|
|
|
|
Welcome, beautiful humans!
Whether you’ve been with us from the very beginning, just discovered our community, or are stopping by as a proud ally, we are absolutely thrilled to have you here. This newsletter is your go-to hub for everything happening in our vibrant local LGBTQ+ community.
|
|
Inside each issue, you’ll find updates on upcoming local events, spotlights on community members and grassroots initiatives, resources, and meaningful ways to get involved. Thank you for bringing your unique energy, voice, and heart to our community. Together, we are building a more inclusive, connected, and colorful Joliet!
|
|
|
|
|
|
JPN Monthly Recurring Events
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Congratulations to the Miss Joliet PrideFest 2026
|
|
What an incredible night last Saturday night at PrideFest After Dark! The queens left absolutely everything they had out on the floor, and the energy in the theater was through the roof!
|
Congratulations to our newly crowned Miss Joliet PrideFest 2026, Selena Rivera! You shone brightly on stage and truly embody this year’s theme of being "Rooted in Pride."
|
|
We also want to celebrate our incredible runners-up:
|
An incredible royal court like this one will definitely be tough to beat next year!
|
|
Thank you to all of the amazing performers, judges, volunteers, and everyone in the community who came out to cheer, show love, and make this year's competition such a success.
|
|
|
|
PrideFest After Dark 2026
|
|
You blew us away Joliet, and we love you for it!!!
|
With the daytime PrideFest postponed due to the rain, we were a little concerned that folks wouldn't show up for PrideFest After Dark. Boy were we wrong!
|
Not only did folks show up, the theater was filled to capacity - the biggest PrideFest After Dark ever!!! Keep this up and we'll have to book a larger venue next year.
|
|
Seriously, though. it's the people that attend our events that make our events what they are. The energy last night was electric, the queens put on phenomenal performances, and we dare say a good time was had by all. It was so amazing we can hardly wait to do it again next year!
|
|
So, thank you to everyone who showed up last night to have a good time and to show support for the Joliet Pride Network. We couldn't have done it without you.
|
|
|
|
Joliet PrideFest 2026
|
Saturday, September 26th @ 12pm
|
|
|
Get Ready to Shine: Joliet PrideFest is Back! 🎉🌈
|
Mother Nature wasn't cooperating this past Saturday, so PrideFest has been postponed until Saturday, September 26th. Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park will transform into a vibrant, rainbow-filled celebration for this year’s highly anticipated theme: "Rooted in Pride".
|
Running from Noon to 5:00 PM, the free, family-friendly daytime festival is all about connecting, celebrating diversity, and creating unforgettable memories. This year the outdoor entertainment will go on until 10pm, too! No matter who you are or who you love, there is a place for you to stand loud and proud!
|
✨ What’s in Store For You:
💃 Show-Stopping Entertainment: Catch the spectacular daytime drag show and cheer on local stars at the Community Talent Show!
🚚 Delicious Food Trucks: Fuel up for the day with a fantastic lineup of local eats.
🛍️ Massive Vendor Market: Shop and support local LGBTQ+-affirming businesses, artisans, and organizations.
🎨 Fun for All Ages: Dedicated Kid Zones filled with family activities and interactive Teen Zones mean the whole crew can join the party.
|
|
|
|
Game of Tones
|
Thursday, October 1st @ 7pm
|
|
|
Forget everything you know about your grandma’s bingo hall. No rolling cages, no dusty daubers, and definitely no silence.
|
Thursday, October 1st will be the last Game of Tones Musical Bingo held at Critical Grind cafe in Shorewood. Starting in November, future "Game of Tones" nights wil
|
If you’ve got a “critical hit” ear for music and a competitive streak, this is the night you’ve been waiting for.
|
- Hear the Hook: A song blasts through the speakers
- Check the Card: If that track is on your bingo sheet, mark it off.
- Claim Victory: Be the first to shout “BINGO” and bask in the glory!
Hosted by the high-energy legends at Liquid Kourage Entertainment, this isn’t just a game—it’s a party. Instead of listening for “B-12,” you’ll be listening for song snippets.
|
|
Whether it’s 80s hair metal, 90s pop anthems, or modern chart-toppers, Liquid Kourage keeps the playlist fresh and the energy electric.
|
|
|
|
Coffee & Conversation
|
Saturday, October 3rd @ 10am
|
|
|
Looking for a low-key, welcoming space to connect with fellow LGBTQ+ folks in the community? Join Joliet Pride Network for Coffee & Conversation, our new bi-weekly, seriously informal gathering. We’re just going to hang out and chat about anything on your mind. It’s also the perfect spot to get information on upcoming JPN events and perhaps pick up some JPN swag.
|
We’re taking these meetups on the road to give some love and support to the local businesses that have always stood by us. To make sure there’s a day/time that fits everyone’s schedule, we meet every other week, alternating days and locations:
|
- Saturday, 10/3 10-11:30am @ Tazza in Joliet
- Friday, 10/16 7-8:30pm @ Starbucks on W Jefferson Joliet
- Saturday, 10/31 10-11:30am @ Ten Drops in Plainfield
|
|
|
Monthly Gayme Night
|
Thursday, October 15th @ 7pm
|
|
|
The Joliet Pride Network will host its last “gayme” night at the Critical Grind Board Game Cafe in Shorewood, IL on October 15th from 7-11pm. JPN covers the $5 admission fee. Starting in November, future "gayme" nights will be held at a new location - keep an eye out for the details.
|
|
The “gayme” night is an event designed to promote inclusion, dignity, and acceptance by providing a safe and friendly environment for the local LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Attendees gather to play various tabletop games, fostering community and social connection.
|
|
|
|
Coffee & Conversation
|
Friday, October 16th @ 7pm
|
|
|
|
Looking for a low-key, welcoming space to connect with fellow LGBTQ+ folks in the community? Join Joliet Pride Network for Coffee & Conversation, our new bi-weekly, seriously informal gathering. We’re just going to hang out and chat about anything on your mind. It’s also the perfect spot to get information on upcoming JPN events and perhaps pick up some JPN swag.
|
We’re taking these meetups on the road to give some love and support to the local businesses that have always stood by us. To make sure there’s a day/time that fits everyone’s schedule, we meet every other week, alternating days and locations:
|
- Friday, 10/16 7-8:30pm @ Starbucks on W Jefferson Joliet
- Saturday, 10/31 10-11:30am @ Ten Drops in Plainfield
|
|
|
Wallyball
|
Saturday, October 17th @ 11am
|
|
|
Joliet Pride Network is Proud to sponsor Wallyball every third Saturday of the month from 11am – 1pm at the Annerino Community Center in Bolingbrook. The event is free to attend, it isn’t a competitive game, and is just a lot of fun!
|
|
Join us to meet new friends, create community, and play wallyball! Similar to volleyball except it is played on a racquetball court and you can use the walls. There is no expectation that you have played before or that you are athletic. This is a fun social game for all skill levels. Come on your own or grab a friend and have some fun. The best part, there are no fees because the game is on us.
|
|
|
|
   
|
|
|
|
|
|