Good morning, Joliet.

At approximately 4:51 p.m. on Thursday, Plainfield police said a 13-year-old boy riding a mini motorcycle collided with a Honda Accord at the intersection of Springview Drive and Crossing Drive in Plainfield—leaving him with life-threatening injuries and taken first to Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet before moving to Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago—while investigators review the scene.

On Thursday afternoon, lightning struck three Joliet residences as firefighters quickly responded to house fires on Hideaway Court and Riverview Drive, containing attic blazes and safely evacuating residents—no injuries were reported.

Will County authorities confirmed the identity of Martha Bassett, a 33-year-old Native American woman found dead on Sept.

30, near Interstate 55 and Blodgett Road, after using advanced DNA testing—techniques from forensic anthropology and genetic genealogy—to match her remains, giving her family long-awaited closure.

Totally 80's Music Tribute

7-9:30 p.m. — The Forge — Tickets from $13.95 — Relive the nostalgia of the 80s with an electrifying music tribute performance.

Birding by Boat

9-11 a.m. — Rock Run Rookery — $20 per person — Explore birds from a unique water vantage point.

12 Stones and Smile Empty Soul Concert

6:30-9 p.m. — The Forge — Ticket prices vary — Experience the hard-hitting sounds of 12 Stones and Smile Empty Soul live in Joliet.

Concerts in the Park 2025

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Preservation Park — Free entry — Enjoy live music in the beautiful surroundings of Preservation Park, perfect for a summer evening.

12th Annual 815 Day Celebration

12-5 p.m. — Nowell Park — Free entry — Celebrate community spirit with live music, local vendors, and activities for all ages.

Old-Growth Measurements Workshop

9 AM – 12 PM — Pilcher Park Nature Center — Free — Engage in measuring and photographing features of rare old-growth forests for community science.

Wine, Jazz and Art Fest

3:30-9 p.m. — Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park — $20 entry — Savor fine wines and enjoy local jazz while browsing unique art by local artists.

LAPS Track Days Event #3 (High Performance Driver Education)

All day event — Autobahn Country Club — Pricing varies — Experience high-speed driving and improve your racing skills in a safe environment.