Free events in Peoria, IL

Make your Friday extra fun at Glen Oak Park with extended evening hours at Peoria Zoo and Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum. You’ll have more time to explore, play, and spend time together. Peoria PlayHouse will be open until 6:00 PM, and Peoria Zoo will be open until 8:00 PM with last entry at 7:30 PM. All ages are welcome, and admission/membership is free.

This free support group is for parents with infants under 12 months and is held at the Children’s Home’s Prevention Services office. Certified lactation consultants provide breastfeeding guidance, and there are opportunities for baby weight checks. Participants can make connections in the community and find peer support among other new parents, with the option to drop in for brief questions or stay for longer conversations. The group is facilitated by lactation specialists affiliated with the Family Connects and Good Beginnings programs.

Celebrate the East Peoria Farmers Market 2026, running its usual Friday hours with a focus on fresh produce and lots of local maker items. Expect things like fruits and vegetables, baked goods, handmade soaps, tropical houseplants, beeswax products, sewn goods, plus cosmetics and skincare. It is open to the public and includes entertainment as part of the weekly market vibe.

This free community open house features galleries to explore, visits to artist studios with opportunities to interact with the artists, and related programming. A performance by Devin C. Williams takes place in the Preston Jackson Gallery on the second floor. PJ Kids artist talks take place in the third floor classroom. The 1st Friday series complements the exhibitions with conversations, demonstrations, and featured performances, creating a welcoming celebration of art and creativity.

Gather at Bike Peoria Co-Op for a casual monthly night ride that is free and open to everyone. Ride leaders will set an easy pace on a loop through the West Bluff and West Peoria neighborhoods, offering a relaxed way to get more comfortable riding city streets after dark. Participants should bring a bike, a helmet, and both a headlight and taillight. Those interested in going farther can opt for an additional loop afterward, heading deeper into the night.

Ignite Peoria 2026 is a family friendly celebration of creativity that brings together hundreds of local makers, musicians, artists, innovators, dancers, and actors for an interactive day inspired by STEAM. As the home of Midwest Makerfest, Sensory Ignite, Fashion Ignite, and Globalfest, the festival offers hands-on creation stations and booths where attendees can explore singing, writing, dancing, building, acting, painting, drawing, coding, 3D printing, robotics, and more. It also highlights theatre, dance, spoken word, and literary arts, with two stages hosting live performances. Admission is free. Vendor registration is open for 2026, including options for Sensory Ignite, Globalfest, MakerFest, Mainstage performances, and the Arts Corridor.

Take part in a free weekly Zumba class at Peoria Public Library North Branch, led by certified local instructor Prathi Kennedy. This adult-focused session welcomes drop-ins, and participants should wear comfortable workout attire. Classes do not meet on holidays.

Expecting parents and those with babies under one can drop in for a relaxed social at Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum. Museum admission is free, and free coffee and snacks are available to enjoy while meeting other parents. Registered Nurses from the Family Connects team are on hand to answer questions and provide guidance. The atmosphere is welcoming and low key, offering an easy way to connect, unwind, and build community.

Central Illinois NAWBO presents an inclusive Learning Night at the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center. Expect a relaxed environment to learn more about the national organization and the local chapter, including how both began, what membership options look like, and the programs, resources, and opportunities available to support growth. The evening features an open Q&A with chapter leaders along with time to network with women business owners and community supporters. Free appetizers and drinks will be provided. Admission is complimentary, and registration is required. The event welcomes established business owners, emerging entrepreneurs, community leaders, current members, and anyone curious about NAWBO Central Illinois, with a focus on helping women entrepreneurs connect, develop, lead, and thrive.

An evening of Twin City Trivia features seven brain-teasing rounds designed to inspire laughs and a little friendly competition. Participation is free, with no app required and no entry fee, and all knowledge levels are welcome. Real prizes await the top teams, along with plenty of bragging rights.

At Peoria Public Library North Branch, this free public program examines what sets MyHeritage apart in genealogical research. Presenter Kerry Knodle will speak in person, and participants may take part online or attend at the library. The session offers an overview of the MyHeritage platform, its tools, uses, and strengths, along with a comparison to other leading genealogy services. In-person attendees are welcome to bring a laptop to explore the site and ask questions. No advance sign up is required for those attending at the library. Kerry Knodle is a retired nonprofit executive with more than four decades of experience in community and youth development, criminal justice, workforce development, and affordable housing. His background includes leadership in YouthBuild initiatives, service as a senior juvenile probation officer, and teaching in the criminal justice program at Southern Illinois University. He has held volunteer leadership roles, helped found Youth Bridges International, and holds degrees from Southern Illinois University and Luther College. Building on a family legacy in printing and publishing, he has authored and compiled family histories, serves on the board of the Pennsylvania chapter of Palatines to America, and edits its PennPal newsletter.

Enjoy Twin City Trivia at Grand Prairie Pizza + Tavern, a free-to-play competition spread over seven rounds. Questions are designed to challenge your brain and spark plenty of laughs, and prizes go to the top teams. There is no cover charge and no app required. Gather a few friends, claim a table, and see how your team stacks up.