City Square: Downtown Joliet’s Gathering Place
Social District
Experience downtown Joliet like never before. Whether you’re here for live music, a community festival, or just a sunny afternoon stroll, our Social District allows you to enjoy your favorite beverages while exploring the heart of our city.
Performer & Instructor Application
Submissions are now open for 2026 programming. Artists, performers, instructors, or arts organizations looking to share their talents with the community are invited to complete the Performer & Instructor Application to be part of the City’s 2026 lineup of performances, classes and cultural experiences. Performers and instructors will be compensated for their time if selected for inclusion in the 2026 lineup.
Sponsorship
The City of Joliet is inviting businesses, community leaders, and philanthropic partners to take part in the City Square Partnership Recognition Program through naming opportunities, sponsorships, and donor recognition tied to signature features and beloved programs.
This is your chance to leave a lasting legacy, show civic pride, and help bring this transformative public space fully to life.
Chicago Street Farmers Market
Fridays, May 22 – September 18, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Now in its third year, the Chicago Street Farmers Market returns to its home in the heart of historic downtown Joliet.
A curated, locally driven market dedicated to elevating small businesses and supporting farmers, makers, bakers and growers, the market offers a wide selection of fresh produce, artisan foods, handcrafted goods and locally made products every Friday morning throughout the summer and into fall.
Sounds on 66
This Friday night concert series brings a dynamic lineup of musical styles to the inaugural season in City Square. The series will highlight a diverse mix of performers, creating an inviting space for residents and visitors to gather, listen, and celebrate local culture. Presented in partnership with Chicago Street Pub.
Fridays | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
September 11: Wood Fired Boys (rain date performance)
September 18: Big Lagniappe
September 25: J3 Experience
Wellness Workouts
Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:00 a.m.
Jump-start your day with workouts featuring instructor‑led movement designed to energize your body and lift your mood. *Bring your own mat if needed
September 1- SAGE Bodywork & Wellness w/ Kelly Fowler
September 8- Camilo Amaya (Zumba & Rumba)
September 15 - Get Your Body In Motion w/ Charles Murray
September 22 - Body Rehab Fitness, w/ Trinita Stevenson
September 29 - IZXOTI Wellness, w/ Fanny Sanchez
Dancing in the Square
City Square transforms into a vibrant dance floor where residents mingle, visitors join the fun, and the community comes alive. This lively series features a variety of dance styles, with each event beginning with an hour of instruction from dynamic teachers, followed by a DJ or live band that invites everyone to jump in and show off their new moves.
Wednesdays | 5:30 –7:30 p.m.
September 2 - The Lockport Swing Thing
September 9 - Stepping with Snoopy King featuring DJ Calvin Haynes
September 16 - I Just Wanna Dance Studio with Zorana Botha featuring DJ Jesse El Grandote
September 23 - Line Dancing w/ Ton featuring DJ The Muzician
September 30 - Lines N Motion w/ Belynda Head featuring DJ The Muzician
City Square brings new energy to Downtown Joliet as a vibrant, welcoming destination for connection, culture, and community. Located across from the iconic Rialto Square Theatre at the corner of Clinton and Chicago Streets, City Square sits at the crossroads of Joliet’s rich history and its future—anchored along historic U.S. Route 66 and surrounded by dining, entertainment, and regional attractions. At its center will stand the Unity Dome, a signature public art sculpture by internationally recognized artist Sijia Chen.
Designed as Joliet’s central gathering place, City Square will offer year-round programming through a dynamic mix of weekly activities, recurring monthly events, and signature marquee celebrations. Through strong partnerships and inclusive programming, City Square invites residents and visitors alike to come together, stay awhile, and be part of Joliet’s next chapter.
Project Overview
City Square will bring a vibrant gathering place to Downtown Joliet. Located across from the Rialto Square Theater, at the corner of Clinton and Chicago Streets, City Square is uniquely positioned to take advantage of regional destinations and to build upon the historical significance of U.S. Route 66.
The development of City Square is complementary to the Chicago Street Reconstruction project, and the streetscape plan for this project is being constructed simultaneously. The Chicago Street Reconstruction project implements a redesign of Chicago Street from Jefferson Street to Webster Street to reestablish the identity of this corridor as a street that is safe for all types of transportation. Both projects advance the high-level conceptual designs from the Chicago Street Corridor Plan(PDF, 50MB) (2018).
City Council approved final design and construction contracts in July 2024. Construction will be completed in phases throughout 2024, 2025,
and 2026, with the City continuing to coordinate closely with local businesses, institutions, and stakeholders throughout the process.
The design envisions a welcoming plaza-like park that will become a vibrant gathering place for residents and tourists alike. It will feature trees and casual seating, creating a comfortable environment for everyday enjoyment. At the heart of the space is a central green area crossed by wide pathways, encouraging easy movement and leisurely strolls. A prominent “red carpet” promenade will connect the Square to the Rialto Square Theatre, creating a striking visual link between the two spaces.
The Square will include a permanent main stage for performances, alongside a smaller interactive stage for community programs and intimate events. Throughout the area, planters, water features, and landscaped plantings will enhance the park’s beauty and create a sense of place. Ultimately designed for outdoor gatherings and activities, the space is intended for daily use while also accommodating larger-scale and seasonal events.
Chicago Street Reconstruction Project – Partial Cross-Section
This partial cross-section shows the future dimensions of the Chicago Street public rights-of-way components.
Unity Dome by Sijia Chen
Unity Dome, a 12-foot-tall, 19-foot-wide stainless-steel sculpture by internationally recognized artist Sijia Chen, will serve as the signature centerpiece of the new City Square. Installation is on schedule, with completion expected in May 2026. Chen describes the sculpture as capturing “the rich and diverse history, culture, aspirations, and spirit of the Joliet community,” weaving together personal stories and shared themes of commerce, resourcefulness, natural beauty, and daily life.
Selected through a competitive process led by the Joliet Arts Commission, Unity Dome was chosen from more than 50 proposals following public voting and finalist presentations. Designed to be interactive and community-driven, the sculpture will function as a focal gathering point within City Square.
Developed through months of community engagement, Unity Dome reflects Joliet’s history, culture, and identity. Public feedback informed visual elements inspired by local natural resources such as limestone and the Des Plaines River; architectural icons including Old Joliet Prison, the Rialto Square Theatre, and the Jefferson Street Bridge; and cultural touchstones like Route 66 and The Blues Brothers. These influences appear as intricate paper-cut–style cutouts—such as hammers, bridges, wheels, sunglasses, a Route 66 sign, and a chair from the Rialto Theatre—integrated into the stainless-steel dome to represent themes of industry, commerce, family, identity, and community pride.
“Unity Dome will not only be an iconic piece of art, but also a reflection of Joliet’s identity, history, and future,” said Mayor Terry D’Arcy.