A popular south suburban summer staple won’t be returning in 2026, marking the first time in 20 years the event won’t take place, officials announced Wednesday.
The Joliet Park District revealed the Taste of Joliet will not be held in 2026 as the city prepares to replace it with a new event in 2027.
“We think the 20-year mark is a good time to reinvent the fest,” Executive Director Brad Staab said in a statement. “We’ve had a great run, and we are so proud of what we’ve accomplished. Now it’s time for the Joliet Park District to imagine what the next 20 years look like.”
Since it returned in 2006, the event has drawn headlining performances from stars like Zendaya, Sammy Hagar, Train, Goo Goo Dolls, Train, Little Big Town, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon, Trace Adkins, Kansas, Pat Benatar and more.
“It was an incredible two decades of entertainment,” Joliet Park District Board President Sue Gulas said in an announcement to residents. “Thank you to all of our Joliet and Chicagoland attendees and all of the fans that came from 23 different states in 2025.”
The park district did not reveal details on what will eventually replace the popular event beginning in 2027.
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