City of Joliet Extends City Square Programming into Fall

JOLIET, Ill. - Summer isn't over yet in downtown Joliet. The City of Joliet is extending its popular City Square programming into the fall, giving residents and visitors even more opportunities to enjoy free live music, dancing, wellness activities, and community connections downtown.

Following a successful inaugural season at the City's new downtown gathering space, Dancing in the Square and Wellness Workouts will continue through September, while Sounds on 66 will keep the music going through the first week of October, building on the momentum and strong community support seen throughout the summer.

"City Square has quickly become Joliet's gathering place where neighbors come together, families connect, and our community comes alive," said Mayor Terry D'Arcy. "The response to our summer programming has been tremendous, and we're excited to extend Sounds on 66 and Dancing in the Square through September while continuing to showcase great local and regional talent."

Sounds on 66

Fridays | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (note new time)

• September 11: Wood Fired Boys (rain date performance)
• September 18: Big Lagniappe
• September 25: J3 Experience

Dancing in the Square

Wednesdays | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (note new time)

• September 2 - The Lockport Swing Thing
• September 9 - Stepping with Snoopy King featuring DJ Calvin Hayes
• September 16 - I Just Wanna Dance Studio with Zorana Botha featuring DJ Jesse El Grandote
• September 23 - Line Dancing w/Ton featuring DJ The Muzician
• September 30 - Lines N Motion w/Belynda Head featuring DJ The Muzician

Wellness Workouts

Tuesdays | 7:00 - 8:00 a.m.

• September 1 - SAGE Bodywork & Wellness w/Kelly Fowler
• September 8 - Camilo Amaya (Zumba & Rumba)
• September 15 - Get Your Body In Motion w/Charles Murray
• September 22 - Body Rehab Fitness w Trinita Stevenson
• September 29 - IZXOTI Wellness w/Fanny Sanchez

Will County 9/11 25th Anniversary Memorial

City Square will also host the Will County 9/11 25th Anniversary Memorial, bringing the community together to honor those who lost their lives and the heroes who answered the call on September 11, 2001.

Kids Fest (Rescheduled)

Kids Fest is back with a new date! The rescheduled celebration will take place on Saturday, September 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., bringing a fun day of kid-friendly activities, entertainment, and family fun to City Square.

Panic in the Plaza

This annual Halloween-themed event returns to downtown Joliet with the completion of City Square on Saturday, October 10, from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. Panic at the Plaza will feature live music, spooky local art vendors, food, and plenty of Halloween fun. The event is free to attend, and funding is provided in part by the Joliet City Center Partnership.

More Fall Events Downtown

In addition to City Square programming, Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park will continue to host arts and community events throughout September.

The Joliet Drama Guild will present La Gringa, its first all-Spanish-language production, September 11-13. The heartfelt comedy follows a young Puerto Rican woman raised in New York as she searches for her roots and explores questions of family, identity, and belonging.

Don't Miss the Rest of August

Before September arrives, residents can still enjoy the remainder of the August lineup at City Square, including:

• Wellness Workouts | Tuesdays, 7 a.m.
  • August 25 - Gene Hicks | Hip Hop Fit
• Dancing in the Square | Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m.
  • August 26 - Line Dancing with Ton featuring The Muzician DJ
• Sounds on 66 | Fridays, 5-7 p.m.
  • August 21 - The Rangers | Honky Tonk, Country & Outlaw Country
  • August 28 - The Steepwater Band | Rock, Delta Blues & Classic Rock

Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park will also wrap up its Concert on the Hill series with:

• August 13: Open Mic Karaoke Night featuring Uxmar Torres, Spoken Word Poet & Artisan
• August 20: R&B Night featuring South City Collective
• August 27: Finale Night featuring the JTHS Orchestra & Joliet Central Band

Visit www.joliet.gov for the full schedule of City Square and Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park programming.