Joliet's Most Amazing Weekend Ever? 2 Giant Festivals Almost Here

JOLIET, IL — One of the biggest cities in Illinois — Joliet — will be the backdrop for a ton of fun this weekend in downtown Joliet as the city center celebrates not just one but two separate events that will draw several thousand people to the area.

On Saturday, June 3, Star Wars Day

Star Wars Day takes place and the parade will start at 11 a.m. in front of the Will County Office Building at 302 N. Chicago Street.

"Join us for food, games, costumed characters, Star Wars artists and authors, Mr. Freeze, lightsaber demos and more," Joliet Public Library officials announced. "This year, events will take place on Clinton and Chicago Street and inside the library, Joliet Area Historical Museum and Renaissance Center."

Because of the deadly and highly contagious coronavirus, there was no Joliet Star Wars Day in 2020 and 2021, but last year, on June 4, 2022, hundreds of people wore Star Wars costumes of their favorite movie character as they participated in the parade through downtown Joliet.

Congressman Bill Foster, Mayor Bob O'Dekirk, Councilwoman Jan Quillman and Joliet Public Library Director Megan Millen kicked off the start of the parade as thousands of people gathered along Chicago Street to watch the 11 a.m. parade.

When the parade ended, the Star Wars characters gathered on the front lawn of the library to bring back their time-honored tradition: the annual group photo.

New Orleans North, Friday, June 2:

The New Orleans North Music Festival returns in downtown Joliet and goes from 5 to 11 p.m. New Orleans North features four areas of live entertainment.

• Advance tickets are only $10.
• Ticket price increases to 24 hours before to $20
• FREE parking options including the Ottawa Street Garage conveniently attached to an entrance gate.
• Must be 21 or older to attend
• Six hours of enthralling live music, roaming entertainment, local art and more.
• D’Arcy Buick GMC Main Stage - headlined by Midwest’s own Maggie Speaks, preluded by a Drag Show presented by the Joliet Pride Network, and musical performances by the 3rd City Brass Band and Big Lagniappe.
• Thompson’s Tap - Righteous Hillbillies and Kelsey Montanez.
• Abri Credit Union Hookah Alley - The Jib Brothers Band.
• RISE Van Buren Street Music Club - A menu of acoustic solo artists and duos.
• More than music, fun for all over 21 - street entertainment, live art, fire twirlers, local art vendors, food trucks, cold beer, hurricanes.
• Music you love and know by heart by headlining Maggie Speaks
• Fire performances by Intrinsic Arts
• Thompson’s Tap moves to a new, more intimate location across from the Joliet Public Library
• South Alley transforms into the Van Buren Music Club