Good morning, Joliet.

Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve in Plainfield will host free bird viewing sessions from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 23 to see nesting herons, egrets, cormorants and bald eagles; staff will be available to answer questions.

The Joliet Slammers started their season with a home opener Friday, May 9 at Duly Health And Care Field against the Washington Wild Things, drawing fans to enjoy a promising new season (photos capture the vibrant atmosphere).

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.

Pat Clark Cancer Foundation 5K

7 a.m. — Cemeno's Pizza — All proceeds benefit local cancer patients — Join the community for a charity run supporting the Pat Clark Cancer Foundation.

Windy City Thunderbolts vs. Joliet Slammers

1:05 – 4:05 PM — Duly Health And Care Field — Tickets available — Support the local Slammers and enjoy the American tradition of baseball.