CONCERT DATES:

June 2 & 10 (Chicago Botanic Garden Satellite Series); June 7, 8, 14, & 15 (Preliminary Concerts); June 29 (Grand Finale); Aug 29 (Ravinia Festival Showcase); Sept 2 (Navy Pier “Best Of” Showcase)!

Do you enjoy great free concerts with free parking? Please consider supporting our volunteer-run non-profit music fest with a donation in place of a ticket. 🤟🏼🤟🏼

Each week, six bands/solo artists from across the Midwest battle for a spot in the June 29, 2024, Grand Finale for a $2,000 cash prize, gear, incredible additional performance opportunities, and the title of Grand Champion! One BJMF Finalist will be selected to open for a National Headliner at Ravinia Festival in 2025!

Friday, JUNE 7, 2024

Port Clinton Square - 5:45pm (rain or shine!)

600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL, 60035

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Port Clinton Square - 5:45pm (rain or shine!)

600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL, 60035

Friday, JUNE 14, 2024

Port Clinton Square - 5:45pm (rain or shine!)

600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL, 60035

6/14/24 Official Lineup:

Click here to read Artist & Judge Bios

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SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2024

Port Clinton Square - 5:45pm (rain or shine!)

600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL, 60035

6/15/24 Official Lineup:

Click here to read Artist & Judge Bios

• TBA
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sATURday, June 29, 2023

(Grand Finale)

The Lot - 2:00pm (rain location TBA)

523 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035

Click to read Performers’ / Judges’ Bios

6/29/24 Official Lineup:

• WILL BE ANNOUNCED THROUGHOUT JUNE!

Did you know we’re a non-profit? Your donations are HUGELY appreciated and will directly go toward sustaining and improving the music fest!

The Bitter Jester Music Festival is sponsored by the City of Highland Park and supported by a grant from the Highland Park Community Foundation and the IL Arts Council Foundation. All Grand Finale Prize Money is generously donated by First Bank of Highland Park, our Prize Money Title Sponsor. Additional financial support from Sweetwater Sound, Judy’s Pizza, Reactive Pec, Elmore Pedals, and Abt Electronics!

(Full Grand Finale Lineup Announced in Late June!)

Click here for more detailed 2024 Grand Finale concert info!