May 2 - 4
“The Neighborhood” Kiwanis Variety Show
Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, Joliet
Presented by the Kiwanis Club of Joliet
815/724-3760 (Park)
www.bicentennialpark.org
Singing, dancing, comedy and a few surprises — fun for the whole family. Call Park for tickets. All seats $15. Shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 pm, Sunday 2:00.

May 3
Bill Cosby
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago Street, Joliet
815/726-7171
www.rialtosquare.com
Bill Cosby is, by any standards, one of the most influential stars in America today. Whether it be through concert appearances or recordings, television or films, commercials or education, Bill Cosby has the ability to touch people's lives. A veteran stand-up performer, he got his start at various clubs, then landed a vanguard role in the 1960's action show I Spy. Soon after, he created the humorous educational cartoon series Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, about a group a young friends growing up in the city. He later starred in his own critically acclaimed long-running family series, The Cosby Show. 4pm & 8pm Tickets: AAA $59.50; AA, A, B $49.50; C $39.50

May 3
Historic Homes of the Recent Past 1920-1958
Seminar hosted by the Historic Preservation Society of Joliet
Joliet Area Historical Museum
204 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet
815/724-4052
9am-1pm

May 3
Fairy Festival
Pilcher Park Nature Center
Gougar Road, Joliet
815/722-5317
Join us for Fairy Fest Nature Center style! Enjoy fairy flower walks, discover fairy food, make enchanted crafts and be entertained by winged hostesses! Come dressed in wings, make a wand, learn a few magic words and indulge your inner child. All ages; 10am-2:30pm; $4

May 4
Joliet Iron Works Tour
Joliet Iron Works Historic Site
815/727-8700
www.fpdwc.org
Learn about the iron- and steel-making process at the site that gave rise to Joliet’s slogan as the City of Steel. (Program is free of charge and open to all ages.) 9am

May 5
Craft Club
Joliet Public Library- Black Road Branch
815/740-2662
www.joliet.lib.il.us
Kids in Grades 4-8 are invited to attend this free craft session. All materials are provided but registration is required. 7pm

May 6
GYPSY
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago Street, Joliet
815/726-7171
www.rialtosquare.com
Start to finish, GYPSY never lets up. From the first trumpet blast to the last hot spotlight, this musical legend packs a wallop. Theatre giants Arthur Laurents, Jule Styne, Stephen Sondheim, and Jerome Robbins combined forces to trace the glitzy showbiz rise of two daughters, fueled by an overbearing, ambitious stage mother, Rose, as her larger-than-life dreams turned them into stars. Big, brassy, energetic, heart touching, funny and memorable, GYPSY reaffirms America’s love of good old-fashioned entertainment with songs like “Let Me Entertain You,” “Some People,” “You Gotta Have A Gimmick,” and “Everything’s Coming Up Roses.” Everyone agrees – Broadway musicals don’t get much better than GYPSY! 8pm Tickets: AA, A $55.00; B, C $45.00

May 9
The Kingston Trio
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago Street, Joliet
815/726-7171
www.rialtosquare.com
Grammy Award winners, The Kingston Trio is one of the best-known folk groups in history. The Kingston Trio was the number one vocal group in the world, a musical and cultural phenomenon whose record sales and concert draws were matched only by The Beatles. The Kingston Trio is one of the few groups today that has survived the many changes in the world of music. They have remained consistent in their sound, which resulted in their resurgence in popularity over the last few years. 7:30pm Tickets: AAA $48.00; AA, A $35.00; B $25.00; C $20.00
May 10
Explore Joliet 8K Run/1-Mile Walk
Downtown Joliet
815/774-6066
www.jolietdowntown.com
Ride begins at 9am from Rialto Square Theatre on Chicago Street.

May 11
Mother’s Day at the Museum
Joliet Area Historical Museum
204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet
815/723-5201
www.jolietmuseum.org
Bring your mom to the Museum on Mother’s Day and her admission is FREE! Don’t forget the Gift Shop for great gift ideas. A Museum membership is the gift that gives all year long! Noon-5pm

May 11
Mother’s Day Brunch
JJC Renaissance Center, Joliet
815/280-1404
www.rencen.info
Her joy at your birth. Her patience thru your youth. Her counsel in your adulthood. Do you need more reasons to treat your mother on her special day? Our classic brunch provides the very best of morning and afternoon fare. Wonderful, chef-carved entrées, artistic salads and much, much more are complemented with chilled champagne!

May 13 & 14
Go, Diego Go, Live! “The Great Jaguar Rescue!
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago Street, Joliet
815/726-7171
www.rialtosquare.com
Join Diego, Nickelodeon's adventure hero, as he swings into action in his live show, GO, DIEGO GO, LIVE! THE GREAT JAGUAR RESCUE! Diego, along with his sister Alicia, and cousin, Dora the Explorer, are off on an action packed special mission to get Baby Jaguar's growl back from the Bobo Brothers. They'll need the audience's help to rescue animals, navigate through the rainforest, and bypass a giant waterfall to get to the Animal Carnivale, iAl rescate, amigos! To the rescue, my friends! Tuesday 7pm; Wednesday 4pm & 7pm Tickets: AAA $48.50; AA $38.50; A $25.50; B $18.50; C $15.50

May 17
Ride the Rock
Rock Run—I & M Canal Access
815/727-8700
www.fpdwc.org
Join hundreds of others in biking a 15-mile looped trail through Joliet, Crest Hill, and Rockdale. (Program is free of charge and open to all ages.) 9am-3pm

May 17
“Jammin’ With JMS”
Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, Joliet
Sponsored by Joliet Montessori School
815/302-5242 (Tickets/Info)
815/724-3760 (Park)
www.bicentennialpark.org
Joliet Montessori School brings in this family festival filled with children’s entertainment from dancers to musicians, along with crafters and vendors. A concert will feature “Tisa Plays” from the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. Tisa Batchelder, musician, teacher illustrator and children’s author, fills the stage with whimsy and enthusiasm with her rockin’ little band. “Kids for Karen,” led by signer, songwriter and teacher Karen Banks-Lubicz, lends her energetic folk, rock style to harmonies enjoyed by the whole family. Free admission to the fair, tickets for the concert $10. Saturday 12:00 noon.

May 17
International Museum Day
Joliet Area Historical Museum
204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet
815/723-5201
www.jolietmuseum.org
Admission is FREE for all! Celebrate International Museum Day with craft projects and a visit to the galleries. noon -5pm

May 18
American Legion Band Concert
Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, Joliet
815/724-3760 (Park)
www.bicentennialpark.org
Joliet’s hometown pride and national award-winning band will fill the indoor theatre with a variety of music sure to move audience members. Call Park for tickets, $10 (all proceeds benefit the band). Sunday 2:30pm.

May 26
Memorial Day
Joliet Area Historical Museum
204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet
815/723-5201
www.jolietmuseum.org
The Museum is open on Memorial Day, so come in for a visit. 10am-5pm

May 27
EVITA
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago Street, Joliet
815/726-7171
www.rialtosquare.com
Winner of seven Tony Awards®, EVITA brings to life the dynamic, larger-than-life persona of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator, Juan Peron. Blessed with charisma, Eva Peron captivated a nation by championing the working class. This exuberant production creates a gripping theatrical experience and features Andrew Lloyd Webber's compelling Latin, pop and jazz influenced score. One of the most popular collaborations between Webber and Tim Rice, this legendary musical features the memorable song “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina.” 8pm Tickets: AA, A $55.00; B, C $45.00

May 30-31
Illinois High School Association (IHSA)
Boys Class 1A & 2A Baseball Championships
Silver Cross Field, Joliet
815/723-9045
www.visitjoliet.org
Come cheer on the top Class 1A & 2A Illinois high school boys baseball teams as they compete for the championship title. Also experience clinics and other fun activities sponsored by SLAM Baseball & Fastpitch Academy. Games played throughout the day, with championship game Saturday night. Visit website for times. Minimal admission fee.

Ongoing - September
Joliet JackHammers 2008 Season
Silver Cross field, downtown Joliet
815/726-BALL (2255)
www.jackhammerbaseball.com
The Joliet Jackhammers are a minor league baseball team in the independent Northern League. Experience Jackhammer entertainment…and the baseball ain’t bad either!

Ongoing
Time Travelers Bus Trips
Joliet Area Historical Museum
204 N. Ottawa St.,Joliet
815/723-5201 ext. 235
www.jolietmuseum.org
Between April and December, the Joliet Area Historical Museum travels to historic sites throughout Illinois on monthly bus trips. We travel by coach bus, and lunch is always included! Visit our website and see what we’re offering

Ongoing
Wednesday & Friday Themed Buffets
JJC Renaissance Center, Joliet
815/280-1404
www.rencen.info
11am-1:30pm
During the academic semesters – students prepare fantastic culinary delights in thematic menus such as Italian, French, Greek, and/or Polish, etc. Buffets include an array of incredible entrée items, salads, delicious just-baked breads, and tempting desserts. Large or small groups and walk-ins welcome! Because theme buffets are totally student-driven, detailed menus are not available in advance.

Ongoing
Friday Night Out Dinner Series
JJC Renaissance Center, Joliet
815/280-1404
www.rencen.info
Serving the Public every Friday 5:30pm-8:30pm during the spring semester. Escape menu malaise with distinct, memorable and affordable dining every Friday evening! A new and extraordinary menu is artistically crafted each week to provide an array for your appetite.