Good morning, Joliet.

City officials are exploring a downtown social district to allow open-air drinking near City Square after approving a liquor license for Internode Greenery and Market, which will offer food and wine.

A public event is set for May 1 before the Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival on May 2-3.

Joliet West softball team hit three home runs and secured a 15-2 win over Joliet Central on Wednesday.

Coach Heather Suca said the players stayed loose as they turned a tough season around with a promising performance.

Joliet West secured a 10-1 win over Plainfield South on Thursday as pitcher Keegan Schwarting threw a rare four-pitch inning that set an early tone for the game while Brayden Myers added three RBIs to boost the Tigers' lead.

Local sports teams shined in multiple contests on Thursday as Coal City beat Bradley in baseball and Plainfield Central rallied with a walk-off grand slam (schools also secured wins in track, soccer and volleyball events across the area).

Chicago Lithuanian Opera's 70th Anniversary Production

3-6 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets from $84 — Experience a charming performance of Friedrich von Flotow’s romantic comic opera Martha with a celebration of Lithuanian culture.

NHRA Route 66 Nationals

3:30-7:30 a.m. — Route 66 Raceway — Tickets starting at $114 — Experience the thrills of drag racing at this must-see motorsport event.

South Side Exiles Rooftop Concert

7-10 p.m. — Joliet Area Historical Museum — $16 General Public, $14 Museum Members — Enjoy classic rock tunes from the South Side Exiles on the rooftop.

World of Food Trucks

11 AM – 3 PM — Gregory B. Bott Community Park — Free entry — Sample global cuisines from Chicagoland's favorite food trucks in a family-friendly festival.