10 Can’t-Miss Things at the Chicago Fest for Beatles Fans

Editor’s Note: If you’re heading to the Fest this weekend, be sure to check out the “She’s a Woman… Historian” panel on Saturday at 4:15pm — I’ll be on it, along with this post’s author, Susan Ryan, who’s moderating. I’ll also have REBEAT buttons and stickers on hand, so make sure you come say “hi!” and grab a couple!

This weekend, the Fest for Beatles Fans comes once again to the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. Mark Lapidos and company have presented these fabulous Fests in the Windy City for over 35 years, and this year, which celebrates 50 years since the arrival of the Beatles in the U.S., is looking like one of the best yet!

Here, in no particular order, are the top 10 (plus) things not-to-be-missed at the Chicago Fest!

1) Twist and shout at the giant ’60s dance party on Friday night.

Featuring the music of house band Liverpool, lots of fun period costumes (including prizes for the best ones!), and a look-alike contest for those who are so inclined!

2) Check out the special musical guests.

This year, they include Micky Dolenz of the Monkees, Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits, Mike Pender of the Searchers, Laurence Juber of Wings, perennial Fest favorite Mark Hudson and many, many more!

3) Listen to a talk by one of the guest authors.

This 50th anniversary year has seen more Beatles-related books than any other in a long time. Authors appearing at the Fest include Mark Lewisohn, Bruce Spizer, David Bedford, Vivek Tiwary, Chuck Gunderson, Jude Southerland Kessler, Al Sussman, Lanea Stagg, Richard Buskin, Robert Rodriguez, Judith Kristen, Jim Berkenstadt, Ken Womack and others – worthy experts all!

4) Attend a discussion panel.

Special and unique panels include “She’s a Woman…Historian”, a panel featuring fabulous female experts such as Susan Ryan, Allison Johnelle Boron, Kit O’Toole, Sara Schmidt, Tina Kukla and Karen Duchaj, special workshops featuring Candy Leonard and her new book, Beatleness, “Across the Cyber-Beatles Universe” featuring Kit O’Toole and a cadre of Beatle bloggers and journalists, and tons of other exciting talks!

5) Enter a painting or art project in the Beatles Art Contest.

Or, if you’re not an artist yourself, check it out and vote for your favorites in the amateur and professional categories!

6) Have your moment of zen in “The Ashram.”

Prepare to pamper your mind and body with some meditation and yoga.  This is a new feature this year, and is bound to become something big!

7) Attend the “Poetry Jam” on Saturday night with Fest regular, Deco.

This year’s Poetry Jam is extra-special because it features the first-ever Fest re-enactment of the Beatles’ famous “Pyramus and Thisbe” sketch!

8) See the Beatles Puppet Show with Mr. Puppet, Bob Abdou.

Bob’s hysterically funny shows are a Fest favorite with fans of all ages, and are definitely something special for young attendees. He also leads the “George Harrison Ukulele Parade” through the halls of the Fest on Saturday afternoon.

9) Play a round or two in the “Name That Tune” and trivia contests.

Hosted by Wally Podrazik and Tom Frangione, there are questions and answers for all levels of fans. You never realize how much you know until you try, and there are some fabulous prizes for the winners!

10) Cheer on your favorite singers and bands during the Sound-Alike Contest and the “Battle of the Beatle Bands.”

The audience is the judge in these competitions, so listen to the entrants and scream for the ones you love!

Obviously, there is much more to do at the Chicago Fest than these ten things: shop in the giant Beatles marketplace and the Fest store; take a look at the memorabilia exhibit; buy something special at the auction; hang out in the video room and watch rare footage of the Fabs; or just hang out with the “People Under The Stairs” (or, rather, the ballroom foyer this year) and sing and jam all weekend.

No matter what you do, in the words of Fest creator Mark Lapidos (and the Beatles themselves), a splendid time is guaranteed for all!

Susan Ryan

Susan is the proprietor of Fab 4 NYC Walking Tours, and the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Rooftop Sessions, a Beatles fan webzine. Additionally, her features, reviews and interviews have appeared in Daytrippin’ magazine, London Beatles Fan Club magazine, and Beatlezine, among others. She has been a frequent guest and interviewer at the Fest for Beatles Fans for the past 15 years, speaking on a variety of topics, and has been featured in articles and interviews in various Beatles publications and radio shows over the past 40 years.