Joliet PrideFest

Joliet PrideFest is a free, family-friendly daytime festival in downtown Joliet run by the Joliet Pride Network. It features a daytime drag show, a community talent show, food trucks, a vendor market and kid and teen zones. A ticketed 18+ PrideFest After Dark includes a nighttime drag show and the crowning of Miss Joliet PrideFest.

Joliet Pride Network is a grassroots nonprofit run entirely by volunteers. Its work centers on three goals: creating safe, affirming spaces; keeping the LGBTQ+ community visible across Joliet and Will County; and supporting mental health by easing loneliness through regular social outings, peer support and educational workshops. Beyond PrideFest, its board hosts community resource fairs and builds partnerships with local government and businesses.

The 2026 festival took place at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park under the theme Rooted in Pride. The vendor market highlights LGBTQ+ affirming businesses, artisans and organizations, and local performers take part in the community talent show.

The board includes a founding organizer of PrideFest with more than 20 years in social work, much of it supporting people with mental health challenges and people living with HIV, and a local business owner who has been the festival's anchor sponsor since its first year. A licensed ASL interpreter on the board focuses on making spaces accessible.

Pride events celebrate LGBTQ+ people and mark the Stonewall uprising of June 1969. Most combine a parade or march with a festival of performers, community groups, vendors and food.

Joliet PrideFest has included festival, drag, talent show, kids zone, teen zone and after dark event.

The next edition is September 26, 2026. It usually falls september.