Bloody Mary Fest

CELEBRATE HIGHWOOD HAILS MARY AS ITS ANNUAL BLOODY MARY FEST
WITH THE RETURN OF THE ‘PROUD MARY’ COMPETITION

Food, live music, family, friends and a bloody good time!

Sunday, August 17, 10 AM - 5 PM, in Everts Park

 Celebrate Highwood is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved Annual Bloody Mary Fest taking place Sunday, August 17 from 10 AM–5 PM in Everts Park (111 North Ave) where the traditional Bloody Mary takes on a new spirit as over a dozen vendors from near and far shake up their unique concoctions as they compete for the ‘Proud Mary’ Award.

Having become a staple of the festival, the ‘Proud Mary’ competition invites creative mixologists from bars and restaurants, to showcase their finest tomato-based cocktails. Last year, the competitors have expanded beyond the traditional vodka recipe to include versions featuring tequila, rum, gin, beer, and more. Attendees can expect to experience bold flavors, over-the-top garnishes, and the look forward to choosing their favorite.

Attendees can cast their vote using the QR code sponsored by Highland Park Bank & Trust/Bank of Highwood-Fort Sheridan until 4 PM. The winner will be announced from the main stage at 4:30 PM, and rewarded with a trophy, mass recognition throughout the local media, and bragging rights for the entire year! The contestants will be throwing a hail mary with their drinks to try to win this distinguished award.

“Highwood's Annual Bloody Mary Fest brings the entire community together and attracts thousands of visitors from all over Chicagoland, Wisconsin and Indiana," says Jessica Ortega, President of Celebrate Highwood and owner of Giggles Play. “This twist on our annual Bloody Mary Fest will offer new combinations of spirits and garnishes, and participating vendors will bring on their A game in a hail mary pass!”

From the humble beginnings of tomato juice and vodka, the Bloody Mary has evolved into a creative and competitive art form. It’s become a spectacle with garnishes ranging from just celery to meats, cheeses, seafood, and sandwiches! As the popularity of the Bloody Mary grew and the public’s pallet has expanded to other favorite spirits, the 2025 Bloody Mary Fest will again feature a plethora of custom drinks stemming from the Green Mary, made with tomatillos, the Michelada, which switches the typical vodka out for beer, the Bloody Maria, made with tequila, and the Red Snapper, made with gin.

Aside from a variety of Bloody Mary-style beverages, attendees can visit the American Place Casino beer tent, enjoy plenty of food, drink, artisan vendors, and live music by Social Security playing a mix of Rock & Blues from the 60's, 70's and 80's and a mix of some really upbeat numbers for dancing and Bill Pantle, A Tribute To Old Blue Eyes.

For those that may not be Bloody Mary fans, don't fret, the Fest will also offer plenty of other beverages for attendees of all ages. Making it easily accessible, Highwood is a stop on the Union Pacific North Metra line and is only a short walk to the Fest grounds at Evert’s Park.

Special thanks to the Celebrate Highwood Bloody Mary Fest Sponsors: Aspen Vodka, Highland Park Bank & Trust/Bank of Highwood-Fort Sheridan, Leafguard, and American Place Casino.