2nd Annual Great Joliet Prison Break-In: Got Your Tickets Yet?

JOLIET, IL — On the last Saturday in August of 2018, something magical happened on Joliet's east side. The world-famous Old Joliet Prison, abandoned and in a state of disrepair for 17 years, sprang back to life. More than 3,000 adults had an admission ticket for a night of food, fun, fellowship, alcoholic drinks and live bands. The first-ever Great Joliet Prison Break-In was deemed a success. The event raised about $135,000 for ongoing restoration and structural repairs.

Now, it's almost time for the second annual Great Joliet Prison Break-In. On Saturday, August 24, the event inside the prison yard goes from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Music performers will be: Great Moments In Vinyl, Hot Mess, The Ides Of March and Nikki Hill Band.

The limestone fortress on Collins Street opened prior to the Civil War during the 1860s.

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The Saturday, August 24 event will include an expanded lineup of Joliet and Chicago-area food vendors, according to museum executive director Greg Peerbolte. The museum has generated more than $50,000 in business sponsors and in-kind donations, with Hawk Joliet returning as the grand presenting sponsor.

KBI will have an expanded array of beer and drink specials. Catrina's Mex in downtown Joliet inside the former Keg and The Launching Pad, on historic Route 66in Wilmington, will be two of the many new food vendors for the second annual event.

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"We're keeping largely the same formula," Peerbolte told Joliet Patch this week. "But we will have more food, a total of 14 vendors, and we are adding two hours to the event."

People who purchase a ticket will also have the opportunity to visit a few of the famous buildings that make up the Old Joliet Prison, one being the North Segregation Building and another being the prisoner cafeteria.

As far as the music performers, "Ides of March has a good following," Peerbolte said. "Nikki Hill is a real up and comer. She's really, really good."

And Hot Mess and Great Moments In Vinyl both have large followings throughout the Joliet area, he added.

So far, Peerbolte said, the museum has sold or distributed around 1,000 tickets for the event; either through sales or to the businesses that are paid sponsors.

People are encouraged to bring bag chairs, but you will not be allowed to bring any coolers. Just like last year, you must be at least 21 years old to attend.

"It's eclectic," Peerbolte said. "We want the site to be used and treasured by the public. We're not looking to have a 10,000 person death metal concert in there.

"I'm happy that people in the Joliet area, at the local level, are taking advantage of it. All of this goes to our dedicated restoration and prison need fund."

People can buy their admission tickets online for $40 at The Great Joliet Prison Break-In website. Otherwise, you can save $5 and buy your tickets for $35 each at The Great American Bagel on Essington Road, the downtown Joliet Chamber of Commerce, the downtown historical museum on North Ottawa Street, and the information desk inside Joliet's City Hall.

One drink note: Crystal Head Vodka, the company owned by legendary Blues Brothers actor Dan Aykroyd, will be available as the signature Blues Brothers-themed cocktail on Aug. 24.

"We're really excited about future plans of working with Crystal Head as well," Peerbolte remarked.

One last thing: Just like last year, tickets will also be sold at the gate for $40.