The first “signature” event of Cantigny’s summer calendar, the Cantigny Jazz and Wine Fest, is set for Sunday, June 23.
The festival spreads throughout the Cantigny gardens and grounds, with five performers on two stages from noon until 6pm. Four wine tasting stations will accompany the top-tier entertainment, headlined by sensational jazz vocalist and three-time Grammy winner, Dee Dee Bridgewater, appearing as WE EXIST! THE DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER QUARTET.
The exciting musical line-up, curated by festival partner WDCB Public Radio out of College of DuPage, includes Derek Duleba Organ Trio, Carmen Stokes, Frank Russell Quintet, and High-Hat Second Line Brass Band. The latter will lead a brassy New Orleans-style street parade through the park.
As the music wafts across Cantigny, oenophiles (that’s a pretentious way to say “wine-lover”) can sample an upscale selection of wines for summer sipping. Up to 20 varietals will be offered, many of them French, befitting Cantigny’s 2024 programming theme, France at Cantigny. This year’s summer gardens feature whimsical displays inspired by the 17th century fables of Jean de La Fontaine.
A wide assortment of meal and snack options will be available for purchase, provided by Cantigny’s in-house culinary team. Choices include the popular Artisanal Snack Tote for Two ($60), which can be ordered in advance for pick up at the festival.
Admission
Jazz and Wine Fest admission is $75 per person, or $50 for a music-only ticket without wine tastings. Guests under age 21 are $30. Parking is included.
Gates open at 11 am on June 23, with music beginning at noon, rain or shine. Coolers and outside alcohol are prohibited.
McCormick House Experience
All-day access to the newly renovated McCormick House is available during Jazz and Wine Fest and includes elegant hospitality experiences ($250). The package features two culinary flights (11 am and again at 2 pm) with a chilled seafood and raw bar, Wagyu beef sliders, lobster vol-au-vents, prime rib carving station, assorted fresh-baked mini desserts, and many other savory delights. Guests also receive private open bar service in Freedom Hall, Colonel McCormick’s iconic library—order wine, cocktails, beer, and soft drinks at the art-deco style “hidden bar.” Benefits extend outside as well, including reserved seating areas with beverage service next to the main stages.
Jazz Soirée at McCormick House
An exciting prelude to Cantigny Jazz and Wine Fest is planned for Friday, June 21. New for 2024, the Jazz Soirée offers an exclusive evening of live jazz, cocktails, wine, and elegant dining inside historic McCormick House. The event includes a private performance by operatic soprano Gabrielle Goudard. Tickets for Jazz Soirée are advance-sale only and limited ($175 per guest).
For more information about Cantigny, including hours, permanent attractions, and upcoming events, please visit Cantigny.org.
