Burgers, Bourbon Abound At Inaugural Lake Forest Music Festival

LAKE FOREST, IL — Live music is coming to downtown Lake Forest, as the inaugural Lake Forest Music Festival, offering two stages of performances, kicks off Saturday in the parking lot behind City Hall.

With the theme of "Bourbon & Burgers," the festival will feature burgers from at least a half-dozen area chefs, as well as more than 20 types of bourbon, along with beer and wine, at a tasting pavilion.

"There is no better food companion to bourbon than burgers — and this year’s festival theme does not disappoint," organizers said.

In addition to performances from six bands over seven hours, the festival will also feature games and activities aimed at kids.

The music begins at 3 p.m. with Brass Buckle, followed by Fletcher Rockwell at 4:30 p.m., Trippin Billies at 6 p.m., Brooke Eden at 7 p.m., Bruce in the USA at 8 p.m. and headliner Joe Nichols at 9 p.m.

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The family-friendly festival is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation, which provides financial support to the city's parks department, including efforts to renovate the Deerpath Golf Course and other recreational programs.

All proceeds from the event, after expenses, will support the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department programming, according to organizers.

Children aged 5 and under can enter for free. Tickets are $10 for youth aged 6-20. Adults can buy general admission tickets for $30 Saturday. All tickets include in and out privileges.

All-day and evening passes including food and drink are also available at prices ranging from $25 for youths to $300 for families.

Attendance is limited to 5,000, and tickets can be purchased online or at the door.