Events in Peoria, IL

Peoria Riverfront Market sets the scene for lively shopping and music. Browse stands filled with fresh produce, baked goods, tasty treats, and handcrafted art from local vendors. Shawn “Smitty” Smith performs on Stage 2 near Suwanee’s Pretzels, adding an easygoing set of feel-good songs to the market atmosphere. Bring a lawn chair, settle into the shaded area across from the stage, and enjoy a cup from Faire Coffee before continuing your exploration of everything the market has to offer.

Crochet with Cats returns to River Kitty Café for a relaxed crafting experience in the company of friendly felines. The session welcomes both newcomers and seasoned makers, with instruction led by Jolean Laming, owner of Southern Moons Creations, a name seen at PeoriaCon and Illinois Game Con. Attendance is capped at 15 participants, with space for 6 beginners and 9 experienced crafters. Beginner tickets are $30 and include all materials plus guidance for the craft of the month. Experienced tickets are $15 and suit those bringing a work in progress or tackling the monthly project independently with minimal assistance. Every ticket includes a complimentary 16 ounce drink of your choice. Tickets are available online.

A single day celebration of literature brings readers and storytellers together. Talk with authors from the community, explore vendors offering book related goods, and connect with fellow readers and writers. Whether you hope to discover your next favorite book or develop your craft as a writer, this gathering is for you.

Rooted in the 1960s under the guidance of visionary community leaders, this long-standing fair has become a cornerstone of cultural life in Central Illinois. Now nationally recognized and welcoming thousands each year, it unfolds along the Peoria Riverfront with fine art, live music, and local food creating a lively atmosphere. Hands-on activities invite participation from all ages, bringing creativity and community spirit together by the water.

Get Saturday underway with a group hike at Robinson Park. This monthly outing welcomes every pace and experience level. Participants split into small groups and choose routes that match their fitness, creating an approachable way to be active while meeting new people. The series takes place on the last Saturday of each month and rotates among different locations, encouraging everyone to enjoy local park resources and the many health benefits of time on the trail. For questions, call or text 858-367-3520.

Family Time features kids crafts, alongside open studio access for hands-on creating. Choose from more than 25 projects, including macrame, painting, leather, concrete and more. Craft cocktails, mocktails, and other beverages are available to enjoy while you work. Reservations are recommended but not required.

A meetup for Central Illinois real estate investors gathers at Thyme Kitchen & Craft Beer for practical discussions and meaningful networking. Whether you are new to investing or already closing deals, the focus is on connecting with active investors, learning creative financing approaches, and finding potential partners to help move more transactions to the finish line. Seating is limited.

This Pokemon League gathering focuses on casual matches and card trading. Tournaments take place occasionally, and there may be video game activities as well. Weekly specifics, including tournament information, are available through the Play! Pokemon Access app.

Film Club brings movie lovers together at the Main Library on the last Saturday of the month. Enjoy a feature on the big screen in the auditorium, then shift to a smaller, more relaxed space for a post-film discussion. Registration is optional and simply helps with snack planning. The lineup spans titles such as Monsoon Wedding directed by Mira Nair, Joy Ride directed by Adele Lim, The Bikeriders directed by Jeff Nichols, Get Out directed by Jordan Peele, Children of Men directed by Alfonso Cuaron, Better Off Dead directed by Savage Steve Holland, The Omen directed by Richard Donner, Blue Velvet directed by David Lynch, and The Matrix directed by Lana and Lily Wachowski, with ratings that range from PG to R.

Casa de Arte hosts an outdoor Latin dance night, weather permitting. It begins with a bachata lesson with no partner required, followed by a social featuring salsa, bachata, merengue, and more. Cover is $5, paid at the bar upon entry. Street parking is available. Guests are encouraged to dress up and wear shoes that allow safe, easy movement, avoiding flip flops or high-traction soles.

Explore a bustling flea market at Northwoods Mall, where shoppers can browse antiques and collectibles, handmade creations, and one of a kind treasures from a variety of vendors. Look for it on the upper level near the down escalator. Admission is $2 at the door. For vendor information, contact Aaron McCarty at 309-825-1223.

At Crafted, the kids menu is available throughout open hours, and every craft option is offered. Explore more than 25 projects, with choices like macrame, concrete, leather, painting, and more, so everyone in your party can work on something different. Reservations are suggested but not necessary.

This gathering offers casual play with the possibility of an occasional tournament. For full event details, follow the store on the Play Ravensburger Hub website. When possible, register there in advance to reserve a seat.

A welcoming meetup at the Peoria Public Library Lakeview Branch offering a space to share resources and find support, with a focus on neurodivergent adults. Adults are welcome to participate. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions and ideas to discuss.

Peoria Symphony Orchestra presents a concert at the Peoria Civic Center featuring tenor Rodrick Dixon. The program includes works by Verdi, Mozart, Wagner, Puccini, among others, with Dixon as the featured soloist.

Meet at Bike Peoria Co-Op for a relaxed monthly night ride created for anyone looking to build confidence on city streets, get more experience riding after dark, or spend time with friendly folks on bikes. There is no cost to participate and everyone is welcome. The route follows a gentle, guided loop through the West Bluff and West Peoria neighborhoods. Bring a bicycle, a helmet, and reliable front and rear lights. Riders interested in extra miles may head out for a second ride to continue farther into the evening.

Central Illinois Horror Con brings spooky season energy to Holiday Inn & Suites Peoria at Grand Prairie, presented by Spook Hollow, Slash Sisters, Funko Mafia of Central Illinois, Blue Orchid Event Planning, Curious Baubles, and Anthony's Collectibles. Fans of the genre can expect a family friendly atmosphere with activities throughout the day. Featured guests include Felissa Rose, known for Sleepaway Camp, Terrifier 2, Victor Crowley, Stream, and Scream 6, and Dave Sheridan, recognized for Scary Movie along with roles in The Devil’s Rejects, Victor Crowley, and Stream, plus a return as Doofy and Ghostface in Scary Movie 6. Programming includes a session on horror makeup techniques, a filmmaker Q&A with the team behind Arcadia: Origins of the Arkosios, and a joint conversation with both celebrities. A costume contest offers prizes for adults 13 and up as well as for kids 12 and under, and horror movie trivia hosted by Slash Sisters will reward the top scorer with an item from their vault of prizes.

World Ballet Company presents Swan Lake at the Peoria Civic Center with a full live orchestra. The production features 50 international dancers, more than 150 hand sewn costumes, and handcrafted sets, bringing the tale to life on stage. Tchaikovsky’s score is performed live, underscoring signature moments including the Little Swans and the Black Swan’s 32 fouettés. The performance runs about 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 20 minute intermission, and is suitable for ages 5 and up. Based in Los Angeles and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, the company tours iconic ballets nationwide with artists from over ten countries. To date, World Ballet Company has appeared in more than 300 cities and for audiences totaling over 500,000, reflecting its commitment to making ballet accessible to newcomers and longtime fans alike.

Red Barn hosts The End Times Four with a set of mid-century blues, jazz, and R&B. After a first show that led to an invitation to play on the first Wednesday of each month, the band returns with Aaron Miller on bass and vocals, Carl Bopp on accordion, flute, and vocals, Jim Ransone on guitar and vocals, and Joe Miller VI on drums.

Marking its tenth year, the St. Jude Harvest Moon returns to The Warehouse on State for an energetic evening that blends giving and good times. The program includes a live auction and raffles, substantial hors d’oeuvres, and craft beer and wine provided at no cost, followed by music from DJ Faith Rinker. More than 250 of the area’s rising professionals come together for a high-energy night that supports the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. St. Jude advances how the world understands, treats, and overcomes childhood cancer and other serious diseases. Since opening in 1962, overall childhood cancer survival in the United States has risen from 20 percent to more than 80 percent, and the work continues until no child dies from cancer. The hospital leads more pediatric cancer clinical trials than any other in the country. Thanks to generous donors, families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food, so they can focus on helping their child.

Set out from Bushwhacker in Junction City for a casual breakfast ride to Eggcellent Cafe and back. The ride moves at an easy pace of about 10 miles per hour and follows an out and back route of roughly 8.6 miles each way. Welcoming to friends and family, it offers a relaxed pedal to breakfast and a comfortable return.

Boogie T brings a bass heavy, genre-blending performance to the Peoria Riverfront at CEFCU Center Stage. Also known as Brock Thornton, this Louisiana-born producer and multi-instrumentalist moves between dubstep, funk, blues, and more, often weaving in live guitar, keys, and bass along with vocals and rap. His touring history includes major festivals such as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Coachella, and EDC Vegas, along with headlining runs across the United States. Advance tickets are priced at $35. Production support is provided by Advanced Audio & Lighting Systems, Inc.

Get The Led Out brings a faithful, high-voltage celebration of Led Zeppelin to Peoria Civic Center. The Philadelphia ensemble of six seasoned musicians aims to present the recordings on stage in all their layered detail, calling on multi-instrumentalists so every part is heard. When a song stacks three guitar parts on the record, they match it with three players live. The set leans toward the early era and reaches into seldom-performed deep tracks, with a special acoustic segment that includes favorites like Tangerine and Hey Hey What Can I Do. Skipping costumes and accents, the focus stays on musical power, precision, and the dramatic contrasts that defined the originals. With a national touring track record across major clubs and performing arts venues, the group approaches this celebrated body of work with the care of a classical program, delivering a meticulous, big-sounding rock concert.

A relaxed business hangout without the awkward networking feel, this monthly in-person gathering brings together women entrepreneurs to share wins, talk through challenges, and celebrate breakthroughs in a circle of founders who understand the juggle of ideas, hurdles, and progress. Expect a warm welcome, open conversations on the business topics that matter, a spirit of community rather than competition, and a sales free setting where relationships move beyond small talk. The meetup takes place at Cafe Santa Rosa. It is free and open to all women entrepreneurs, and attendees can bring their current goals and questions, as well as a friend if they wish. Hosting duties are shared by Francie Hinrichsen, founder of Founding Females, and Hannah Knight, founder of Always Flourishing Photography and The Studio on Sampson photography studio in Tremont, Illinois. Founding Females gatherings also take place each month in cities across Illinois and Indiana, with opportunities to launch new chapters in additional communities. Please note the venue’s policies: outside food and drinks are not allowed due to health regulations, participants are asked to purchase at least one beverage to support the space, and everyone is encouraged to help keep things tidy by returning dishes to the designated bin. As Jo Saxton says, when one person makes a breakthrough, the wall comes down so others can step through.

“Weird Al” Yankovic brings the Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour to the Peoria Civic Center with a high-energy multimedia comedy rock spectacle. The set blends signature hits with fan favorites making their live debut. His longtime band is joined by four additional musicians to expand the sound and scale for an even more immersive concert experience. Tickets are available through presales from Live Nation, the artist, Ticketmaster, Spotify, and PCC Insider, followed by a public onsale.

A live edition of the game show brings Plinko, Cliffhangers, the Big Wheel and the Showcase Showdown to Prairie Home Alliance Theater. The production recreates the television experience on stage with chances to win prizes, including the possibility of a new car.

At Peoria Civic Center, a new concert marks 35 years of Sonic the Hedgehog, uniting the franchise’s signature music with memorable moments from across the games on stage. A blend of live musicians, rock elements, electronics, and vocalists presents defining themes and newly arranged instrumental takes on fan favorites, spanning the series from its Genesis beginnings to today. From Green Hill Zone to "Undefeatable," the program traces milestones across Sonic’s history. Listen for hidden musical references woven into the arrangements, complemented by an energetic production that brings Sonic’s world to life in the venue. The concert also honors the creative legacy of composers Jun Senoue and Tomoya Ohtani, whose work has shaped Sonic’s sound over the years.

Experience a yoga class in the company of playful kittens, combining relaxation with kitten interaction. The class takes place in a lounge area with cats and is led by a credentialed instructor. It welcomes participants of all experience levels. Please bring a yoga mat; the cats are provided. Recommended for ages 12 and older. Capacity is limited for each session, and tickets are available online.

Matt Mathews brings the Not What I Ordered World Tour to the Peoria Civic Center. A comedian and singer songwriter from Birmingham, Alabama, he mixes unfiltered candor, sharp humor, and an inviting Southern personality. He first broke through during the pandemic with viral clips of farm life and chores, growing an audience of over 12 million followers and surpassing a billion views across social platforms. Ticket options include a public onsale, several presales for Citi Cardmembers, Live Nation, the artist, PCC Insider and Prairie Home Alliance, and VIP packages.

JimMaloof/REALTOR® hosts an annual, free indoor Halloween trick-or-treat walk for kids. Participants make their way through the halls in a safe setting, using a themed map to visit not-so-scary houses for treats. Along the way, there are games to play, coloring activities, chances to win prizes, and snacks to enjoy.

Anne Wilson brings The Stars Tour to Prairie Home Alliance Theater in Peoria, IL, joined by Aodhan King and Peter Burton. The GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter will share new songs from her album STARS alongside favorites like “God Story,” “Strong,” “Hey Girl,” and the chart-topping “My Jesus.” Expect an evening of music and worship with a glimpse at what is ahead for the tour. A VIP experience is planned before general admission doors open, and the schedule may be adjusted. Tickets are on sale now. To protect your purchase and receive updates, use the event’s official ticketing outlet, since third party resales are not permitted on related event pages and are not guaranteed.

A baby friendly art activity at McClure Branch Library invites little ones ages 0 to 3 to make an art keepsake to take home. Siblings may assist, though supplies are set aside for participants in the 0 to 3 age range. Wear clothing that can get messy. No preregistration is needed, and the program is free.

Runners and walkers tackle an eerie route through Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, IL. Participants can choose a 2 mile walk/run, a 6.55 mile run, a half marathon, a full marathon, a full marathon relay for teams of four, or a virtual option that includes a race t-shirt. The 2 mile distance is family friendly, and the relay offers a marathon experience without covering the entire distance. The half marathon, full marathon, and relay follow a prediction format in which the winner is the person who finishes nearest to the set finish benchmark without going over. Proceeds benefit the Yellow Bear Foundation, supporting research and awareness for Primary Immunodeficiency.

At Peoria Civic Center, explorer, author, and investigator Josh Gates, known for Discovery’s Expedition Unknown and Syfy’s Destination Truth, takes the stage for an evening centered on haunted quests and uncanny discoveries. He shares chilling legends and firsthand accounts from his travels, touching on baffling paranormal investigations and reports involving cryptid creatures, all told through vivid storytelling that draws listeners into the realm of unexplained mysteries. A separate meet and greet is available for purchase during checkout.

At the Peoria Civic Center, Planet K-pop stages a high-energy tribute to the genre, showcasing music connected to K-pop Demon Hunters, BTS, Huntr/x, BLACKPINK, and more. The production blends the electricity of a concert with an immersive dance showcase, featuring precise choreography, synchronized formations, and signature K-pop style. Look for on-stage dance battles, striking lighting moments, and surprise cast interactions that draw the audience deeper into the fandom experience. Planet K-pop is not affiliated with the referenced films or composers, and all trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Three Days Grace brings the Alienation Tour to the Peoria Civic Center Arena with special guests I Prevail and The Funeral Portrait. The multi-platinum rock band from Ontario has billions of streams, millions of album sales, and a record of sold out arena tours across multiple continents. Their achievements include 20 No. 1 entries on the Mediabase Active Rock chart and 19 No. 1 entries on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart. The 2003 single I Hate Everything About You has surpassed one billion streams and entered Spotify’s Billions Club. Ticket options noted in the announcement include multiple presales, VIP packages, a public onsale, and Citi Cardmember Preferred Tickets.

Motionless In White brings The Sweat and Blood Tour to Peoria Civic Center, with Dayseeker as direct support and The Devil Wears Prada and Dark Divine also on the lineup. Presented by 105.7 the X Rocks. The platinum-certified Scranton quintet has grown into an arena headliner since 2006 by pairing serrated heaviness with shadowy atmosphere and vivid imagery. Scoring The End of the World topped Billboard’s Top Hard Rock Albums chart and reached No. 12 on the Billboard 200, powered by “Masterpiece,” an RIAA Gold single that became the band’s first No. 1 at Active Rock. Their versatility includes collaborations with Jonathan Davis of Korn, DOOM composer Mick Gordon, Illenium, and Knocked Loose, and they continue to curate their hometown Apocalypse Fest. With new music for Roadrunner Records on the way and the single “Afraid of the Dark” blending metalcore intensity with gothic and industrial accents alongside an encouraging message to follow the light within, this stop highlights a fresh chapter for Motionless In White.

Nikki Glaser brings The Stunning Tour to Peoria Civic Center with a live stand-up set defined by unfiltered honesty, quick wit, and fearless candor. An Emmy, Grammy, and Golden Globe nominee, she has spent nearly two decades selling out tours, hosting three hit podcasts, and appearing in multiple stand-up specials and on late-night television. Her comedy draws from her most awkward and revealing moments, and she tackles topics like anorexia, depression, and anxiety on stage and in in-depth interviews, turning vulnerability into sharp, relatable humor. Glaser made history as the first woman to host the Golden Globe Awards solo and earned widespread acclaim, and she is slated to return as host of the 83rd Golden Globe Awards. Expect a bold, confessional performance that blends personal storytelling with hard-hitting punchlines.

A laid-back breakfast ride for friends and family sets out from Bushwhacker in Junction City, cruising at about 10 mph to Childers Eatery (Grand Prarie) and then heading back. The route covers roughly 10.1 miles to the eatery and 6.1 miles on the return, offering a relaxed and social spin with breakfast in the middle.

Illinois Comic Con takes place at the Peoria Civic Center over two days. Show hours are planned for both days, and tickets along with additional details are available on the event’s official website.

The third Peoria Bookfest brings stories, creativity, and community to FFC's Life Together Center. The event gathers 135 independent authors and a range of book-themed vendors alongside avid readers. Attendees can discover new favorites, connect with authors, and enjoy a full day centered on books.

Presented by the St. Vincent de Paul Blue & White Ball, Viva Las Vikings brings a Las Vegas themed celebration to the St. Vincent De Paul Parish Hall in support of St. Vincent de Paul School and Parish. Guests can enjoy cocktails, games, raffles, a silent auction followed by a live auction, and an evening of dinner, music, and dancing. The schedule flows from doors opening into a cocktail hour, then dinner with a program, the silent auction closing ahead of the live bidding, and festivities carrying on with dancing.

New Age Noise brings a high-energy modern pop show built for singing along, mixing chart-topping favorites by artists like Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Bruno Mars with nostalgic hits. The lineup features well known local players led by sisters Joey Prater and Emily Depew. Joey has spent more than 15 years performing guitar and vocals around the area in groups including Mixtape Mayhem, The Road Less Traveled, and 2nd Nature, and she has taught voice for over six years. Her resume includes appearances at the Illinois State Fair and Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, plus shared stages with Snoop Dogg, Goo Goo Dolls, Van Halen, and others. Fronting the band, Emily brings a powerful pop voice, friendly onstage conversation, and an easy laugh shaped by years singing with her mother’s and sister’s bands. On keys, Mahlea Lusher lets a decade of piano experience speak for itself after growing up in a musical household. Bassist AJ Schmall anchors the low end, adds vocals, and draws on time leading horn-driven groups and festival sets alongside Blind Melon, Everclear, and members of Chicago, balancing crowd engagement and humor with professionalism. Drummer Asher Feeman supplies the groove with experience in original acts First Date Kiss and Suspector and performances at spots like 3300 Event Center, CEFCU Stage, and the Make Music Normal Festival. Warm personalities, tight rhythms, and a setlist packed with modern hits and throwback favorites shape a lively show for pop fans.

Illinois Comic Con takes place at the Peoria Civic Center across two days. A weekend pass is available for attendees planning to experience the event over the full weekend. Ticket information and additional details are available on the official website.

Rage Club’s listening room hosts a folk punk showcase with Fangerlis, Hollow Down, and Kayla Brooke & The Willow Strings. Fangerlis brings a Wisco murder grass sound from its Madison beginnings in 2021. Hollow Down blends dark, folk-leaning rock and psychedelia, with origins in Northern California and influence from a Midwest river valley. Kayla Brooke & The Willow Strings, formed in Peoria in 2024, pairs original songs with reimagined covers of alternative pop and rock. Seating is limited, with ample standing room for the performance. A suggested $10 donation at the door goes entirely to the musicians. Pizza is provided by Rage Club, with PBR available or bring your own.

Pat Barrett brings the I’ve Got A Fire Tour with CalledOut Music to Riverside Community Church in Peoria, IL, celebrating his newest album with a night of worship and music. The set features songs like I’ve Got A Fire, Praise The Lord Forever, Break Open, and Always On Time, along with favorites such as Build My Life and Good Good Father. The tour spans twenty shows across North America. The evening includes a VIP pre-show experience, followed by early entry, then general admission and groups of four or more, with the main program to follow. Tickets are available. To help prevent ticket fraud, purchase only through the official ticketing outlet. Third party resales are not guaranteed by TPR and may limit access to updates or assistance.

Three powerhouse artists unite for a fall lineup as Third Day, Chris Tomlin, and TobyMac share one stage for a night built around their biggest songs. The set is stacked with chart-topping, award-winning music, featuring three headliners and nothing but hits. Expect high energy from start to finish... the kind of concert where the seat is there, but most of the time will be spent on your feet.

STAYIN' ALIVE brings a comprehensive Bee Gees tribute to the Peoria Civic Center, with a playlist that spans dance-floor favorites and tender ballads. The set features hits like "Night Fever," "Jive Talkin'," "How Deep Is Your Love," "You Should Be Dancing," "Nights on Broadway," and "Stayin' Alive," along with classics such as "I Started a Joke," "Massachusetts," "Fanny Be Tender," "Words," and "To Love Somebody." The production integrates big-screen video clips, photos, and vivid imagery to evoke the energy of a Bee Gees concert while highlighting the group’s trademark harmonies. The act has appeared in intimate six-piece configurations and on large stages with a 62-piece orchestra, bringing these songs to life in venues of many sizes.