Good morning, Joliet.

Local and regional farmers markets begin their 2026 season with fresh produce, artisanal treats, and live music.

In Joliet, the Chicago Street Market operates Fridays (May 22 to Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), while similar events run throughout northern Illinois from May through October.

On May 2, Chuck Berry’s exhibit opened at the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum (9 W.

Cass St.) on Route 66, where his son Charles Berry Jr. and daughter Melody Berry-Eskridge attended the tribute to his rock legacy. Charles Berry Jr. recalled his father’s breakthrough at Chess Records in Chicago.

Crews from Austin Tyler Construction installed the 12-foot Unity Dome sculpture in downtown City Square on Monday, May 4 — the stainless steel piece designed by Los Angeles artist Sijia Chen brings a new community landmark to life.

Over 400 visitors celebrated the Rialto Square Theatre's 100th Anniversary on Sunday, May 3, with guided tours & classic car displays that sparked memories of early film showings and live performances at this historic venue.

Joliet Central High School art students earned a combined $1.4 million in college scholarships after participating in the Illinois High School Art Exhibition, which ran from March 14 to April 18 at the Bridgeport Art Center in Chicago.

The event showcased top artists from over 125 Illinois high schools.

IDOT will close I-55 at I-80 for two nights to install steel beams on the bridge, with detours in place + clear route guidance.

Work starts Tuesday at 8 p.m. and ends by 6 a.m. Thursday.

Joliet City Council votes today on whether to issue $37 million in bonds for Cullinan Properties' plan to bring Dick’s House of Sport and 50 stores to Rock Run Collection — the project aims to create 5,000 jobs and expand retail space when the stores open.

Jack Hopman powered Minooka's boys volleyball team to a 25-16, 25-13 win over Joliet Central on Monday with key blocks and a serving streak.

The win comes after a tough weekend at the Lincoln-Way East Invitational and boosts the team's confidence ahead of upcoming conference matches in Minooka (strong play).

Newman senior Brenleigh Cook was named Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week after hitting a game-winning hit in a 9-8 win over Hall; she continues to excel on the softball field and plans to attend the University of Missouri to study nursing next season.

Saturday sports saw local teams competing in baseball, volleyball and badminton in the area.

Lincoln-Way East secured its 21st baseball win by edging Oswego East 7-5 — it also finished fourth at its volleyball invitational, and Joliet Central captured a third consecutive Southwest Prairie badminton title.

Lockport Porters hold a record of 17-7 and are winning seven straight after tough extra-inning plays in Tuesday’s game, with coach Scott Malinowski urging his team to improve pitching + defense as local rivals Joliet West Tigers and Lincoln Way Central also show strong baseball efforts.

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.