|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Game of Tones
|
Thursday, September 3rd @ 7pm
|
|
|
Forget everything you know about your grandma’s bingo hall. No rolling cages, no dusty daubers, and definitely no silence.
|
Every first Thursday of the month, Critical Grind transforms into a battlefield of beats and rhythms for Game of Tones Musical Bingo! 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
|
|
Just in time for Fall, Joliet Pride Network is pleased to announce that we will be starting a bi-weekly coffee meetup this September! Join us to learn about our upcoming events & volunteer opportunities, chat about LGBTQIA+ news & issues, or just hang out in a welcoming, relaxed space with other members of our community.
|
We have split the meetups between the morning that got the most votes and the evening that got the most votes. Here is the schedule for September & October:
|
- Saturday, 9/5 10-11:30am @ Social Butterfly Coffee in Joliet
- 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
|
|
|
Fiesta En La Plaza
|
Sunday, September 13th @ 12pm
|
|
|
The Joliet Pride Network is excited to have a table at the Joliet Latino Economic Development Association's 'Fiesta En La Plaza' on Sunday, September 13th in downtown Joliet!
|
|
Stop by our booth to connect with us, pick up some Joliet Pride Network swag, and get some info on all our upcoming community events and initiatives—including Joliet PrideFest coming up later this month!
|
|
|
|
JPN Fall Bowling League
|
|
Ready to strike up some fun this autumn? The Joliet Pride Network is rolling out its Fall Bowling League.
|
|
When: Sundays at 5:00 PM, running September 13th through December 20th (14 weeks total, taking a break the Sunday before Thanksgiving).
|
|
Where: Town and Country Lanes on W Jefferson St in Joliet.
|
|
The Deal: $15 per week—but, you get $15 back in food and drink credits every single week. It basically pays for itself!
|
Flexible Roster: Can't commit to all 14 weeks? No stress. Build a team with unlimited subs so someone can always step in. You only pay for the weeks you actually bowl.
|
|
Gather your team and come have a ball with JPN!
|
|
|
|
|
|
JPN Movie Night
|
Tuesday, September 15th @ 7pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monthly Gayme Night
|
Thursday, September 17th @ 7pm
|
|
|
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.
|
|
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, September 18th @ 7pm
|
|
|
|
Just in time for Fall, Joliet Pride Network is pleased to announce that we will be starting a bi-weekly coffee meetup this September! Join us to learn about our upcoming events & volunteer opportunities, chat about LGBTQIA+ news & issues, or just hang out in a welcoming, relaxed space with other members of our community.
|
We have split the meetups between the morning that got the most votes and the evening that got the most votes. Here is the schedule for September & October:
|
- 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
|
|
|
Wallyball
|
Saturday, September 19th @ 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.
|
|
|
|
Joliet PrideFest 2026
|
Saturday, September 19th @ 12pm
|
|
|
Get Ready to Shine: Joliet PrideFest is Back! 🎉🌈
|
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".
|
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!
|
✨ 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.
|
|
|
|
Joliet PrideFest After Dark
|
Saturday, September 19th, 7-10pm
|
|
|
Keep the celebration going after hours with Joliet PrideFest After Dark! 🌈✨
|
When the sun sets on the daytime festivities, the energy turns up for this exclusive 18+ ticketed event.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Edit this to insert text.
|
|
🧹✨ Volunteers Needed for Community Trail Cleanup! ✨🧹
|
Join the Joliet Pride Network as we give back to our community and spruce up a portion of the Joliet Junction Trail! 🌲💪
|
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.
|
📅 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.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
   
|
|
|
|
|
|