Mardi Gras Comes to Downtown Joliet with New Orleans North

Celebrate the Big Easy and help a worthy cause as you kick off summer with a party in downtown Joliet.

The Joliet Chamber of Commerce will host its annual New Orleans North event from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday at Chicago and Van Buren streets.

The event features a Mardi Gras theme with live music, domestic and craft beers, Cajun and American food, street performers and more.

Tickets are $5 in advance online or $10 at the event.

Everyone who buys a ticket will have a chance to win a three-night stay at Harrah's New Orleans and a $500 airfare voucher. Starting at 11 p.m., attendees are asked to bring their ticket stubs to an after party at grand presenting sponsor Harrah's for a midnight drawing.

This year, Blind Whiskey and Hurricane Gumbo will perform at the event. Live entertainment  also include a juggler, stilt walker and other street performers.

A portion of the proceeds benefits the United Way of Will County.

For more information check out the New Orleans North website.