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.
WHEN
May 18 (Saturday) 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
May 19 (Sunday) 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
🎟 ADMISSION
Free!
SATURDAY, MAY 18
11:00a Fest opens!
Maypole, Archery, Merry Merchant Row, Kids’ Crafting Kingdom, Stockade, Community Mural, Scavenger Hunt, Air Brush Tattoo Artist, Royal Throne Photo Op, Food & Spirits and more:
⚗ 11:00a Alchemist courtesy of After the Peanut program (pavilion)
🏹 11:00a Try-Me Archery courtesy of BowDoc Archery (right of stairs along bluff)
🚶♂️🚶♀️ 11:30a Maypole Dancing (by fountain) 🚶♂️🚶♀️
⚗ 12:00a Alchemist courtesy of After the Peanut program (pavilion)
🎭 12:00p MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (bandshell, hill seating)
⚗ 1:00p Alchemist courtesy of After the Peanut program (pavilion)
🎵 2:00p Flutist Sir Joey (pavilion)
🚶♀️🚶♂️ 2:30p Maypole Dancing 🚶♂️🚶♀️
👑 3:00p Royal Parade & Coronation of Guests (pavilion)
💗🏆 *** SPECIAL ANNONCEMENT: JOLIET’S 1st POET LAUREATE! *** 🏆💗
🎵 3:30p Flutist Sir Joey (pavilion)
🎵 5:00p Flutist Sir Joey (pavilion)
👑 6:00p Royal Parade & Coronation of Guests (pavilion)
🎭 7:00p MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (bandshell, hill seating)
👋 10:00p Fest bids all a good night!
SUNDAY. MAY 19
11:00a Fest opens!
Archery, Green Screen Wizardry, Maypole, Merry Merchant Row, Kids’ Crafting Kingdom, Stockade, Community Mural, Scavenger Hunt, Air Brush Tattoo Artist, Royal Throne Photo Op, Food & Spirits and more:
🎵 11:00a Tunes from Eric of Campbell (aka Rick Metz) (pavilion)
📸 11:00a Castle & Dragon Green Screen Wizardry (courtesy of Joliet Public Library) with castle and dragon (lobby)
🏹 11:00a Try-Me Archery courtesy of BowDoc Archery (right of stairs along bluff)
🧙♂️ 11:30a El Mago Magical Wizard (pavilion)
👑 12:00p Royal Parade & Coronation of Guests (pavilion) followed by Maypole Dancing (by fountain) 🚶♀️🚶♂️
🦾 12:30p Medievalist (courtesy of Xander Sobecki) & His Suit of Armor (pavilion)
🧙♂️ 1:00p El Mago Magical Wizard (pavilion)
🎵 1:30p Tunes from Eric of Campbell (aka Rick Metz) (pavilion)
🎭 2:00p MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (bandshell, hill seating)
🦾 3:00p Medievalist (courtesy of Xander Sobecki) & His Suit of Armor (pavilion)
🎵 4:30p Tunes from Eric of Campbell (aka Rick Metz) (pavilion)
👋 5:00p Fest bids farewell ’til next year!
📜 ABOUT
“Shakespeare & Art In The Park” from previous years has gone through a renaissance the whole family will enjoy! So, what’s new? More activities for more ages! We’ve broaden the appeal to even non-Shakespeare fans . . .yet.
🎪 The outdoor grounds will take on the look of an outdoor medieval fair featuring a large Maypole, parade of royalty, kids’ make-n-take crafting kingdom, stockade (next to the kids’ area, of course!) alchemist, archery, magician, Medievalist and his suit of armor, green screen magic with a castle and dragon, community mural project (add your touch!), live music, merchants, food and refreshments.
“MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR”
SATURDAY, May 18 at 12:00 pm & 7:00 pm
SUNDAY, May 19 at 2:00 pm
(Bandshell)
The cornerstone is still the Bard himself, Shakespeare. For 2024, we are featuring one of Shakespeare’s favorite comedies. Falstaff (played here by Jake Thomas) 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. Bring blankets and chairs for hill seating by the bandshell.
MORE FUN FOR ALL AGES!
TRY-ME ARCHERY by BOWDOC ARCHERY
SATURDAY, May 18 starting at 11:00 am
SUNDAY, May 19 starting at 11:00 am
(Right of stairs, along the bluff)
Guests can try archery with the experts! We’re excited to have BowDoc Archery of Mokena here, especially National Champion Coach Chrissie Lyons. She’s a barebow shooter and world record setter! Archery is enjoyed by kids as well as adults. Come learn about different types of bows, their history and the proper technique. Their team is very excited to be here both days!
TUNES OF ERIC OF CAMPBELL (aka Rick Metz, here with his wife Chris Metz)
SUNDAY, May 19 at 11:00 am, 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm
(Pavilion)
His tunes will have you humming and the lyrics a’ giggling . . . especially his little ditty about the kilt! Many will recognize him as Rick Metz. His love of people and performing will lift your spirits and maybe doing a jig.
EL MAGO the MAGICAL WIZARD
SUNDAY at 11:30 am & 1:00 pm
(Pavilion)
The amazing El Mago will be here! Even if you seen him before (he’s performed for many school programs, private parties and organizations), you’ve never seen him as a MAGICAL WIZARD . . . be the first at May Fest!
MEDIEVALIST XANDER & HIS SUIT OF ARMOR
SUNDAY at 12:30 pm 3:00 pm
(Pavilion)
Xander Sobecki is a Western Martial Artist and historian focusing on medieval combat in the 14th century. He has spent a decade training in Italian longsword and other weapons, with firsthand experience in the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of fighting like a knight. This presentation features a battle-ready suit of medieval armor based on surviving relics from 1420. Learn how this armor came to be, who wore it, and even try on the helmet!
GREEN SCREEN WIZARDRY
by JOLIET PUBLIC LIBRARY’S DIGITAL MEDIA DEPARTMENT
SUNDAY 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
(Indoor lobby)
You told them you were going downtown Joliet, but it’ll look like you time traveled! Get your picture taken in front of the green screen and let digital wizardry send you back to the land of dragons and castles. Josh Phillips, Manager of Joliet Public Library’s Digital Media Studio, and his talented team will transform your moment at May Fest into a magical image you’ll receive later as a special memento.
🚗 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.
💗 Event sponsored by the STRANGE & UNUSUAL GALLERY downtown Joliet.
Special thanks to:
The Joliet Drama Guild
Joliet Public Library
Joliet Noon Lions Club
WriteOn Joliet
After the Peanut program and Dr. Natalie Coleman
Bow Doc Archery
☎ CONTACT
bipark@joliet.gov
815-724-3761
