A Cultural Movement Bridging Hollywood and the Heartland
Okoboji, IA — October 8, 2025 — Circus Street Entertainment proudly unveils the debut of Circus Street, a groundbreaking live entertainment venue and pop-up event series placing world-class stand-up comedy at its heart, alongside live music and storytelling throughout the Iowa Great Lakes. Launching Saturday, November 8th, 2025, with Family Night—headlined by one of the most sought-after clean comedians working today, Michael Palascak—the opening signals the rise of a cultural renaissance designed to bridge the distance between Hollywood and small-town America, igniting a new wave of live performance in the Midwest.
Founded by filmmaker and producer Zach Koepp, Circus Street Entertainment represents the realization of a lifelong dream—to share the creativity, culture, and connection of the entertainment world with the community that shaped him. Built on the relationships Koepp has cultivated throughout his career in film, television, and comedy, the venture unites nationally touring comedians, musicians, and performers under one roof, offering Midwest audiences access to elite-level artistry without ever leaving Okoboji.
“Growing up here, I craved comedy and anything that showcased the arts at an elite level,” said Koepp. “But I had to drive hours just to catch a show. Circus Street is about changing that for the next kid who dreams of this world—about giving them the chance to feel that same spark right here at home.”
Unlike traditional clubs, Circus Street operates as a pop-up calendar—a reverse-engineered circuit built around the tours of major national acts. By catching artists as they move across the Midwest, Koepp transforms Okoboji into a must-stop destination for world-class entertainment. Circus Street exists to remind people what live connection feels like. Each show becomes a shared moment in time—a gathering of locals, laughter, and something rare: the return of live culture to small-town America.
“Entertainment thrives when it’s built around great artists,” Koepp added. “The fact that some of the best in the business are making Okoboji part of their tours speaks to the magic of what we’re creating. We’re proud of this venue—and even prouder that it’s helping inspire a movement.”
For a region best known for its lakes and summer tourism, Circus Street represents something just as deep: a cultural anchor and living proof that great art only needs a stage, a spotlight, and an audience ready to feel something real.
“Circus Street is about bringing the lights back on,” said Koepp. “It’s about community, creativity, and giving the Midwest a place to laugh, connect, and feel alive again.”
