Good morning, Joliet.

The 5th annual Porch & Park Music Fest is set for Saturday, Aug.

22 in Joliet’s historic Cathedral Area from 1-9 p.m., with live music on neighborhood porches & Preservation Park. Families will enjoy various music genres, kids’ zones, local vendors, and self-guided tours.

The Will County Nature Foundation will host its inaugural Plein Air Painting Fundraiser on Sunday, Aug.

30 at Meadowlark Shelter at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve in Crete. Participants will paint outdoors with a Crete Creative artist while paying $50 for painting supplies and light refreshments, including alcoholic beverages.

Newman football is ready for the season as seniors Blackert and Alvarado lead the backfield and coach LeMay praises their work ethic and the team’s strong defense — the Comets open at home Saturday, Aug.

22 against Sherrard while new quarterback Renner Rosengren takes over after Bushman’s graduation.

Local high school boys golf teams are previewing their 2026 season and sharing team lineups (experienced seniors and standout newcomers) as coaches set goals for peak performance in upcoming tournaments starting late September.

NASCAR announced that the Chicago Street Race will not return in 2027.

Instead, local fans can watch three racing series at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet from June 25 to 27, with events for ARCA, NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts, and NASCAR Cup Series.

Lyons tight end Owen Matela committed to Miami (Ohio) after recording 36 catches and five touchdowns last season and now aims to take his game to a higher level as the Lions face Barrington on Friday.

Local high school girls golf teams from greater Will and Grundy counties gear up for the 2026 season as coaches (like Joliet Central’s James Grzetich) highlight young teams and key returners across schools, while squads from Plainfield East and Plainfield South aim for improved play and postseason success.