Entertainment in Joliet
Joliet has a cultural flavor all its own, a variety of visual and performing arts, architecture and exhibits, styles and periods. Museums, art galleries, historical buildings, and performing arts centers abound in Joliet, enhancing the quality of life for residents of all ages.
Joliet is particularly proud of its unique expressions of public art, revealed in a series of spectacular ethnic heritage murals detailing Joliet’s vibrant history, ethnic diversity, and natural beauty. Since 1990, Friends of Community Public Art, a not-for-profit group of nationally and internationally recognized artists, has created and placed over 100 murals, mosaics, and sculptures throughout downtown and the greater Joliet area.
Live music is a favorite Joliet pastime, ringing through Joliet’s schools, restaurants, banquet halls, and city festivals. An exceptional high school music program enriches a strong local musical community. Local bands range from blues, jazz, rock, folk, country or swing, to cabaret music. Joliet’s gambling boats are also a source of professional-quality music and entertainment.
Since 1991, Joliet has been home to the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO), which was founded in 1959 to promote young talent and provide opportunities for musically advanced students. Joliet is also home to the Joliet Area Theatre Organ Enthusiasts, a chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society, which holds its events, including the Festival of Organs, at the historic Rialto Square Theatre.
A venerable shrine to the performing arts, the 1,900-seat Rialto Square Theatre is a true gem in the Chicagoland area. Hundreds of events are held at the Rialto annually, from ballet to bridal expos, comedy to cooking classes, travel cinema to tap dance, and everything in-between. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and considered to be one of the most architecturally significant theaters in the country, the Rialto is a must-see cultural attraction.
Bicentennial Park, located in Joliet’s downtown along the Des Plaines River, is a popular entertainment venue and is home to an indoor theater, river walk, pavilion, outdoor band shell, and meeting rooms. The park hosts numerous festivals, concerts, plays, drama classes, meetings, and private rentals. The park is home to Concerts on the Hill, open-air musical evenings where concertgoers find a spot “on the hill” and enjoy musical programs featuring respected musicians and signers.
The City of Joliet sponsors a number of festivals and parades throughout the year, including the Easter Parade on Palm Sunday, the Antique and Sports Car Festival in June, Taste of Joliet, Joliet Fine Arts Festival, Kids Fest, July Race Fan Rally, Waterway Daze in July, BBQ Blues Bash, Polka Fest, Latin Music Festival in August, Pumpkin Fest in late September/October, Christmas Parade the Friday after Thanksgiving, and the Festival of Gnomes in December.
The holiday season is especially festive in Joliet with the annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony kicking off the holiday season. Downtown Joliet is also host to several special events throughout the year, including: Chicago Street Cruise Nights, a classic car show; Junefest, an art and music festival; July 3rd and July 4th fireworks festivals; the Latin Music Festival; the Mexican Independence Day Parade; Black Pride Parade; Waterway Daze, a lighted boat parade; Joliet Race Fan Rally Day in July, where you can meet NASCAR drivers, see their race cars and try your hand in race simulators; and much more! There is always something fun to do in Joliet.
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