Yesfest Returns To Elmhurst For Sixth Year

ELMHURST, IL — The sixth annual Yesfest started six years ago when a group of self-described “stir crazy” performers wished they had a festival in Elmhurst where they could perform all the things they loved: original music, comedy, improv and poetry.

The festival will be held July 27-29, and is mostly free and open to the public. The exception is the stage located inside the Art Museum which is free for students and $12 for adults. Performances are at Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave.; Elmhurst Brewing Co., 171 N. Addison Ave.; and Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Ave.

“Yesfest is all about creating more spaces for people to do what they love to do,” Clark Pavlik, co-founder of the festival, said in a release. “Whether it’s music, comedy, art, poetry, or storytelling, artists want to ultimately share their art with others. Live performances connect an artist with their audience in the best way possible.”

According to the release, Yesfest first started in a park, then was held in a garage. Now, Yesfest is a three-day festival featuring over 75 acts on five different stages at three venues. Scheduled performers come from Elmhurst, Chicago, surrounding suburbs and Milwaukee. The event is co-presented with the Elmhurst Art Museum, Elmhurst Brewing Co., and Elmhurst Public Library.

Workshops are the newest addition to this year’s lineup.

“The public is invited to register for a variety of workshops, which will cover topics like songwriting, improv comedy, and how to market your music and art,” Pavlik said in a release.

Other events, like an improv jam, art meetup, and an open funk jam are added to the lineup to encourage wider involvement. The festival is co-produced by Pavlik, Lizzy Rudakas, Adela Skowronski, and Dan Sonenberg, all originally from Elmhurst.

Photo by Cam Best Photography, photo provided by Yesfest.