Workouts in the Square 

Morning fitness classes including yoga, Zumba, and low-impact workouts designed for all ages and abilities. 

Family Storytime 

A free, interactive storytime presented in partnership with the Joliet Public Library, promoting early literacy, family engagement, and regular use of City Square. 

Dancing in the Square 

Evening social dance instruction followed by open dancing in a fun, welcoming downtown atmosphere. 

Live at the Square – Music Series 

Free outdoor concerts showcasing local and regional performers, creating an energetic and inviting downtown experience. 

Chicago Street Farmers Market (*May-September)  

The Chicago Street Farmers Market returns on Fridays from 10am-2pm, featuring a rotating selection of local vendors, makers, and artisans offering fresh, handmade, and regional goods. Apply here to become a vendor. 

Movies in the Square 

Outdoor evening movies at dusk, offering family-friendly entertainment under the stars. 

Cars & Guitars 

Classic cars paired with live music create a unique downtown draw and extended evening activity, presented in partnership with the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum. 

Family Performances 

Monthly family-friendly performances presented in partnership with the Joliet Public Library, featuring engaging entertainment for children and caregivers. 

Community Corner 

A welcoming, community-driven space where local organizations and initiatives take center stage. Presented in partnership with City Center Partnership, Community Corner celebrates connection, creativity, and community impact. 

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.