Bloody Mary Fest

CELEBRATE HIGHWOOD HOSTS 16TH ANNUAL BLOODY MARY FEST
FEATURING ‘THE BEST BLOODY MARY’ COMPETITION
Food, live music, family, friends and a bloody good time!
Sunday, August 16, 10 AM - 5 PM, in Everts Park

Celebrate Highwood’s is thrilled to announce its beloved Bloody Mary Fest will take place Sunday, August 16 from 10 AM – 5 PM in Everts Park (111 North Ave).  In its sixteenth year, mixologists from bars and restaurants will have the opportunity to shake up their unique concoctions in competition for the title of ‘Best Bloody Mary in the Midwest’.

The Bloody Mary Fest competition includes a ‘People’s Choice Award,’ as well as formal judging on the ‘Best Bloody Mary’, ‘Best Garnish’ and ‘Most Creative’ by some of Chicago’s leading media personalities, and food and beverage experts. Contestants will be evaluated on taste, presentation, spice, color, texture and garnish.

While the formal battle for the Best Bloody Mary starts at 2 PM when the judges will evaluate each contestant’s take on the classic drink, attendees will be able to cast their vote in the People’s Choice award using the QR code sponsored by Highland Park Bank & Trust/Bank of Highwood-Fort Sheridan until 4 PM. All winners will be announced from the bandshell at 4:30 PM, and rewarded with a trophy, recognition throughout the local media, and bragging rights for the entire year!

“The bragging rights are real,” says Jessica Ortega, President of Celebrate Highwood and owner of Giggles Play. “Our bars and restaurants take this seriously, and the creativity gets more impressive every year. Come hungry, vote in the People’s Choice competition, and see why people drive in from all over Chicagoland, Wisconsin and Indiana for a Bloody Mary.”

Bloody Mary Fest is honored to welcome this years’ Bloody Mary Mix sponsor Eleven Serious Mary Mix created by Chicago's famous Eleven City Diner, and this years’ vodka sponsor, CH Distillery, Chicago’s hometown vodka.

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 palate has expanded to other favorite spirits, the 2026 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 Celebrate Highwood beer tent, enjoy plenty of food, drink, artisan vendors, and live music from 11 AM – 4 PM 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.

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: Eleven Serious Mary Mix CH Distillery, Capital Vacations, Greco & Sons, Highland Park Bank & Trust/Bank of Highwood-Fort Sheridan, J. Blanton Plumbing,  Leafguard, and Midtown Home Improvements.