Bash At The Big House: New Joliet Music Festival This Weekend

JOLIET, IL — This Saturday, Aug. 7, marks Joliet's biggest outdoor musical festival of the entire summer, and it's being organized by Joliet Renaissance Man Tim Placher. The event is called The Bash at the Big House, and it takes place inside the limestone walls of the Old Joliet Prison, which was built in 1858, before Abraham Lincoln became president.

Here are the key details for Saturday's event at the Old Joliet Prison.

The following details are from the event's promotional website:

What is The Bash?

The Bash is a new live music fest hosted by the Joliet Area Historical Museum to benefit the restoration and continued use of one of America's most unique structures, the 1858 Old Joliet Prison.

How long will The Bash go?

The Bash features 11 hours of live music on two stages, food trucks, beer tents, live art demonstrations, self-guided prison tours, farmers market, the Blues Mobile and kids activities.

What's the music lineup?

Stage 1

Noon to 1:25 p.m. Nashville Singer/Songwriters: Ava Suppelsa, Tristan Bushman, Makena Hartlin, Tabitha Meeks, "Evie" (i.am.james & Emily Amber)

2:20 p.m. to 3:05 p.m. Vaudevileins

3:50 p.m. 5:05 p.m. Moon Harbor (Phoebe Hunt, Maya DeVitry, Jillette Johnson, Miss Tess, Gina Leslie

6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Tim & Friends' Jailhouse Jam!

8:35 p.m. 9:10 p.m. Alex Hoffer

10 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Big Lagniappe

Stage 2

1:30 - 2:15 p.m. Cheryl Rodey Band
3:05 - 3:45 p.m. Crooked Tails
5:10 - 5:55 p.m. John Condron and the Old Gang Orchestra
7:20 - 8:30 p.m. Chicago Farmer & The Fieldnotes
9:15 - 9:55 p.m. JRoss Green Band

Will there be food and alcohol?

Yes, there will be several food trucks serving a variety of tasty items, a beer tent, plus water and other beverages for sale. If you intend to drink alcohol, bring a valid state-issued I.D. or driver's license.

Where will people park?

General admission parking is available in lots on the east side of Collins Street adjacent to the old Women’s Prison, accessible from Woodruff Road. ADA Parking is available in the Old Joliet Prison lot immediately to the south of the main prison building, west of the intersection of Collins and Woodruff Rd. You must have handicapped-designated plates or placard to enter the lot.

Are chairs allowed?

Yes. Since the event is in the prison yard, bag chairs and blankets are encouraged. There will be an area right in front of the stages we will keep clear of chairs for those who wish to stand up close or dance, but those are the only restrictions.

Can children come to the event?

Yes, families are welcome. Kids 12-and-under are free to attend. There will be several kid-friendly activities, including a sing-a-long circle with one of our performers, plus an area with hula hoops for kids to try along with some talented guest hooping artists.

How much are tickets?

Tickets are $20 for adults, but children 12 and under are free. To buy your tickets, go here.