Happy weekend, Joliet! In today’s happening-today edition: Luggage drive for foster kids, a petting zoo at the library, and yoga at the castle + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
A Scout project with purpose: Marist senior Grayson Herr is collecting luggage to help foster children move with dignity, aiming for 200 suitcases for Lutheran Child and Family Services in Joliet, with over 150 donated -- see the luggage drive.
Campus growth ahead: Joliet Junior College’s board approved expanding its Grundy County campus in Morris. A new building will open in fall 2028, with career and technical education and general education among offerings -- check the campus expansion.
Community theater milestone: Plainfield Children’s Theater staged its first full-length production, Shrek Jr., Friday, June 19 at Plainfield Central High School, with 45 local kids showcasing kindness, bravery, and teamwork onstage -- meet the young cast.
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Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Weeknight sushi solved: Whether you’re chasing crunchy rolls, warming bowls of ramen, or a lighter gluten-free bite, Cho Sushi keeps it fresh with a cozy vibe and friendly staff. Perfect for a low-key date or quick family upgrade, consider this your nudge to treat yourself this week with something delicious you didn’t cook.
Easy local camping: When you need a quick reset without a full-on road trip, Martin's Camping Ground is an easy local move for setting up camp, unplugging a bit, and remembering that birds are louder than your notifications... in a good way.
Local wildlife fix: Rock Run Rookery is that easy-in, easy-out spot for a quick paved stroll, shoreline casts, or a calm paddle. Keep an eye on the island rookery for great blue herons and egrets, then enjoy the built-in zen that comes with water on both sides.
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04 — Our recommendations
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🛍 Flea Market @ Westminster Presbyterian Church | Saturday (6/20) at 8:00 AM – Joliet’s outdoor flea market pops up with treasure hunting, neighborly haggling, and at least one table of vintage Tupperware. Vendor spots are 10' x 12' for $35, bring your own tables and chairs. No guns, ammo, or liquor.
🐐 Zoo to You Petting Zoo @ Joliet Public Library - Black Road Branch | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Library day gets a little woolly as Zoo to You brings a pettable mini donkey, a lamb, and maybe even a llama between the stacks. It’s all ages, no registration, rain or shine, and if you want to play hero, feed is $2 a cup.
🧘 Yoga at the Castle @ Bishops Hill Winery | Saturday (6/20) at 12:30 PM – Whether your warrior pose is wobbly or winery-ready, Megan V. leads a fun flow at Bishops Hill Winery, then rewards you with a pour. $20 gets you the class and one drink, not the fancy cabernet. Bring a mat, expect outdoor vibes if weather cooperates.
⚾ Florence Yalls @ Joliet Slammers Stadium | Saturday (6/20) – Baseball in Joliet is back, and the Slammers host the Florence Y’alls for nine innings of hits, heckles, and hometown pride. Skip the to-do list, claim a seat you can actually see from, and savor cold beer, salty snacks, and gloriously petty rivalries.
🎉 Summer Reading Celebration Party @ Barnes & Noble | Saturday (6/20) – Nothing beats watching the kids rack up pages while you enjoy the library’s AC. The library’s first Summer Reading Celebration Party hands them crafts, games, and prizes, plus bragging rights for finishing books. It is cheerful chaos, and your carpets avoid glitter.
🚗 Car Show and Track Day @ Autobahn Country Club | Sunday (6/21) at 9:00 AM – Think you know your apex from your Costco run? Autobahn Country Club hosts a track day and car show with URW Automotive, Revmatch, and SavageGeese. Swap small talk for tire talk, enjoy fast cars, and consider Joliet traffic your warmup.
🎤 Katie Kostner Live on the Patio @ Heroes West Sports Grill | Sunday (6/21) at 3:00 PM – Feel like pretending your to-do list can wait? Katie Kostner is on the patio at Heroes West Joliet, serving laid-back tunes, cold-beer energy, and easy-breezy vibes. Settle in, swap a few stories, and let the afternoon behave like a mini vacation. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Joliet report Weather forecastToday — High: 79°F — Low: 59°F — Precip: 25%
A chance of rain showers before 7am. Sunny, with a high near 79. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. North northeast wind 0 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 73°F — Low: 58°F — Precip: 87%
A chance of rain showers between 7am and 10am, then showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. East wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Chance of precipitation is 90%. This house is wildThis new Bellamy at Prairie Landing offers 2,051 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a flex room, and a full basement. The open-concept great room and kitchen pair quartz countertops, designer cabinetry, and a pantry with easy entertaining flow. Upstairs, the private primary suite shines with a deluxe bath, walk-in closet, and convenient laundry room.
Take a peek inside → |
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