(The following press release recently was shared by Rosemaria DiBenedetto, city of Joliet spokeswoman.)
JOLIET, IL — In 2026, the City of Joliet will continue community programming and expand partnerships with local arts and cultural organizations at Bicentennial Park to highlight Joliet’s diversity through performances, exhibitions, and educational programming.
The park will also remain an affordable venue for community events.
Signature events such as Concerts on the Hill and the Independence Eve Fireworks will return, along with new celebrations marking the Centennial of Route 66 and the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
“Bicentennial Park is one of Joliet’s most cherished cultural and recreational spaces,” said City Manager Beth Beatty. “We remain focused on supporting the park’s continued success through consistent programming, community partnerships and professional operations that ensure long-term sustainability.”
Bicentennial Park will close out in 2025 with a robust schedule of community and school-based performances.
The theater will host Providence Catholic High School’s fall production May we All (November 6–9) and Joliet Catholic Academy’s performances of The 39 Steps (November 20–22).
The year will conclude with the return of the family-friendly Festival of the Gnomes in December, a beloved community tradition that celebrates creativity and holiday spirit.
The Joliet Drama Guild will formalize its role as Theater in Residence, producing three mainstage shows and leading youth programs, including the popular Summertime on Stage and a new Winter Drama Camp. The Guild will also launch Shakespeare on Tour, a traveling program offering free performances at Bicentennial Park and select community locations.
“We know how much this park means to our residents,” Beatty added. “Our goal is to strengthen what’s already great about Bicentennial Park while working with local organizations to do even more for the community.”
