Elmhurst's talent on display at Yesfest

Five years ago, a group of self-described "stir crazy" performers wished they had a festival in Elmhurst where they could perform all the things they loved: original music, comedy, improv and poetry.

"Nothing like that really existed in Elmhurst, so that's how Yesfest came to be," co-founder Clark Pavlik said. "The mission was to provide a supportive and fulfilling event for musicians, artists, comedians and poets in the community. When you get people together and give them a space for them to come and present their art, awesome things happen."

Yesfest had humble beginnings - first in a park, the next year in a garage. Now in its fifth year, Yesfest has grown into a two-day festival featuring more than 60 acts on three stages. The event will be from noon to 9 p.m. Friday, July 28, and noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 29, at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., and at the Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst.

"The amount of talent in this town is limitless," said Pavlik, adding that this year, submissions had to close earlier than expected because of the overwhelming response.

Yesfest 2017 is mostly free, though those attending performances inside the art museum must pay museum admission of $9 for adults. For a full schedule of performances, visit yesfest.weebly.com.