Ye Olde May Fest & “The Merry Wives of Windsor”
May 19 @ 11:00 am - 5:00 pm CDT
FREE!Here ye, here ye! Let it be known far and wide “Ye Olde May Fest” beckons thee for revelry, feasting and discovery to fill even an ol’ Bard with glee. (Rumor has it his “Merry Wives of Windsor” will be in town for the special occasion!) All ages, peasants and nobles shall rub elbows at this grand event where mirth awaits at every turn. Best of all, entry to the pageantry shall not cost you even a pence. Come one, come all to experience the magic of the (new)
“YE OLDE MAY FEST!”
featuring
“The Merry Wives of Windsor”
Click here for a printable EVENT flyer
WHEN
May 18 (Saturday) 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
May 19 (Sunday) 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
ADMISSION
Free!
ABOUT
“Shakespeare & Art In The Park” from previous years has gone through a renaissance the whole family will enjoy!
So, what’s new? Added activities for children, interactive games for all ages, more food and specialty vendors, strolling medieval characters and more broaden the appeal to even non-Shakespeare fans . . .yet! The merriment has been condensed from 4 days to 2, and the Shakespeare play has been moved from the pavilion to the bandshell. Hence, the ol’ “Shakespeare & Art In The Park” has been newly knighted “Ye Olde May Fest” in 2024.
The outdoor grounds will take on the look of an outdoor medieval fair featuring treasure hunts, talented artists and sellers of wares, roaming peasants and nobles, games, actual may pole, minstrels, parade of royalty, crowning of wee kings and queens, children’s tent with create-and-take, along with festive food and refreshments to quench thy thirst throughout the festivities on the park grounds surrounding the fountain and pavilion.
Come one, come all . . . come in renaissance costume! There shall be prizes for the fairest and perhaps the scariest! Do you look like the Bard himself?
The featured live Shakespearian play will still hold court, of course!
Moved to the large bandshell stage, patrons may enjoy lawn seating on the lush hill.
“MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR”
May 18 (Saturday) 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
May 19 (Sunday) 2:00 PM
Bring blankets and chairs for hill seating by the bandshell for one of Shakespeare’s favorite comedies! Falstaff decides to fix his financial woe by seducing the wives of two wealthy merchants. The wives find he sent them identical letters and take revenge by playing tricks on Falstaff when he comes calling.
FREE PARKING
South of the Jefferson Street bridge (immediate right before crossing) and off the Cass Street bridge (immediate left after crossing).
INCLEMENT WEATHER
The play will be moved indoors to the theatre.
ARTISTS & VENDORS
Click here for a printable VENDOR flyer
Calling all artists, crafter and merchants of a renaissance, medieval, fantasy, old-world vibe to apply! This will be a unique opportunity to create a renaissance-type fair in a beautiful park setting by the river. Besides appealing to Shakespeare-fans, we’re looking to appeal to a wide range of interests and ages. We strongly encourage you to reflect the spirit of the event in your booth’s appearance and your personal attire. The more ways you can engage patrons, the better! Please consider adding a fun, themed activity to engage patrons. For vendors accepted, there will be a $30 refundable fee (refunded if stay both days).
Apply by April 30, 2024
Click here for an ARTIST application
Click here for a CRAFTER/ MERCHANT application
SPONSORS
Click here for a printable SPONSOR flyer
Get your name on a piece of the kingdom!
Show how your organization/ business transcends time – medieval to modern. You can be like Queen Elizabeth and sponsor an artist!
CONTACT
bipark@joliet.gov
815-724-3761