outside the ramp, and ADA seating with ramp access is available. Signs indicate no outside food or drink. There are flashing lights throughout the performance, so if anyone in your party is sensitive to that, you may want to skip this one. The clown also pulls adults from the audience for some interactive fun, so be prepared to get in on the action! At one point he had an umbrella that "rained" on the crowd - just a few drops and totally hilarious (one of my kids was actually bummed he didn't get wet)

Save on Tickets

FL!P Circus is offering our readers 30% off tickets with code GONOW30 - valid across their full Woodfield Mall run.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Giveaway Closed: Family 4-Pack Giveaway: Congratulations to Lucilla and her family for winning!

Macaroni KID Schaumburg was hosted by FL!P Circus for this article.

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