Joliet Pride Network Hosting Pride Night At Judge's Bar: 'Celebrate Community, Inclusion And A Great Cause'

JOLIET, IL —If you are looking for an opportunity to support June as Pride Month, the Joliet Pride Network is organizing a number of special events within the city of Joliet.

One of its biggest events will take place at 7 p.m. June 24 at Judge's Bar in downtown Joliet, located at 35 E. Cass St.

According to the Joliet Pride Network's recent Facebook announcement, "celebrate community, inclusion and a great cause. Join us for Pride Night at Judges 2026 for an evening of fun, food and giving back. The owners of Judges are generously buying pizzas for the bar starting around 7 p.m. so come hungry. They'll also have some fantastic raffle baskets up for grabs and some 50/50 raffles throughout the night."

The Joliet Pride Network reminded everyone that 100 percent of the proceeds from the raffles will be donated back to the Joliet Pride Network "to support our work in our community.

" Whether you're a regular or it's your first time stopping by, everyone is welcome. Let's fill the bar with good vibes and help support a wonderful local organization."

In addition to the June 24 Pride Night at Judge's Bar, the Joliet Pride Network also has a major sporting event activity taking place this week, on Wednesday, June 3.

"The Joliet Pride Network is once again teaming up with the Joliet Slammers for an epic night of baseball and community at Pride In the Ballpark. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just here for the atmosphere, this is the night to show out and celebrate our beautiful LGBTQ+ community in the heart of Joliet."

Joliet Pride Network announced that Wednesday's first pitch begins at 6:30 p.m. at Duly Health and Care Field. "Join the Joliet Pride Network family as we take over the stands. Rainbow Everything: Wear your colors proud — let's make this the most colorful game of the season. Local Love: Support the Slammers while building a stronger, more inclusive Joliet."

Joliet Patch has produced a number of stories and Facebook Live videos in recent years highlighting the efforts of the Joliet Pride Network to bring more diversity and foster awareness across the Joliet area.

Last June 11, Joliet Patch reported that elected officials with Joliet Township Government were displaying the LGBTQ pride flag in honor of Pride Month. The flag was on display in front of the Joliet Township Government Office building next to the Jefferson Street Bridge.

Jeff Gregory of the Joliet Pride Network spoke during the pride flag-raising ceremony.

"We have a good crowd here. We'll show everybody in just a little bit. But we're here at the Joliet Township Office for, I can't remember how many years this is, that they have raised the flag in celebration of pride month, but we appreciate it. We love them so much for doing this, for their support, not just in June, but for the entire year," Gregory remarked. "So, if you're not involved in your township government, get to know these folks, they're amazing humans and they're very, very supportive of everyone in our community so we love that.

"And also a shout-out to the other Will County government offices that have taken it upon themselves to fly the flag as well."