Festival of the Gnomes

Celebrating 50 years! A live stage production follows the cast of “wee folk” on their adventures doing good works. Celebrate 50 years of holiday magic and tradition as the beloved Festival of the Gnomes returns for its milestone anniversary. First presented in 1976 to coincide with the grand opening of Bicentennial Park, the Festival of the Gnomes has become a cherished Joliet holiday tradition. Inspired by European folklore, where gnomes are known as caretakers of the earth, the festival was created as a non-religious winter celebration highlighting kindness, community, and the natural world. Through storytelling, music, and performance, the festival celebrates the good works of gnomes as they care for animals, people, and the environment, sharing messages of generosity and compassion that continue to resonate with audiences of all ages. This year's 50th Anniversary celebration also honors the legacy of Billie Limacher, whose vision and dedication to the arts helped establish Bicentennial Park as a treasured cultural gathering place for generations of Joliet residents. Families and friends are invited to experience the wonder of this beloved tradition and celebrate five decades of creativity, community, and holiday cheer.