City Square, downtown Joliet’s vibrant new gathering place, is hosting several exciting events for all ages this summer.
City Square is located at the corner of Clinton and Chicago streets, directly across from the Rialto Square Theatre.
Designed for daily use while accommodating larger-scale and seasonal events, City Square has a permanent main stage for performances, a smaller interactive stage for community programs and intimate events, and a striking “red carpet” promenade connecting the Square to the Rialto Square Theatre, according to a news release from the City of Joliet.
The space includes trees, casual seating, planters, water features and landscaped plantings.
The official Dedication of City Square will take place Thursday, June 18 with a weekend celebration June 26-27.
City Square’s inaugural slate of programming (subject to change) includes:
Chicago Street Farmers Market
Fridays, May 22 – Sept. 18, 10 a.m.– 2 p.m.
Now in its third year, the Chicago Street Farmers Market returns to its home in the heart of historic downtown Joliet. A curated, locally driven market dedicated to elevating small businesses and supporting farmers, makers, bakers and growers, the market offers a wide selection of fresh produce, artisan foods, handcrafted goods and locally made products every Friday morning throughout the summer and into fall.
Sounds on 66
This Friday night concert series brings a dynamic lineup of musical styles to the inaugural season in City Square. The series will highlight a diverse mix of performers, creating an inviting space for residents and visitors to gather, listen, and celebrate local culture. Presented in partnership with Chicago Street Pub.
Fridays, June 5 – Aug. 28, 5–7 p.m.
June 12: Johnny Rustler & The Beach Bum Band | Party Anthems/Beach Music
June 19: In honor of Juneteenth Gospel Music by TBD
June 26: The Selectones | Reggae/Ska
July 3: Eve Casino | Rock/Psychedelic/Blues/Alt Rock
July 10: Invisible Cartoons | Funk/Hip Hop/Rock/Jazz
July 17: Irish Night | Traditional Irish/Rock/Folk
July 24: Grupo Avanzado | Grupo Norteño
July 31: Wood Fired Boys | TBD
Aug. 7: Sheryl Youngblood Band | Blues
Aug. 14: Furthur Blues Band | Jam/Rock/Classic Rock
Aug. 21: The Rangers | Honky Tonk/Country/Grassroots/Outlaw Country
Aug. 28: The Steepwater Band | Dirty Rock/Delta Blues/Classic Rock/Alt Rock
Remembering Our Fallen
June 11-14
The National Iraq – Afghanistan Memorial – Remembering Our Fallen – is a photographic war memorial with over 5,000 Fallen that honors our country’s military Fallen from The Global War on Terror (Sept. 11, 2001 – Aug. 30, 2021). This memorial also includes those who died in training accidents, whether stateside or overseas, as well as those who served in the combat zone during this time, but succumbed to PTSD. Unlike brick-and-mortar memorials, Remembering Our Fallen is designed to travel and includes military and personal photos. Its legacy will be that these men and women will be remembered and their names will be spoken, while helping to lessen the grief of their families.
Tall Tales and Silly Songs with Todd Downing
Thursday, June 18, 10:30–11:15 a.m.
Get those muscles moving with Joliet musician Todd Downing in an exciting live performance full of movement, music and laughter. Families are encouraged to bring a blanket or chairs. In the event of rain, the performance will move to Joliet Public Library.
Official Dedication of City Square
Thursday, June 18, 12 p.m.–1 p.m.
Mayor Terry D’Arcy and other city officials will be on hand for the Official Dedication of City Square on June 18, marking a major milestone in downtown Joliet’s revitalization. The Square transforms a once underutilized parcel into a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly civic space with a central turf lawn, wide walkways, landscaped plantings, water elements and a signature “red carpet” promenade.
Cars & Guitars
Thursdays June 18, July 2 (Race Ran Rally), July 16 & Aug. 6, 5– 8 p.m.
Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 brings Cars & Guitars for its City Square debut this summer, just in time to celebrate the Route 66 Centennial. Classic and custom cars, live bands, and the unmistakable Mother Road vibe take over downtown, turning City Square into Joliet’s newest hotspot for music, engines, and high-energy fun. Families, car lovers and visitors are all welcome for a night of heritage and hometown pride.
Outdoor Family Story Time
Wednesdays, 10:30–11 a.m., June, July & August 2026
Birth – 6 years with adult | No registration required
Experience story time in the great outdoors at City Square all summer long! Families are encouraged to bring a blanket or chairs. In the event of rain, story time will move to the Joliet Public Library.
Bilingual Magic Show with El Mago
Thursday, July 16, 10:30–11:15 a.m.
El Mago brings wonder and excitement to City Square with a fun, family-friendly bilingual magic show full of illusions and surprises. Families are encouraged to bring a blanket or chairs. In the event of rain, the show will move to the Joliet Public Library.
City Square Celebration
Friday, June 26 & Saturday, June 27, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
This two-day event honors Joliet’s new downtown gathering space, highlighted by a Friday night drone show and live entertainment across two stages featuring local talent. Performances include The Selectones, Poet Lauret Uxmar Torres and Love’s Labours Lost: Shakespeare 90’s style presented by the Joliet Drama Guild. City Square reflects the community’s vision for a dynamic hub for events and everyday connection while advancing long-term plans to reimagine Chicago Street as an inviting, pedestrian-friendly corridor.
Wellness Workouts
Tuesdays, June 2 – Aug. 25, 7–8 a.m.
Jump-start your day with workouts featuring instructor‑led movement designed to energize your body and lift your mood. *Bring your own mat if needed
June 16: Samantha Ramirez | Pilates
June 23: Fanny Sanchez | Yoga
June 30: Charles Murray | Get Your Body In Motion
Dancing in the Square
Wednesdays, June 3 – Aug. 26, 5–7 p.m.
City Square transforms into a vibrant dance floor where residents mingle, visitors join the fun, and the community comes alive. This lively series features a variety of dance styles, with each event beginning with an hour of instruction from dynamic teachers, followed by a DJ or live band that invites everyone to jump in and show off their new moves.
June 10: Country Line Dancing | TBD
June 17: Line Dancing | Line Dancing with Ton followed by DJ The Muzician
June 24: Swing Dancing | Sunny Side Swing
July 1: Line Dancing | Lines N’ Motion
Race Fan Rally
July 2, 4-10 p.m.
The Race Fan Rally returns to Joliet, bringing high-energy excitement and a celebration of motorsports back to downtown. Fans of all ages can experience race cars up close, meet drivers, enjoy live entertainment and take part in interactive activities that capture the spirit of racing. This beloved event once again showcases Joliet’s pride in its racing heritage while creating a fun, family-friendly atmosphere for the entire community.
To stay up-to-date on City Square events and programming, please visit joliet.gov or follow City of Joliet Special Events on Facebook at facebook.com/JolietSpecialEvents.
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