Fern Street Circus was founded in 1990 by John Highkin and Cindy Zimmerman to explore circus as an artistic and narrative form and to function as a means forartists to work in neighborhoods. The first production, in 1991, launched an annual series of whimsical, narrative circus shows set amid an urban landscape. These eagerly anticipated productions are premiered in Balboa Park each spring, then form the basis for a Southern California neighborhood tour during the remainder of the year. In addition, artists from Fern Street Circus are available for corporate and community work, providing entertainment ranging from a single performer to an entire circus production.

In 1993, the After-School Circus Skills Program at Golden Hill Recreation Center was launched. Satellite circus skill programs were then added in Linda Vista, San Ysidro and at Roosevelt Junior High School. In late 2003, John Highkin retired and leadership was passed to a group of individuals, all of whom had close ties to Fern Street Circus in the past. This executive team carries on the spirit and tradition of the circus while adding their own creative and administrative skills to the mix.