EVENTS
   
   

FRIDAY NIGHT BEATLES 60s DANCE PARTY
The ANNUAL FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE PARTY gets the weekend off to a high flying start! The Party is an optional 60s dress-up night. Don't be shy, find something you haven't worn for decades and proudly wear them. Maybe find some things you wore to our earliest FESTS back in the mid 1970s. Prizes for the best outfits. We also plan a Look-Alike Contest as well as lots of Door Prizes and Live Music beginning around 9:15PM by LIVERPOOL.

   
   

GIANT INTERNATIONAL BEATLES MARKETPLACE, AUCTIONS
The GIANT INTERNATIONAL BEATLES MARKETPLACE fills up every year with nearly 90 tables full of an astonishing array of Beatles merchandise by Vendors from as far away as England and all across America. For sale will be Recordings, Videos, Books, Photos, Posters, Art, & more.
The BEATLES AUCTIONS take place Saturday and Sunday afternoons, where unusual and one-of-a-kind items are often found. If you have any unique items for the Auction, please let us know when ordering your tickets.

 
 
BEATLES VIDEOS
There are so many exciting activities going on at any one time at THE FEST, that sometimes fans need to stop by our Video Room, where they can sit, relax and enjoy a wide variety of Beatles and solo Beatles material, which runs almost non-stop all weekend long.
   
   

BEATLES MUSEUM AND ART CONTEST
Over 42 years of Beatles History is traced here! Our popular Kids Art Korner returns - it's a place where youngsters can create Beatles art on site, and have it displayed, too! Crayons, papers, and markers are provided. The Annual BEATLES ART CONTEST, is where you can show off your creativity in an environment that your Beatles Art Work can be most appreciated - by other Beatles fans!

Don't be shy - bring your art work this year, or create a new piece just for the contest. Prizes are awarded in 3 categories: Professional, Amateur, & 16 Years or younger. Ribbons are given to all who enter. Our Beatles Museum and Art Contest Coordinator DECO FREEMAN will be on hand to greet all entrants. She is looking forward to some great art work this year!!

 
 

BATTLE OF THE BEATLES BANDS, SOUND-ALIKE CONTEST
We expect over two dozen groups to enter the BATTLE OF THE BEATLES BANDS, always one of the highlights of the weekend! Each group will play one Beatles or Solo Beatles song, with a probable runoff to determine the winner. The audience is the judge of this exciting and fun contest, held on Sunday late-afternoon. To enter, you must sign up by July 22nd, either by phone (1-866-THE FEST), FAX (1-201-666-8687), E-Mail (bands@thefest.com) or by mail when ordering your tickets.

A backline will be provided! All you need to bring are your guitars, cords, drum sticks, talent and your admission tickets. The BEATLES SOUND-ALIKE CONTEST takes place on Saturday and is open to all individuals and duos. (Trios must enter the Battle of the Bands).

Martin Lewis heads up the tryouts on Saturday early afternoon, with the finalists playing the main stage that evening. All contests are open to all FEST attendees and prizes are awarded to all winners of all contests.

 
 

13TH ANNUAL LIVE BEATLES TRIVIA GAME SHOWS & NAME THAT TUNE
WALLY PODRAZIK is the Host for the Live Trivia Game Shows, each day. Questions range from very easy to quite difficult and it's how quick you recall the answers that makes the difference. Brush up on your trivia, as all contestants are picked from the audience.

JOE JOHNSON hosts the popular Name That Tune Competitions each day. There will also be some competitions for the younger fans in attendance.

 
 

FINE ART BY THE BEATLES - CELEBRITY ART
NEAL GLASER of Celebrity Art started with a traveling John Lennon art show and now is the exclusive distributor for Paul McCartney's artwork and the publishers of Ringo Starr's Computer Art. Bringing to THE FEST FOR BEATLES FANS the only exhibit that features the signed artwork of John, Paul and Ringo all together. This is an incredible showcase of the Beatles multiple talents. Known as great performers, talented singers and outstanding writers, they now share their not often seen visual sides with the world. Just as they had distinct personalities on film and on record, they also exhibit distinct styles with their art talents too. JOHN is the ILLUSTRATOR who uses pen and ink to showcase his humorous and insightful line drawings. SIR PAUL is an ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONIST whose works show a deep and complex layer of thoughts and textures. While RINGO is the POP MODERNIST who uses his computer to paint images that are witty, colorful and reflective of today’s art scene.

Come see this one-of-a-kind exhibit and maybe walk away with a hand signed Beatles masterpiece.

 
 
WORLD'S LARGEST BEATLES MEMORABILIA EXHIBIT
This is local collector JEFF AUGSBURGER's 22nd year with us. His collection grows every year. He has been noticing that not only the first generation fans are enjoying the rare items he has on display, but lots of young fans are totally amazed at the sheer quantity of Beatles items created in the 1960s. We thank Jeff for sharing this very special collection exclusively with us, every year.
 
 

ROCKSTORE EXHIBIT
JOHN RAUCH
of RockStore of Newburgh, IN has assisted in putting exhibitions together of our previous guests Astrid Kirchherr, Klaus Voormann, Jurgen Vollmer and Bob Gruen.

John is setting up his always fascinating exhibit of rare rock and roll collectables.

 
 

BEATLES RECORDING STUDIO
This fun and popular feature is geared for the singer in all of us. Your vocals and/or instruments can be mixed over a sound-alike bed of over 150 Beatles songs, complete with a variety of special effects including changing the key to suit your voice! Recording sessions can be scheduled on the spot at THE FEST, or in advance by emailing tom@tjplusproductions.com.

Tom McGinniss, musician and recording engineer, has been with us for 12 years and brings a wealth of experience to help you sound your best. (He sings, plays 12 instruments and teaches music!) From the beginning vocalist to the seasoned performer – Tom will make you feel comfortable and you will leave with a CD that you will love! Most of his customers are repeats.

 
 
KARAOKE KAREN'S BEATLES SING-ALONGS, MAKE YOUR OWN MUSIC DVD
Karaoke Karen of Park Street Studios of Montclair, NJ makes it possible for you to ‘star' in your own Beatles Music Video, with ever improving state of the art equipment, in the LASER KARAOKE ROOM. The music and the video are created while you sing. There are additional fees if you want to purchase the results (optional).
 
 

FAN FICTION & POETRY READING
DECO FREEMAN heads the POETRY READING SESSION along with SUSAN RYAN and others.

Susan is the publisher of The Fan Fiction Magazine Rooftop Sessions. We urge participation in these events, for your own enjoyment.

 
 
BEATLES PUPPET SHOW
Puppeteer BOB ABDOU is back for his 11th year at THE FEST, being appreciated by fans, both young and old with his BEATLES PUPPET SHOWS, all 3 days. Bob promises an all new show for 2008, and a blast for all ages with lots of audience participation. His Sunday performance will be in the Main Ballroom at 11:15AM, a pre-opening bonus. So if you are bringing children, be sure to get there early on Sunday (Saturday will be early as well). You can visit Bob at his website www.mrpuppet.com.
 
 

ROBERT FREEMAN:
A PRIVATE VIEW PHOTO EXHIBIT

The Beatles favorite photographer ROBERT FREEMAN, was our Special Guest a few years back. By special arrangement, we have obtained his amazing A PRIVATE VIEW PHOTO EXHIBIT.

Robert sends his best and hopes you enjoy the exhibit.

 
 

THE BEATLES ALBUM, 45RPM AND EP COVERS EXHIBIT
DAVID RAUH returns with his fantastic collection of Album Covers, 45 RPM Picture Sleeves and EPs from around the world.

He will be setting up special exhibits for Sgt. Pepper to celebrate its milestone.

 
 
LISTEN ON LINE PRESENTS
THE FEST FOR BEATLES FANS 2008
LIVE ON THE INTERNET

For the 10th year, Warren Melnick & Listen On Line. will be holding a Live Web Broadcast for those of you who cannot attend in person. Go to their site www.listenonline.net.