. Application Deadline: May 1, 2019 — Late Deadline: May 20, 2019 .
The Bitter Jester Music Festival is a fourteen year old professional music competition - the largest of its kind in the Midwest. The Festival is proudly sponsored by the City of Highland Park, IL, and Navy Pier in Chicago and provide performance opportinities, cash, prizes, and media exposure for up-and-coming bands.
The Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity, produces the Festival and secures thousands of dollars in cash and prizes for musicians. Prizes include studio recording time, professional photo shoots, brand new instruments, gear, concert tickets, gift certificates, and more!
Preliminary competitions take place on summer Fridays (May 31, June 7/14/21) in Highland Park, IL. Bands perform on a single Friday (you let us know the dates you are available) with winners are selected each night to advance to the Grand Finale Concert & Fireworks on the 4th of July, also in Highland Park. A Grand Champion, Runner-Up, and Honorable Mention are selected and prizes are awarded.
THE ONLY REQUIREMENT is that at least half the members of the submitting band must be under the age of 21.
Coming from out of town? Let us know if you need help with hotel accomodations. We have a partnership with the local Marriott for reduced rates (limited availability).