Bloody Mary Fest

CELEBRATE HIGHWOOD HAILS MARY AS ITS
ANNUAL BLOODY MARY FEST TAKES ON A NEW SPIRIT

FEATURING ‘PROUD MARY’ COMPETITION - Scroll down to view the winners

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

Sunday, August 18, 10 AM - 5 PM, in Everts Park

Celebrate Highwood is proud to announce its Annual Bloody Mary Fest will be held on Sunday, August 18 from 10 AM-5 PM in Everts Park (111 North Ave) when 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.

As the Bloody Mary has evolved, so has Celebrate Highwood’s beloved Fest and for the second year, they’ve added a twist to their annual Bloody Mary Fest and paired the traditional Bloody Mary with a variety of spirits, including tequila, rum, gin, and beer. Mixologists from competing bars and restaurants will have the opportunity to share their one-of-a-kind recipes while attempting to create the ultimate tomato-based cocktail.

The public are encouraged to vote for their favorite tomato-based beverage in the People’s Choice ‘Proud Mary’ Competition. Attendees can cast their vote using the QR code ballot sponsored by Highland Park Bank & Trust/Bank of Highwood-Fort Sheridan from 10 AM 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.

2024 Competitors

28 Mile
Broken Tee Brewing Co.
Disotto
Doña Paty's
El Poblanito
Famous Barry's
Gina's Little Kitchen
Goodstuff Eats
La Casa de Issac
La Plancha Loca
La Union Supermercado
Lemah Creek Naturals
My Dad's BBQ
Pip’s Meadery
Pixca
Puro Pinche Party
Slyce
Up in Smoke BBQ
Wooden Nickel

The 2024 Winners Are...

People's Choice

1st from Deerfield, IL My Dad's BBQ

2nd From Highwood IL, 28 Mile Distilling Co.

3rd from Highland Park IL Pixca

Judge's Choice

1st from Highland Park and Highwood - La Casa de Isaac & Moishe

2nd From Highwood IL, 28 Mile Distilling Co

3rd from Highland Park IL Good Stuff Eats

View the Bloody Mary Fest Photo Gallery

“Highwood's Annual Bloody Mary Fest brings the entire community together and attracts thousands of visitors from all over Chicagoland, Wisconsin and Indiana," says Eric Falberg, President of Celebrate Highwood and Highwood Alderman. “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!”

The original Bloody Mary started as a simple concoction of vodka and tomato juice, and then became a spectacle including 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 2024 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 will enjoy plenty of food, drink, artisan vendors, and live music.