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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.
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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!
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JPN Monthly Recurring Events
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An Open Letter to Critical Grind
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To the Critical Grind Team,
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We wanted to express our deepest gratitude for all the years you’ve opened your business to our community. Critical Grind provided a welcoming, inclusive space where everyone could show up as their whole selves and feel like they were safe and belonged. Building a community isn't just about having a space to meet in, it’s also about the generosity and kindness of the people that provide that space.
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We are going to miss this place immensely, but we will be there to support you in whatever your future incarnation brings. Thank you for the memories, the hospitality, and your unwavering support of our community over the years.
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With love and appreciation,
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JPN Movie Night
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Tuesday, September 15th @ 7pm
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Pre-PrideFest Cocktails at Mauve
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Wednesday, September 16th @ 7pm
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Join us for Pre-PrideFest Cocktails at Mauve in Shorewood on Wednesday, September 16th, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
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Whether you're stopping by to catch up with familiar faces, make a few new friends, or simply unwind over a gorgeous drink, this night is all about celebrating our wonderful community. Mauve offers the perfect cozy, stylish backdrop to relax, laugh, and kick off the festivities together.
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Monthly Gayme Night
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Thursday, September 17th @ 7pm
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The Joliet Pride Network hosts a regular “gayme” night at the Critical Grind Board Game Cafe in Shorewood, IL on the third Thursday of the month from 7-11pm. JPN covers the $5 admission fee.
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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.
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Coffee & Conversation
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Friday, September 18th @ 7pm
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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.
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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:
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- Friday, 9/18 7-8:30pm @ Critical Grind in Shorewood
- 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
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Wallyball
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Saturday, September 19th @ 11am
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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!
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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.
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Joliet PrideFest 2026
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Saturday, September 19th @ 12pm
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Get Ready to Shine: Joliet PrideFest is Back! 🎉🌈
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Mark your calendars, grab your glitter, and dust off your rainbow gear because the Joliet Pride Network is bringing the energy, the love, and the community back to town! On Saturday, September 19th, Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park will transform into a vibrant, rainbow-filled celebration for this year’s highly anticipated theme: "Rooted in Pride".
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Running from Noon to 5:00 PM, the free, family-friendly daytime festival is all about connecting, celebrating diversity, and creating unforgettable memories. No matter who you are or who you love, there is a place for you to stand loud and proud!
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✨ 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.
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Joliet PrideFest After Dark
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Saturday, September 19th, 7-10pm
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Keep the celebration going after hours with Joliet PrideFest After Dark! 🌈✨
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When the sun sets on the daytime festivities, the energy turns up for this exclusive 18+ ticketed event.
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Join us in the theater at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and high-energy entertainment. Featuring electrifying drag performances and culminating with the crowning of Miss Joliet PrideFest 2026.
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🧹✨ Volunteers Needed for Community Trail Cleanup! ✨🧹
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Join the Joliet Pride Network as we give back to our community and spruce up a portion of the Joliet Junction Trail! 🌲💪
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Whether you're looking to log volunteer hours, meet great people, or just enjoy some fresh air while making a difference, we'd love to have you on the team.
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📅 When: Saturday, September 26th
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Parking / Starting Location: 2320 Black Rd, Joliet, IL (We will be heading North toward Ingalls Ave.)
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Game of Tones
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Thursday, October 1st @ 7pm
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Forget everything you know about your grandma’s bingo hall. No rolling cages, no dusty daubers, and definitely no silence.
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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
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If you’ve got a “critical hit” ear for music and a competitive streak, this is the night you’ve been waiting for.
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- 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.
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Whether it’s 80s hair metal, 90s pop anthems, or modern chart-toppers, Liquid Kourage keeps the playlist fresh and the energy electric.
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Coffee & Conversation
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Saturday, October 3rd @ 10am
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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.
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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:
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- 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
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Monthly Gayme Night
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Thursday, October 15th @ 7pm
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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.
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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.
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Coffee & Conversation
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Friday, October 16th @ 7pm
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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
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Wallyball
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Saturday, October 17th @ 11am
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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!
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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.
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