Joliet Pride Network

08/27/2026

🎟️ JOLIET PRIDEFEST AFTER DARK TICKETS ARE LIVE! 🎟️

Keep the celebration going after the sun goes down!

Join us for an unforgettable 18+ evening packed with high-energy performances, music, and the crowning of Miss Joliet PrideFest 2026!

Standard & VIP tickets are on sale right now on our website. Early bird discounts are available through 8/31 so grab yours today!

🔗 Claim your tickets here: https://jolietpridenetwork.org/event/afterdark/

08/26/2026

Losing two absolute giants who gave so much to the LGBTQ+ community is almost too much to bear. Tim Curry leaving us right on the heels of Dolly Parton just doesn't seem real.

For many older LGBTQ+ community members, seeing Tim's legendary performance as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show when it first came out gave us the courage and permission to be our unapologetic true selves. As he sang in his final song of the movie, "don't dream it, be it." - advice we should always strive to follow.

The world definitely feels a little dimmer today with two of its brightest stars gone, but they left us with such great examples of how to create spaces where everyone is welcome & valued.

Rest in power, Tim.

Tim Curry News

08/25/2026

Long before it was popular for celebrities and icons to speak out, Dolly embraced the LGBTQ+ community with unconditional love.

Although she was not a political person, in 2009 she was an early supporter of same-sex marriage. Then in 2023, amidst a wave of anti-trans legislation in her home state of Tennessee, she again broke her political silence in support of the Trans community.

"I just want everybody to be treated good. I try not to get into the politics of everything. I try to get into the human element of it. I have some of everybody in my own immediate family and in my circle of employees. I've got transgender people. I've got g**s. I've got le****ns. I've got drunks. I've got drug addicts — all within my own family. I know and love them all, and I do not judge." - Dolly

We will miss your infinite kindness & generosity, your unique sparkle & beauty, and most of all the pure joy you embodied every day.

RIP Dolly. 💔

Dolly Parton

08/25/2026

You asked, and we listened! 🎉 JPN’s Joliet PrideFest is officially expanding to 12 PM - 10 PM!!!

Get ready for 10 hours of celebration, entertainment, music, dancing, and Pride at Bicentennial Park! 🎤🎪💃🎶

We’ll have entertainment happening throughout the day, with an incredible lineup of singers, bands, dancers, aerial acrobats/circus acts, fire dancing, line dancing, and more!

08/25/2026

Today we mark the birthday of the legendary Black trans rights activist Marsha P. Johnson.

From her participation in the Stonewall uprising, to the founding of Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), to her tireless activism and advocacy for those suffering from HIV/AIDS during the 1980's pandemic, Marsha helped pave the way for future generations of trans and q***r people worldwide.

Rest in power, Marsha. We will never forget you.

08/24/2026

🎉Keep the celebration going after the sun goes down!🎉

Tickets are available for Joliet PrideFest After Dark. Don't miss this night of incredible performances as the Queens compete for the Miss Joliet PrideFest 2026. 👑

PROMO ALERT: Score $5 OFF all VIP tickets now through August 31st! Upgrade your night for extra perks, premium views, and early access—without paying full price.

Grab your tickets here: https://jolietpridenetwork.org/event/afterdark/

08/20/2026

08/19/2026

Come one come all to the Fellowship Club of Will County’s end of summer Labor Day celebration. All are welcome, bring the family. Picnic will begin after the 10:30am meeting at approximately 11:45am. Bring a dish if you wish. Free will donations are welcome and appreciated. See you there!

08/18/2026

Looking for a safe, welcoming space to hang out, be yourself, and connect with peers? The Plainfield Pride Youth Center is here for you!

We welcome all LGBTQIA+ youth and allies to come participate in activities, build community, and make lasting friendships in a supportive environment.

Details:
Ages: 13 – 18 years old
When: Every Monday, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: United Church of Christ | 24020 W. Fraser Rd., Plainfield, IL 60586

Help us spread the word:
Tag a friend in the comments who should join us this Monday!
Share this post to help teens and families in our community find a safe and supportive youth space.

Come as you are - we can’t wait to meet you!