Click here to view & print: 2015 Park’s Summer EVENTS & FREE Concerts On The Hill Thursdays

It’s that time of year again— school is out, grass is green, and we are kicking off our FREE summer “Concerts On the Hill” – the 41st season! Every Thursday night at 6:30, guests can enjoy a variety of live performances at our outdoor bandshell on downtown Joliet’s waterfront. Use the handy calendar on this site to see each evening’s line-up. Just click on any Thursday in June, July & August. Here’s a view of more summer fun planned for 2015 at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theatre:

41st Season of FREE “Concerts on the Hill” – June 4-August 27 Kicks off June 4 and runs every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in June, July and August under the big outdoor bandshell overlooking the river. From marching bands to acapella choirs, polka to jazz,  a wide variety of free family entertainment brings the community together on the big grassy hill. Bring blankets and chairs for seating. Concession are available. Picnic baskets are welcome. Parking is free.

“The Rocky Horror Show” – The Rock ‘n Roll Musical – June 19, 20, 26, 27 & 28

The wildly fun musical rolls onto the stage Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m. Show tickets are $15 per person, $10 for groups of 10 or more (CASH or CHECK ONLY). New this year, guests can enjoy appetizers, beer and wine during the show, which will be available for purchase one hour before showtime and at intermission. Seating is limited so those interested in attending are urged to purchase them during office hours (M-Th 8am-4:30 pm) and concert nights (Th 6:30 – 8:30 pm, concession window). Reservations are accepted and encouraged: 815-724-3761.

“Summertime On-Stage” Youth Drama Camp Celebrates Its 15th Season! June 15-July 12

The Park invites ages 5-18 to join the hands-on experience of creating a musical! Students meet on the indoor stage Monday-Thursday, June 15-July 12.  Open to ages and levels of ability, children study creative dramatics, production design and more while preparing this year’s musical, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” for public performance on July 11 & 12.

Ages 5-11 meet 12:00 noon-2:00 p.m. ($180).
Ages 11-18 meet 9:00 am – 2:00 p.m. ($250).
Those age 11 may choose from either camp.
Registration is accepted on Monday. Tuition assistance is available.

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” By “Summertime On-Stage” Campers – July 11 & 12

The classic tale is presented to the public by the drama campers. Come see what these kids can do! Shows are Saturday  and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. ($3 at the door).

Park’s Youth Drama Alumni Invited to the Show! 

To celebrate our 15 years of youth theatre, all alumni of Bicentennial Park’s youth drama program are invited for special recognition during the show.

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The United States Air Force Band Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble – August 13

Join us for a very special Tuesday concert, when the Scott-Air Force Base jazz band heats up the bandshell.  August 13returns Tuesday, August 18 at 6:30 p.m. This world-class band is making only 3 stops in Illinois this summer and Joliet’s was chosen as their first performance. The 18-piece band of musicians and vocalists will perform swing to modern jazz. Audience members are invited to join the fun and wear their favorite shade of blue.

New! “Battle of the Bands” – July 18 & 25

Calling all amateur bands – it’s your time to shine! Battle on the big bandshell on Saturday, July 18 and 25, 6:00-10:00 p.m., with Park admission $5 all ages. Six band will be selected from submissions to perform July 18. The top three bands will compete on July 25 for prizes: 1st $600, 2nd $500 and 3rd $400. Band registration is free and there is no age limit. Forms are available on the Park’s Facebook page and upon request (815-724-3760). Forms are due BY July 3.

“We’re planning our best season ever, and hope for record turnout to these great shows,” said Bicentennial Park & Theatre Manager Rich Liebich. A City of Joliet employee for the past 28 years, he adds,   “Bicentennial Park &Theatre believes in giving local talent center stage and a chance to shine. There’s so much right here! There’s a real sense of community here where neighbors and families meet downtown to enjoy quality, affordable entertainment for all ages, all year round, inside and out!”

The Park’s value grows richer with each who pass through it. Nobody knows that better than the founder, Billie Limacher, who received the 2014 Illinois Office of Tourism Lincoln Award, nominated by the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau, for four decades of commitment to an outstanding Illinois tourism venue. Affectionately, she still considers the park her “fifth child” at age 94, which she celebrated at the end of May. Together over the many years, Bille, her volunteer not-for-profit board (Will-Joliet Bicentennial Park, Inc.) and the City of Joliet, continue to champion the importance of community by providing a beautiful downtown oasis.