The City of Joliet announced an extensive slate of arts, culture and special events programming planned for 2026, outlining a year-long strategy designed to activate public spaces, enhance quality of life for residents and strengthen Joliet’s position as a regional destination. The 2026 programming unveils the new City Square development, expands public events at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, improves coordination and efficiency in special event planning and permitting, and builds out city-supported cultural programming across Joliet’s neighborhoods through partnerships including the Joliet Park District. A major focus of the 2026 calendar will be City Square, the new public gathering space currently under construction in the heart of downtown Joliet that will host a wide variety of weekly, seasonal and marquee public events. Planned programming for this outdoor community space’s debut year will include workouts, dance classes, concerts, family-friendly events, farmers markets, film screenings and more.

Photo Credit: City of Joliet