The 2nd Hand Circus Will Transform Recycled Treasures Into Dazzling Performances at Thunderbird Hall
A one-of-a-kind circus performance is coming to Philly that proves creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand. The 2nd Hand Circus, debuting its Scrap Night showcase, will transform Thunderbird Hall (2856 Frankford Ave.) into a spectacular playground of repurposed art and performance on Friday, November 8, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. and the show starting at 8 p.m.
Billed as “the most sustainable circus in town,” 2nd Hand Circus is a brand-new company reimagining what performance can be — using reclaimed, recycled, and secondhand materials as the foundation for breathtaking new circus acts. Their mission: to create art out of what’s been left behind.
Scrap Night challenges eight circus performers to design and perform new acts inspired by a single secondhand object — something thrifted, found, passed down, or salvaged. The results promise to be as imaginative as they are unexpected, with performances spanning aerial acrobatics, juggling, contortion, clowning, and physical theater. Guests can also expect a few surprises, including a possible recycled fashion show, celebrating costume creativity and zero-waste design.
“We’re asking artists to think differently — to take something discarded and see its potential,” said a 2nd Hand Circus representative. “It’s sustainability through creativity. Every act tells a story about transformation, and the audience gets to witness that magic in real time.”
Tickets range from $35 to $50, and each includes two drink tickets. The event will also feature a bar, food trucks, and an on-site 2nd Hand Circus Thrift Store, where attendees can browse unique secondhand finds. Thunderbird Hall’s own estate sale section — offering surplus tools, décor, and a “$2 per pound” treasure bin — will also be open to shoppers before and after the show.
The event welcomes all audiences, and “No One Turned Away for Lack of Funds” (NOTAFLOF) options will be available at the door, ensuring accessibility for all who wish to attend.
Whether you’re a fan of circus arts, sustainability, or just curious to see how everyday scraps can become something spectacular, 2nd Hand Circus: Scrap Night promises an evening full of ingenuity, artistry, and environmental inspiration.
