About Upstairs Circus

UPSTAIRS CIRCUS REFERS TO THE BRAIN...

There’s a lot going on up there, especially on the right side.
We’re pretty sure we all have monkeys on motorbikes whizzing around inside,
churning up all kinds of crazy ideas and concocting the most amazing of things.

We say: let’s embrace and flex our Circuses together;
let’s have a grand ol’ time- making, building, inventing, and designing-
all while sipping creative cocktails and smiling until our cheeks hurt.

Upstairs Circus is a DIY workshop-meets-bar concept
where people can gather together to create unique
leather working, woodworking, jewelry making, art & design DIY projects
while enjoying craft cocktails, beer & wine.

Upstairs Circus gives it’s patrons the
time, supplies, tutorials and assistance to make something amazing-
they simply need to add their own twist of Circus to make their projects
one-of-a-kind and truly spectacular.

We, as Upstairs Circus, are the originators –
or the O.G.- of this DIY workshop meets bar concept.
We strive to continue be original, and the best, in our own vertical of biz.
We are: a DIY Bar, a Project Bar, Creations & Libations, a Craft & Sip, Crafts & Cocktails, a DIY & Drink,
(and so many other amazing descriptors)
and shall endeavor to be inventive and progressive in our own creativity as we grow.

Our goal at Upstairs Circus, beyond all else, is to inspire and empower creativity.

(That, and to make sure that the only thing tacky about the Upstairs Circus is our glue.)

So what are you waiting for?
Come set your lions, tigers and bears (oh my!) free.
Join the Circus.

HOW IT WORKS

Project Socials at Upstairs Circus in LoDo Denver
PROJECT SOCIALS

Project Socials are regularly scheduled times in which patrons gather together and make DIY, art & craft projects with friends & strangers alike! Come join the Circus!
Learn More

Reserve a spot in an Upstairs Circus Project Social
BOOK A SPOT

Reserve a spot in a Project Social or buy your spot in advance; simply visit our calendar page, select a Project Social date & time that works for you & reserve your spot!
Book Now

Choose a DIY, Design or Art Project to create at Upstairs Circus
PICK A PROJECT

Each circus-goer can pick their own project to create from our Project Menu. There are 25+ projects to choose from- from leather working to jewelry making & more!
View Project Menu

Create something spectacular at Upstairs Circus in LoDo, Denver
CREATE

We give you the time, supplies, tools & tutorial to make a masterpiece. Work at your own pace, enlisting our Creative Assistants for project tips, advice or help!
See Gallery

Crafts and Cocktails - Creations with Libations at Upstairs Circus
COCKTAILS

Creations are twice as much fun with libations! Visit our full-bar for a spectacular specialty cocktail, wine or another variety of “creative juice”.
View Bar Menu

Share your spectacular Upstairs Circus creations on Social Media!
ENJOY

Take your creations home; use them or hang them & do so with pride! Stay connected with us on Facebook to see your Project Social photos, find deals & more.
Connect with Us

OUR PEOPLE

Upstairs Circus can only be the wonder that it is by being run by wonderful people. A few of them are listed below.
Kelly Johannsen - KJ - Upstairs Circus Founder - Denver, CO
Kelly Johannsen (KJ) is the Ringmaster and Creator of Upstairs Circus. As the name suggests, she runs the show. Well. At least we let her think she does. KJ's main responsibilities are Product Development and Marketing at Upstairs Circus. This means she makes and manages all of our Projects and is also responsible for all branding, promotions and marketing efforts.
Kelly Johannsen (KJ)

Ringmaster

Matt Johannsen - Josie - Upstairs Circus Founder - Denver, CO
Matt Johannsen (Josie) is the Lion Tamer and Co-Creator of Upstairs Circus. He makes sure everyone and everything is just that. Tame. Well. Tame-ish anyhow. Matt controls the Operations and Business Functions at Upstairs Circus. He works with our managers and staff to make sure all things at all Circusi (plural for Circus, right?) are on track and running smoothly all the time. Additionally, Matt handles all our bizness. The accounting. The lawyers. The licensing. The growth strategy, etc. In short, he’s on our team (and we like him) because he works hard erryday to make sure that Upstairs Circus not only survives, but thrives.
Matt Johannsen (Josie)

Lion Tamer