Good morning, Joliet.

Inwood Park was designated a national demonstration site for its inclusive playground at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, May 1 at 3200 W.

Jefferson St. Officials said the largest GameTime inclusive playground in the state features adaptive swings, varied climbers and outdoor musical instruments to support active lifestyles.

Joliet's new City Square held its inaugural event on Friday, May 1 downtown with a combined concert + car show celebrating Route 66's 100th anniversary, drawing local residents and visitors and injecting fresh energy into the area.

Joliet West High School student Dalyla Martinez earned third place in newspaper design at the IHSA journalism state finals held on Saturday, Apr.

25 at Heartland Community College. She was one of eight students who qualified from her school for the state competition.

Local gardeners can use Growing Degree Days (GDD) to track when pests like Japanese beetles and squash vine borer may show up as weather warms.

Master gardener Susan Somers advises checking weekly GDD reports from the Morton Arboretum to plan timely pest control.

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that patching and resurfacing on Channahon Road (U.S. Route 6 from Terry Drive to Larkin Avenue) will begin Monday, May 4 in Joliet and is expected to finish in August; drivers should allow extra time for travel.

Lincoln-Way West defeated Lincoln-Way Central 11-0 on Friday at Lincoln-Way Central's field, boosting their record to 20-5 — the team scored early with four runs in the opening inning and kept the pressure on throughout the game.

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.

Mix of '26: Beyond Beer & Bourbon Fest

12-5 p.m. — Hollywood Casino Joliet — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate summer flavors with craft beers, bourbons, and live music while supporting veterans' housing initiatives.