It's Tonight: New Orleans North Returns To Joliet

JOLIET, IL — September is here, and that means the Joliet Chamber of Commerce's popular New Orleans North street festival is just days away. The Saturday, Sept. 11 outdoor street festival will take place from 5 to 11 p.m. along North Chicago Street near the Van Buren Street Plaza.

Parking will be available on downtown streets and at the public parking garages along Ottawa as well as Scott Streets.

"We've got our beads in. Our hurricane cups are in," remarked Joliet Chamber of Commerce Vice President Kelly Baltas.

It's been more than two years since Joliet last experienced New Orleans North. The last festival happened in early June 2019.

The 2020 event was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Joliet Chamber officials moved the 2021 event from June to September as more people were getting vaccinated, and it was becoming safer to hold large outdoor gatherings and concerts.

Prior to the pandemic, New Orleans North typically drew crowds of about 9,000 people.

"I don't know if we'll necessarily exceed that, but we are planning on a normal attendance," Baltas said. "We have plenty of people looking forward to it."

New Orleans North will feature several live jazz bands, outdoor beer gardens, stilt walkers as well as dueling pianos. There will be food vendors and live entertainment acts in the alleys, the Chamber said.

The New Orleans North 2021 Entertainment Schedule:

Main Stage:

John Condron and the Old Gang Orchestra

Alex Hoffer Band

Big Lagniappe

Alley Stage:

Cheryl Rodey

David Francis

Ray Hall

Crooked Tails

David Drilling

Food Vendors For 2021 New Orleans North:

Station One Smokehouse – Jalepeno Cheddar Chicago Dogs, a quarter smoked chicken with Alabama sauce, smoked brisket sliders, watermelon salad.

Soul Kantina – chicken/steak/veggie pineapple bowls, loaded fries with choice of steak or chicken.

Supermercado – tacos, burritos, quesadillas.

Go Doggy Run - Hot Dogs, cheeseburgers, Italian beef, tacos, Mexican corn, walking tacos.

"Just a whole variety of food," Baltas said.

Tickets are now on sale for the Saturday, Sept. 11 Mardi Gras-theme festival at several Joliet area businesses for $10. Otherwise, tickets will be $15 at the gate.

New Orleans North is only open to adults 21 and older.

"We're just excited to bring this back to the community," Baltas said.

Places you can purchase your ticket ahead of time to save $5 include: Great American Bagel on Essington Road, the First Midwest Bank on West Jefferson Street near Inwood, the Woodforest National Bank inside Walmart, Johansen & Anderson HVAC on Plainfield Road and the TCBY in Shorewood.

You can also purchase your tickets online at the Joliet Chamber website here.

Harrah's Casino in downtown Joliet is the major presenting sponsor. There will be a raffle for a three-night stay at the Harrah's in New Orleans. The Joliet winner will also receive a $500 travel voucher.