Joliet's New Orleans North Festival Comes To An End: Chamber Makes Announcement

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry issued a press release on Tuesday revealing that it will transition away from its New Orleans North Festival beginning in 2026, as it takes a new direction in community events.

"After more than a decade of community impact, the Chamber’s Board of Directors approved the refocus at its final meeting of 2025. Chamber staff and the Special Events Committee are energized to plan new community programming that will better serve the region in the years ahead, the announcement read.

“The New Orleans North Festival has been a meaningful part of our Chamber’s history, and we’re proud of the community impact it has had over the years,” said Jen Howard, President of the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “As our region continues to grow and change, this decision allows us to be thoughtful and intentional about how we invest in future programming that best serves our members and community."

The ending of the New Orleans North comes two weeks after the Joliet Park District revealed that it is shutting down the Taste of Joliet tradition, which was a three-day music and food festival held at Memorial Stadium the third weekend every June.