A Reuters Connect photo credited to the Peoria Journal Star/USA TODAY Network says the final eight in the 2026 Content Creators contest were chosen Monday—but we haven’t found an official Journal Star article yet.

If we’re identifying everyone in the photo correctly, the apparent final eight are:

• Jamiah Dunlop
• Seth Boyer
• Kayla Boyd
• Chris LeCrone
• Carlos Wyant / Illinois Storm Trackers
• Ava Mikell
• Marlee Wren
• Cassie and Seth Babcock / Fairview Cafe

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18
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🥕 Village of Carlock Farmers Market (5:00 PM) — Carlock City Park (Carlock)
☘️ Peoria Irish Fest Pre-Fest Concert: BIIRD with The Roundstone Buskers (6:30 PM) — Kelleher’s Irish Pub & Eatery (Peoria)
🏛️ John Wesley Powell: Bloomington-Normal to the Arid Lands with Bill Kemp (6:30 PM) — McLean County Museum of History (Bloomington)
🌶️ Let’s Get Spicy! Cooking Class (6:30 PM) — Lori’s Kitchen Store (Washington)
🎶 Music in the Gazebo: Vital Signs (7:00 PM) — Heyworth Gazebo (Heyworth)
🎨 Paint Nite at Kickback on Fulton (7:00 PM) — Kickback on Fulton (Peoria)
👢 Tuesday Line Dancing (7:00 PM) — Katie’s Corner Tap (Groveland)
🎻 Gregory Alan Isakov with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra (7:30 PM) — Peoria Civic Center (Peoria)
🎤 Red Barn Open Mic Tuesdays (8:00 PM) — Red Barn (Peoria)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19
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💻 Senior Mornings: Tech Q&A (10:00 AM) — Peoria Riverfront Museum (Peoria)
🥕 West Peoria Farmers Market (4:00 PM) — Franciscan Recreation Complex (West Peoria)
🎶 LIVE @ Uptown Circle: Colt Ball (6:00 PM) — Uptown Circle (Normal)
🎸 TourBus Concert Series: Union Avenue (6:00 PM) — DESTIHL Brewery & Beer Hall (Normal)
🎨 Paint Nite at Crafted Coffee & Wine (6:30 PM) — Crafted Coffee & Wine (Bloomington)
🚲 Whacky Wednesday Ride (6:30 PM) — Peoria Heights (Peoria Heights)
👢 Friendship Line Dancing [21+] (7:00 PM) — Friendly Valley Tavern (Peoria)
💃 Line Dancing Under the Stars with Mike Kaufmann (7:00 PM) — Industry Brewing Company (Peoria)
🎸 The Chris Mondak Band (7:00 PM) — Smash House Live (Bloomington)
😂 Hump Day Comedy Wednesdays / Date Night (7:30 PM) — Westside BloNo (Bloomington)
🎭 Into the Woods (7:30 PM) — Corn Stock Theatre (Peoria)
🎭 Les Misérables (7:30 PM) — Peoria Players Theatre (Peoria)
🎸 Umphrey’s McGee [SOLD OUT] (8:00 PM) — Friendly Valley Tavern (Peoria)
🎶 Cousin Eli Aftershow (11:00 PM) — Kenny’s Westside Pub (Peoria)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
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🎬 They Shall Not Grow Old Screenings (3:00 PM and 6:30 PM) — Peoria Riverfront Museum (Peoria)
🥕 Pekin Farmers Market (3:30 PM) — 551 S. 14th Street (Pekin)
🚶 Rove and Ramble (5:00 PM) — Washington Square (Washington)
🏍️ St. Jude Summer Ride with Broken Mojo (5:25 PM) — OZ’Z Bar & Grill (Creve Coeur)
🏛️ Downtown Bloomington Architecture Tour (5:30 PM) — McLean County Museum of History (Bloomington)
🦁 Miller Park Zoo Sensory Tour (5:30 PM) — Miller Park Zoo (Bloomington)
🎷 LIVE @ Uptown Circle: Reginald Lewis Quartet (6:00 PM) — Uptown Circle (Normal)
🎨 Paint Nite at The Hub (6:00 PM) — The Hub (Bloomington)
🍶 Wine Workshop with Doug: What Is Sake? (6:00 PM) — UFS Outlet (Peoria)
🎶 Music in the Park: Goodnight Gracie (6:30 PM) — Fondulac District Library (East Peoria)
🖥️ American Vacation: Celebrating 250 Years with the Smithsonian (7:00 PM) — Bloomington Public Library Online (Bloomington)
🎤 Big Daddy Weave (7:00 PM) — Fairbury Fair (Fairbury)
🎸 T MINUS 3 (7:30 PM) — Martini’s on Water Street (Peoria)
🎙️ Whisper and Shout: Open Mic for Poetry (8:00 PM) — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria (Peoria)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
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🦁 FriYay at Glen Oak Park (All Day) — Peoria Zoo and Peoria PlayHouse (Peoria)
🚌 Grandview Drive Tour (1:00 PM) — Tower Park (Peoria Heights)
🥕 Abingdon Farmers Market (4:00 PM) — 101 S. Main Street (Abingdon)
🥕 East Peoria Farmers Market (4:00 PM) — 361 W. Washington Street (East Peoria)
🎸 KASINO: Wildfire Concert Series (6:00 PM) — Wildlife Prairie Park (Hanna City)
🎶 TourBus Concert Series: Easy Riders (6:00 PM) — DESTIHL Brewery & Beer Hall (Normal)
🎸 TT (6:00 PM) — Crusens on War Memorial (Peoria)
🎬 Something’s Gotta Give (6:30 PM) — Peoria Riverfront Museum (Peoria)
🎸 Black Velvet (7:00 PM) — Whitey’s on 29 (Creve Coeur)
🤘 Cemetery Gatez & The Plumberss (7:00 PM) — Twisted Spoke Saloon (Pekin)
🎶 Fusion Mellow (7:00 PM) — Industry Brewing Company (Peoria)
🎸 Harlem Hayfield with Joel Gragg & The Filaments (7:00 PM) — Kenny’s Westside Pub (Peoria)
🤠 Kentuckiana Opry with Harmony Grits (7:00 PM) — Kentuckiana Kampground (Mackinaw)
🎶 LIVE @ Connie Link: The Rusty Pickups (7:00 PM) — Connie Link Amphitheatre (Normal)
😂 Make Us Laugh Comedy Showcase (7:00 PM) — Analytical Brewing (Peoria)
🤠 Shenandoah & BlackHawk (7:00 PM) — Fairbury Fair (Fairbury)
🎶 Summer Sessions Concert Series: 3 and a Half Men (7:00 PM) — Brienzo’s Pizza + Bar (Peoria)
📖 Next to Normal Story Slam: Every Picture Tells a Story (7:30 PM) — McLean County Arts Center (Bloomington)
🤘 Decade of Decadence (8:00 PM) — CEFCU Center Stage (Peoria)
🎸 The Holdouts (8:00 PM) — Katie’s Corner Tap (Groveland)
🎸 The Wes Duffy Project (8:00 PM) — Brasky’s Bar & Grill (Peoria)
🎉 Off Campus Night: The Official Party [SOLD OUT] (Doors 8:00 PM; Show 9:00 PM) — The Castle Theatre (Bloomington)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
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🐕 UKC Agility Trials (All Day / Aug. 22–23) — Peoria Obedience Training Club (Peoria)
🌻 Sunflower Days Festival (All Day / Aug. 22–23) — Rader Family Farms (Normal)
🚴 No Baloney Bicycle Ride (5:30 AM) — Dunlap Prospect United Methodist Church (Dunlap)
🥕 Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market (7:30 AM; Micro Spice Duo at 9:30 AM) — Downtown Bloomington (Bloomington)
🛍️ Peoria RiverFront Market (8:00 AM) — River Station (Peoria)
🌈 10th Annual Rileystrong 5K Color Run (9:00 AM) — American Legion (Monmouth)
🐈 Crochet with Cats (9:00 AM) — 3226 N. University Street (Peoria)
🚚 Food Truck Frenzy & Car and Bike Show (9:00 AM) — Connect Center (Washington)
💎 Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show (9:00 AM) — EastSide Centre (East Peoria)
🧵 Gems of the Prairie Quilt Show (9:00 AM) — Life Together Center (Peoria)
🛍️ Missions Makers Market (9:00 AM) — First Mennonite Church (Morton)
🍉 Watermelon Crawl (9:00 AM) — Mariah’s Mums & More (Clinton)
🥕 Canton Farmers Market (9:30 AM) — Downtown Jones Park (Canton)
📚 Author Visit: John Bowen, Sasquatch, Ninja, Clown (10:00 AM) — Bloomington Public Library (Bloomington)
🐝 Beekeeping, Blacksmithing & Car Cruise-In (10:00 AM) — Wheels O’ Time Museum (Dunlap)
🔹 Free Fourth Saturday at the Station (10:00 AM) — 101 E. Vernon Avenue (Normal)
🎶 Sista and the Misters at the East Peoria Duck Race (10:00 AM) — EastSide Centre (East Peoria)
🌽 Sweet Corn Circus (10:00 AM) — Uptown Normal (Normal)
🦆 38th Annual Duck Race (11:00 AM) — EastSide Centre (East Peoria)
🏍️ Caterpillar American Flat Track Peoria TT (11:00 AM) — Peoria Motorcycle Club (Bartonville)
💪 Tugfest (11:00 AM) — Psycho Silo Saloon (Langley)
🌎 48th Annual Cultural Fest (12:00 PM) — Miller Park (Bloomington)
⛳ Morton Fire & EMS Local 4962 Charity Golf Outing (12:00 PM) — Lick Creek Golf Course (Pekin)
🕷️ Spidey Swings into DQ at Grand Prairie (12:00 PM) — Dairy Queen at Grand Prairie (Peoria)
🚗 Whitey’s 29 Cruise-In (4:00 PM) — Whitey’s on 29 (Creve Coeur)
🌻 Sunflowers, S’mores & More (5:00 PM) — Tanner’s Orchard (Speer)
🪕 TourBus Concert Series: River Valley Rangers (6:00 PM) — DESTIHL Brewery & Beer Hall (Normal)
🌅 Sunflowers & Sunsets (6:30 PM) — Rader Family Farms (Normal)
🤘 Cemetery Gatez: The Pantera Tribute with Phantom Lordz [SOLD OUT] (Doors 7:00 PM; Show 8:00 PM) — The Castle Theatre (Bloomington)
🍷 Concert in the Vineyard: Sushi Roll (7:00 PM) — Mackinaw Valley Vineyard (Mackinaw)
🎸 Highway J: Pour Bros. Courtyard Concert Series (7:00 PM) — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom (Peoria Heights)
🎶 LIVE @ Connie Link: Biscuits N Gravy Band (7:00 PM) — Connie Link Amphitheatre (Normal)
🤼 Little Mania Mini Wrestling (7:30 PM) — Pub 52 (Mackinaw)
🎸 Austyn Weston Band (8:00 PM) — The Neon Bison (Peoria)
🎸 Balderdash (8:00 PM) — Industry Brewing Company (Peoria)
😂 Gary Owen: No Hard Feelings Tour (8:00 PM) — Prairie Home Alliance Theater (Peoria)
🎸 Heads in Motion: A Talking Heads Tribute [21+] (8:00 PM) — Friendly Valley Tavern (Peoria)
🎸 Jonny Quest (8:00 PM) — Martini’s on Water Street (Peoria)
🎸 Next Thing Smokin’ (9:00 PM) — Tin Lizard (East Peoria)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23
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🛍️ Peoria Flea Market (8:00 AM) — Northwoods Mall (Peoria)
💎 Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show (10:00 AM) — EastSide Centre (East Peoria)
🚗 Dan’s Sweet Kids Cruise-In & Car Show (11:00 AM) — 200 Block of Rusche Avenue (Creve Coeur)
🧵 Gems of the Prairie Quilt Show (11:00 AM) — Life Together Center (Peoria)
🌽 Sweet Corn Circus (11:00 AM) — Uptown Normal (Normal)
👨‍👧‍👦 2nd Annual Daddy Stroll: A Walk in the Park (12:00 PM) — White Oak Park (Bloomington)
🚜 9th Annual Lewistown Truck & Tractor Pull (12:00 PM) — Fulton County Fairgrounds (Lewistown)
🎪 Family Fun Fair (12:00 PM) — Wheels O’ Time Museum (Dunlap)
💍 The Elegant Wedding Expo (12:00 PM) — Embassy Suites (East Peoria)
🏎️ Super Car Sunday (1:00 PM) — Northwoods Mall (Peoria)
🎬 Something’s Gotta Give (2:30 PM) — Peoria Riverfront Museum (Peoria)
🎺 River Valley Big Band (6:30 PM) — Tower Park (Peoria Heights)
💃 Argentine Tango Practica (7:00 PM) — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria (Peoria)

🎉 THINGS TO DO IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS THIS WEEK 🎉
AUGUST 11–16

It’s a big list but we know we missed some things to do. And we may have got a couple things wrong. Let us know in the comments!

Share this list so we can grow it even bigger!

Concerts, festivals, farmers markets, fairs, family activities, nightlife and more—here’s your guide to what’s happening around Central Illinois this week. 📍👇

📅 TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
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🔹 3rd Annual Senior Luncheon (11:00 AM) — Creve Coeur Community Center (Creve Coeur)
🔹 Morton Farmers Market N More (4:00 PM) — Church Square (Morton)
🔹 Peoria Backgammon Club - Weekly Tournament (6:00 PM) — The 5th Quarter Sports Bar (East Peoria)
🔹 Warmachine Bouts (6:00 PM) — Just For Fun Games (Peoria)
🔹 Allison R. Ihnken: "The Black Widow Files" (6:30 PM) — Lakeview Branch Library (Peoria)
🔹 Peoria Chiefs vs. Beloit Sky Carp (6:35 PM) — Dozer Park (Peoria)
🔹 Music in the Gazebo Summer Series (7:00 PM) — Merle Shannon/Volunteer Park Gazebo (Heyworth)
🔹 Red Barn Open Mic Tuesdays (8:00 PM) — Red Barn (Peoria)

📅 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
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🔹 Senior Tours at the Zoo (8:30 AM) — Miller Park Zoo (Bloomington)
🔹 Party on Deck with Black Velvet (5:00 PM) — Kuchie's on the Water (East Peoria)
🔹 The Tucked in T's - Live at Uptown Circle (6:00 PM) — Uptown Circle (Normal)
🔹 Whacky Wednesday Ride (6:30 PM) — Peoria Cycle Works (Peoria Heights)
🔹 Peoria Chiefs vs. Beloit Sky Carp (6:35 PM) — Dozer Park (Peoria)
🔹 Line Dancing Under the Stars with Mike Kaufmann (7:00 PM) — Industry Brewing (Peoria)
🔹 Open Stage (7:00 PM) — Jazz UpFront (Bloomington)
🔹 Peoria Pops on the Plaza (7:00 PM) — Peoria Riverfront Museum (Peoria)
🔹 Frank - Staff Pick Screening (7:00 PM) — Normal Theater (Normal)

📅 THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
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🔹 Line Dance Lessons at Miller Center (12:00 PM) — Miller Center (Pekin)
🔹 1776 (2:00 & 7:00 PM) — The Orpheum Theatre (Galesburg)
🔹 2026 Pekin Farmers Market (3:30 PM) — Miller Center (Pekin)
🔹 Whitey's 29 Cruise-in (4:00 PM) — Whitey's 29 (Creve Coeur)
🔹 Rove and Ramble - Family Night (Make-up) (5:00 PM) — Five Points Washington (Washington)
🔹 St. Jude Summer Rides - Sheets Creek (5:30 PM) — Sheets Creek Saloon (Spring Bay)
🔹 MyHeritage: What Sets It Apart in Genealogical Research (6:00 PM) — Peoria Public Library North Branch (Peoria)
🔹 Cooking Around the World: Brazil (6:00 PM) — Chillicothe Public Library (Chillicothe)
🔹 A History of Bicycling in Illinois with Christopher Sweet (6:30 PM) — Bloomington Public Library (Bloomington)
🔹 Peoria Chiefs vs. Beloit Sky Carp (6:35 PM) — Dozer Park (Peoria)

📅 FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
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🔹 Brimfield Old Settlers 2026 — Village of Brimfield (Brimfield)
🔹 Grandview Drive Tours (1:00 PM) — Tower Park (Peoria Heights)
🔹 East Peoria Farmer's Market (4:00 PM) — Levee Park (East Peoria)
🔹 Support Ride (5:00 PM) — Fat Man Bishop's (East Peoria)
🔹 Wild Nights—Every Friday! (5:30 PM) — Wildlife Prairie Park (Hanna City)
🔹 Kevin Hart & The Vibe Tribe - Live at Uptown Circle (6:00 PM) — Uptown Circle (Normal)
🔹 Lucky Pickers - TourBus Concert Series (6:00–9:00 PM) — DESTIHL Brewery (Normal)
🔹 River Valley Big Band Plays at Mineral Springs Park (6:00 PM) — Steven D. Skinner Performing Arts Pavilion (Pekin)
🔹 Live at the Five Spot: Galactic Cowboy Orchestra (6:30 PM) — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria (Peoria)
🔹 Dorann and the Soul Mystics (7:00 PM) — Industry Brewing (Peoria)
🔹 Kev & Mal at Whitey's 29 (7:00 PM) — Whitey's 29 (Creve Coeur)
🔹 The Mighty Pines - Live at Connie Link Amphitheatre (7:00 PM) — Connie Link Amphitheatre (Normal)
🔹 Summer Sessions Concert Series: Braden Pridemore (7:00 PM) — Brienzo's Pizza + Bar (Peoria)
🔹 Za Funk (7:00–11:00 PM) — Kelleher's Irish Pub (Peoria)
🔹 Wet Hot American Summer (7:00 & 9:45 PM) — Normal Theater (Normal)
🔹 Dexter O'Neal and Funk Yard Live at Tin Lizard! (7:00 PM) — Tin Lizard Bar & Grill (East Peoria)
🔹 Peoria Chiefs vs. Beloit Sky Carp (7:05 PM) — Dozer Park (Peoria)
🔹 Into the Woods (7:30 PM) — Corn Stock Theatre, LAB Theatre Center (Peoria)
🔹 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (7:30 PM) — Astroth Community Education Center (Normal)
🔹 An Evening with Joe Beck and Friends (8:00 PM) — Smash House Tavern (Bloomington)
🔹 The Road Less Traveled Live at Brasky's! (8:00 PM) — Brasky's Bar & Grill (Peoria)
🔹 Lacy's Ditch at Oliver's in the Heights (8:00 PM) — Oliver's in the Heights (Peoria Heights)
🔹 TLD at Martinis (8:00 PM) — Martini's on Water Street (Peoria)
🔹 Sly Dog Acoustics at The Neon Bison (8:00 PM) — The Neon Bison (Peoria)
🔹 Night Hike: Sensory Hike (8:30 PM) — Wildlife Prairie Park (Hanna City)
🔹 Big Shrimp at Kenny's Westside (9:00 PM) — Kenny's Westside Pub [21+] (Peoria)

📅 SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
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🔹 Downtown Bloomington Outdoor Farmers' Market (7:30 AM–12:00 PM) — Downtown Bloomington (Bloomington)
🔹 Peoria Prowlers Rolling of the Bulls 5K & 1 Mile (8:00 AM) — Franciscan Recreation Complex (West Peoria)
🔹 2026 Brimfield Old Settlers 5K Race/Walk (8:00 AM) — Downtown Brimfield (Brimfield)
🔹 9th Annual Hill of a Race (8:00 AM) — Ewing Park II (Bloomington)
🔹 7th Annual Jeep Creep for St. Jude (9:00 AM) — Uftring Chrysler Dodge Jeep (Pekin)
🔹 Kitten Yoga (9:00 AM) — River Kitty Cafe (Peoria)
🔹 Foam Fiesta - 2nd Annual Summer Send-Off (10:00 AM) — Veterans Park (Pekin)
🔹 The Painted Wraith Art & Odd Market (10:00 AM) — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (Bloomington)
🔹 Sunflower Days Festival (10:00 AM–2:00 PM) — Rader Family Farms (Normal)
🔹 Vendors Who Care Presents MetaCon (10:00 AM) — Three Sisters Park (Chillicothe)
🔹 Grand Victorian Bus Tour (10:00 AM–12:00 PM) — Peoria Historical Society (Peoria)
🔹 Guided Pimiteoui Trail Hike (10:00 AM) — Grandview Drive (Peoria)
🔹 Laser Tag O-Rama (10:00 AM–1:00 PM) — Wildlife Prairie Park (Hanna City)
🔹 Open Cockpit Day (10:00 AM–3:00 PM) — Prairie Aviation Museum (Bloomington)
🔹 Summer Masterclass: Eboni Bellott - Weaving on the Loom (10:00 AM–12:30 PM) — Galesburg Community Arts Center (Galesburg)
🔹 Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG Tournament (10:45 AM) — Just For Fun Games (Peoria)
🔹 Rolling of the Bulls After Party (11:00 AM) — Tartan Inn (West Peoria)
🔹 4th Annual Plant-Based Peoria Expo (11:00 AM) — FFC's Life Together Center (Peoria)
🔹 Hillbilly Crawl for St. Jude (12:30 PM) — Farmington Moose Lodge 1571 (Farmington)
🔹 Pokemon League (2:00 PM) — Just For Fun Games (Peoria)
🔹 Rock the Field 2026 (2:00–9:30 PM) — Washington Park (Washington)
🔹 Skiffle Pop (2:00 PM) — Keg Grove Brewing Company (Bloomington)
🔹 Wet Hot American Summer + Festival (2:00 & 7:00 PM; Festival 5:00 PM) — Normal Theater / Uptown Normal (Normal)
🔹 Galesburg Heritage Days Civil War Battle (2:30 PM) — Lake Storey Park (Galesburg)
🔹 Crooklyn (2:30 PM) — Peoria Riverfront Museum (Peoria)
🔹 Back Road Music Festival - Chris Young, Lauren Alaina & Lakeview (2:30 PM; Doors 2:00 PM) — Galva Park District (Galva)
🔹 Pokemon Play (3:00 PM) — Zeek's Comics and Games (Washington)
🔹 India Fest 2026 (4:00–10:00 PM) — CEFCU Center Stage at the Landing (Peoria)
🔹 Hidden Histories Festival & Vendor Fair (4:00 PM) — Project XV Museum / The Legacy Building (El Paso)
🔹 Neighborhood Park Concert - Kickapoo Junction (5:00–8:30 PM) — Rotary Park (Pekin)
🔹 Pack the Patio with Kaisa Imm (5:30 PM) — Olio & Vino (Peoria Heights)
🔹 Route 66 Centennial Parking Lot Party (6:00–9:00 PM) — Sprague's Super Service (Normal)
🔹 John Inghram Band - TourBus Concert Series (6:00–9:00 PM) — DESTIHL Brewery (Normal)
🔹 Sunflowers & Sunsets (6:30–8:00 PM) — Rader Family Farms (Normal)
🔹 Austyn Weston Band in the HC! (7:00 PM) — Hanna City Sportsman's Club (Hanna City)
🔹 Movies at the Mural - At Dusk in Downtown... (7:00 PM) — Red Raccoon Games / Route 66 Mural (Bloomington)
🔹 Peoria Rhythm Kings - Live at Connie Link Amphitheatre (7:00 PM) — Connie Link Amphitheatre (Normal)
🔹 Armored MMA Medieval Cage Fighting (7:00 PM) — Grossinger Motors Arena (Bloomington)
🔹 Concert in the Vineyard: Damned Torpedoes - Tom Petty Tribute (7:00–11:00 PM) — Mackinaw Valley Vineyard (Mackinaw)
🔹 Peoria Chiefs vs. Beloit Sky Carp (7:05 PM) — Dozer Park (Peoria)
🔹 Into the Woods (7:30 PM) — Corn Stock Theatre, LAB Theatre Center (Peoria)
🔹 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (7:30 PM) — Astroth Community Education Center (Normal)
🔹 Henhouse Prowlers - Jammin' on the Lawn (8:00 PM) — Friendly Valley Tavern [21+] (Peoria)
🔹 New Age Noise (8:00 PM) — Whitey's 29 (Creve Coeur)
🔹 Live Country Music and Dancing (8:00 PM) — Oliver's in the Heights (Peoria Heights)
🔹 Outland - Courtyard Concert Series (8:00 PM) — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom (Peoria Heights)
🔹 The Blo-No Boogie Band (8:00 PM) — Smash House Tavern (Bloomington)
🔹 Rezzin8 Live (9:00 PM) — Tin Lizard Bar & Grill [21+] (East Peoria)
🔹 HHR at Six Strings Club (10:00 PM) — Six Strings Club (Bloomington)

📅 SUNDAY, AUGUST 16
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🔹 Cruise-in & Custom Car Show (10:00 AM–3:00 PM) — Morton VFW (Morton)
🔹 Sip & Shop Market (10:00 AM–2:00 PM) — The Barrel Room at DESTIHL Brewery (Normal)
🔹 Songwriters in the Round (1:00–4:00 PM) — Tres Rojas Winery (Washington)
🔹 Pokemon Club @ Lakeview Branch (1:00 PM) — Peoria Public Library Lakeview Branch (Peoria)
🔹 Les Misérables (2:00 PM) — Eastlight Theatre (East Peoria)
🔹 Galesburg Heritage Days Civil War Battle (2:00 PM) — Lake Storey Park (Galesburg)
🔹 Peoria Chiefs vs. Beloit Sky Carp (2:05 PM) — Dozer Park (Peoria)
🔹 Nashville (1975) (2:30 PM) — Peoria Riverfront Museum (Peoria)
🔹 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (3:00 PM) — Astroth Community Education Center (Normal)
🔹 K-Pop Warriors Live Show (4:30 PM) — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (Bloomington)
🔹 Sunflowers & Sunsets (6:30–8:00 PM) — Rader Family Farms (Normal)
🔹 Into the Woods (7:30 PM) — Corn Stock Theatre, LAB Theatre Center (Peoria)

📅 MULTI-DAY EVENTS • AUGUST 15–16
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🔹 Sunset Hills 2026 Club Championship — Sunset Hills Golf Club (Pekin)

📅 TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
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🔹 Normal LIVE for Kids: The Normal Storyteller (10:00 AM) — Connie Link Amphitheatre (Normal)
🔹 Quad Cities River Bandits at Peoria Chiefs (11:35 AM) — Dozer Park (Peoria)
🔹 Morton Farmers Market N More (4:00 PM) — Church Square (Morton)
🔹 Kickapoo Brew (6:00 PM) — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom (Peoria)
🔹 Movie Night: Moana (7:00 PM) — DragonLand Water Park (Pekin)
🔹 Music in the Gazebo: Merle Shannon (7:00 PM) — Volunteer Park (Heyworth)

📅 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
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🔹 Normal LIVE for Kids: Mr. Bill (10:00 AM) — Connie Link Amphitheatre (Normal)
🔹 Pekin Farmers Market (3:30 PM) — Miller Center (Pekin)
🔹 West Peoria Farmer's Market (4:00 PM) — Franciscan Rec Complex (West Peoria)
🔹 Village of Carlock Farmers Market (5:00 PM) — Carlock City Park (Carlock)
🔹 Trivia Nights at the Winery! (6:00 PM) — Tres Rojas Winery (Washington)
🔹 Sunset Paint Party on the Patio! (6:00 PM) — Sheets Creek Saloon (Spring Bay)
🔹 Music in the Park: Now and Zen (6:30 PM) — Levee Park (East Peoria)
🔹 PTO Back To School Pool Party (6:30 PM) — Morton Swimming Pool (Morton)
🔹 Whacky Wednesday Ride (6:30 PM) — Peoria Heights (Peoria Heights)
🔹 Peoria Chiefs vs. Quad Cities River Bandits (6:35 PM) — Dozer Park (Peoria)
🔹 Line Dancing Under the Stars with Mike Kaufmann (7:00 PM) — Industry Brewing (Peoria)
🔹 Peoria Municipal Band: College Fight Song Night (7:00 PM) — Kelleher’s (Peoria)
🔹 Matilda (7:30 PM) — Five Points Washington (Washington)
🔹 The Addams Family (7:30 PM) — Peoria Players Theatre (Peoria)

📅 THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
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🔹 North American Duck and Goose Calling Championships (8:00 AM) — Presley's Outdoors (Bartonville)
🔹 Line Dance Lessons at Miller Center (12:00 PM) — Miller Center (Pekin)
🔹 Pekin Farmers Market (3:30 PM) — Miller Center (Pekin)
🔹 Whitey's 29 Cruise-in (4:00 PM) — Whitey's 29 (Creve Coeur)
🔹 Rove and Ramble | August 6 (5:00 PM) — Washington Square (Washington)
🔹 St. Jude Summer Rides to the Railsplitter for 8th Anniversary Bash (5:30 PM) — Last Chance Bar & Grill (Peoria)
🔹 Peoria Backgammon Club - Weekly Tournament (6:00 PM) — The 5th Quarter Sports Bar (East Peoria)
🔹 Music in the Park (6:30 PM) — Fondulac District Library (East Peoria)
🔹 Sunset Soundbath on the Water (6:30 PM) — Wildlife Prairie Park (Hanna City)
🔹 Men At Work & Toad the Wet Sprocket with Shonen Knife (7:00 PM) — Grossinger Motors Arena (Bloomington)
🔹 Whisper and Shout: Open Mic for Poetry (8:00 PM) — Contemporary Art Center (Peoria)
🔹 Night Hikes (8:30 PM) — Wildlife Prairie Park (Hanna City)

📅 FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
─────────────────────────
🔹 1/8th scale Regional Championships (August 7-9) — River City Raceway (Peoria)
🔹 Antique Tractor and Agriculture Days (9:00 AM) — Wheels O’ Time Museum (Dunlap)
🔹 Kayaking Special Days (10:00 AM) — Wildlife Prairie Park (Hanna City)
🔹 Downtown Bags & Brats (11:00 AM) — Downtown Bloomington (Bloomington)
🔹 Mendota Sweet Corn Festival (12:00 PM) — Downtown Mendota (Mendota)
🔹 Grandview Drive Tours by Peoria Historical Society (1:00 PM) — Tower Park (Peoria Heights)
🔹 First Friday Concert Series: Bags & Brews with Howl at the Moon (4:00 PM) — Downtown Bloomington (Bloomington)
🔹 First Friday Art Event (4:00 PM) — Downtown Bloomington (Bloomington)
🔹 East Peoria Farmer's Market (4:00 PM) — Levee District (East Peoria)
🔹 1st Friday August (5:00 PM) — Contemporary Art Center (Peoria)
🔹 LIVE @ Connie Link: Jay Trio (5:00 PM) — Connie Link Amphitheatre (Normal)
🔹 Galesburg First Fridays (5:00 PM) — Seminary Street Historic District (Galesburg)
🔹 Streator Fest (5:00 PM) — Northpoint Field (Streator)
🔹 Welcoming Walks: Women’s Hike (5:30 PM) — Detweiller Park (Peoria)
🔹 River City Soul Fest R&B Night feat. Jon B. (6:00 PM) — Peoria Riverfront (Peoria)
🔹 Summer Sessions Concert Series | Top 4D (7:00 PM) — Grand Prairie (Peoria)
🔹 Citizen's Band 14 (7:00 PM) — OZ'Z Bar & Grill (Pekin)
🔹 The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (7:00 PM) — Normal Theater (Normal)
🔹 T MINUS 3 (7:00 PM) — Industry Brewing (Peoria)
🔹 Bruce Moon & The Amplifiers (7:00 PM) — Connie Link Amphitheatre (Normal)
🔹 Pub Night Under the Stars: The Summer Milky Way [21+] (7:00 PM) — Peoria Riverfront Museum (Peoria)
🔹 Sam N Marsha’s D-Lite (7:00 PM) — Reserve Artisan Ales (Galesburg)
🔹 Tyler Hubbard (7:00 PM) — Crusens (West Peoria)
🔹 Peoria Chiefs vs. Quad Cities River Bandits (7:05 PM) — Dozer Park (Peoria)
🔹 Tracy Lawrence at Prairie Home Alliance Theater (7:30 PM) — Peoria Civic Center (Peoria)
🔹 Matilda (7:30 PM) — Five Points Washington (Washington)
🔹 The Addams Family (7:30 PM) — Peoria Players Theatre (Peoria)
🔹 Backstreet playing East Peoria's 50th Annual Lua (8:00 PM) — East Peoria Boat Club (East Peoria)
🔹 First Friday Night Ride (8:00 PM) — Bike Peoria Co-Op (Peoria)
🔹 West MacQueen Street Band at The Tin Lizard! (8:00 PM) — Par-A-Dice Casino (East Peoria)

📅 SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
─────────────────────────
🔹 Canton Farmers Market (7:30 AM) — Jones Park (Canton)
🔹 Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market (7:30 AM) — Downtown Bloomington (Bloomington)
🔹 Peoria RiverFront Market (8:00 AM) — River Station (Peoria)
🔹 Galesburg Farmers Market (8:00 AM) — Simmons St at Seminary St (Galesburg)
🔹 Eureka Farmers Market (8:00 AM) — Downtown Eureka (Eureka)
🔹 Downtown Pontiac Farmers Market (8:00 AM) — Pontiac Food Forest (Pontiac)
🔹 Peoria Farmers Market (8:00 AM) — Metro Centre (Peoria)
🔹 Breakfast Ride Downtown to West Town Tap (8:00 AM) — Martini's on Water Street (Peoria)
🔹 Princeton Farmers Market (8:30 AM) — Soldiers and Sailors Park (Princeton)
🔹 Bloomington Reptile Expo (9:00 AM) — Interstate Center (Bloomington)
🔹 Ignite Peoria (9:00 AM) — Peoria Civic Center (Peoria)
🔹 Pollinator Palooza (10:00 AM) — Illinois Art Station (Normal)
🔹 Local Author & Craft Fair @ North Branch (11:00 AM) — Peoria Public Library North Branch (Peoria)
🔹 Pickle Peoria and The Big Dill Games (11:00 AM) — Louisville Slugger Sports Complex (Peoria)
🔹 Kiss Me In The Vineyard (3:00 PM) — Mackinaw Valley Vineyard (Mackinaw)
🔹 Cruisin’ Uptown Normal (4:00 PM) — Uptown Normal (Normal)
🔹 Heartland Jazz Orchestra (5:00 PM) — Connie Link Amphitheatre (Normal)
🔹 Wildlife Prairie Park Annual Gala: Red, White and Bling (5:00 PM) — Wildlife Prairie Park (Hanna City)
🔹 License to Grill n' Kill: A Murder-Mystery Dinner (5:30 PM) — Avanti’s Event Center (Pekin)
🔹 Evergreen Farm Brewing Birthday Bash (6:00 PM) — Evergreen Farm Brewing (Metamora)
🔹 River City Soul Fest: R&B Night (7:00 PM) — Peoria Riverfront (Peoria)
🔹 Heaving EP Release Show (7:00 PM) — The Castle Theatre (Bloomington)
🔹 Concert in the Vineyard- Mixtape Mayhem (7:00 PM) — Mackinaw Valley Vineyard (Mackinaw)
🔹 Dylan Scott: Dancin’ on the Dirt (7:00 PM) — Fairbury Speedway (Fairbury)
🔹 TopHouse at Friendly Valley Tavern (7:00 PM) — Friendly Valley Tavern [21+] (Peoria)
🔹 Peoria Chiefs vs. Quad Cities River Bandits (7:05 PM) — Dozer Park (Peoria)
🔹 Central Illinois Dueling Pianos (7:30 PM) — Orpheum Theatre (Galesburg)
🔹 Matilda (7:30 PM) — Five Points Washington (Washington)
🔹 The Addams Family (7:30 PM) — Peoria Players Theatre (Peoria)
🔹 The Whiskey Seven Band! (8:00 PM) — The Neon Bison (Peoria)
🔹 Marquise Hendo Feat. Bloodline Live at Tin Lizard (9:00 PM) — Par-A-Dice Casino [21+] (East Peoria)

📅 SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
─────────────────────────
🔹 Illinois Oz Festival (9:00 AM) — Mapleton (Mapleton)
🔹 Pickle Peoria and The Big Dill Games (11:00 AM) — Shoppes at Grand Prairie (Peoria)
🔹 Sunday Pizza Buffet (12:00 PM) — Eureka American Legion (Eureka)
🔹 Agatucci's 100 Year Celebration (12:00 PM) — Agatucci's (Peoria)
🔹 St. Jude Shrimp & Corn Boil (12:00 PM) — Hyvee Grand Prairie (Peoria)
🔹 Antique Tractor and Agriculture Days (12:00 PM) — Wheels O’ Time Museum (Dunlap)
🔹 Inside Out Arts Family Activity Fair (12:00 PM) — Miller Park Pavilion (Bloomington)
🔹 Italian-American Society Summer Festa Picnic (12:00 PM) — Hickory Grove Park (Dunlap)
🔹 Peoria Riverfront Museum Access for All Day (12:00 PM) — Peoria Riverfront Museum (Peoria)
🔹 To The Max Obstacle Race (12:00 PM) — Maxwell Park (Normal)
🔹 TCRC's Amplify the Mission @ Oz'z (1:00 PM) — OZ'Z Bar & Grill (Pekin)
🔹 Sunday Music Uncorked with Stephanie Foster! (1:00 PM) — Tres Rojas Winery (Washington)
🔹 Ghost Town Blues Band (2:00 PM) — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom (Peoria Heights)
🔹 The Addams Family (2:00 PM) — Peoria Players Theatre (Peoria)
🔹 Peoria Chiefs vs. Quad Cities River Bandits (2:05 PM) — Dozer Park (Peoria)
🔹 Peoria Municipal Band Final Concert of Season (7:00 PM) — Glen Oak Park (Peoria)
🔹 Goo Goo Dolls with Neon Trees (7:30 PM) — Grossinger Motors Arena (Bloomington)

🎉 UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS (JULY 28 - AUGUST 2) 🎉

Looking for something fun to do this week? Here is your complete guide to events across the area! 📍👇

📅 TUESDAY, JULY 28

• 🔹 Tazewell 4-H Show and Jr. Fair (multiple dates) — Mineral Springs Park (Pekin)
• 🔹 Taylor Bruninga & The Bandits — Whitey's On 29 (Creve Coeur)
• 🔹 Nathan Westerman – Books and Pages — Contemporary Art Center (Peoria)
• 🔹 Obituary — The Castle Theatre (Bloomington)
• 🔹 Illinois Shakespeare Festival – final week (multiple dates) — Ewing Theatre (Bloomington)
• 🔹 2026 Discraft Ledgestone Open (multiple dates & locations) — multiple locations (Peoria, Morton, Eureka)
• 🔹 Morton Farmers Market & More — Church Square (Morton)

📅 WEDNESDAY, JULY 29

• 🔹 Peoria Heights Food Truck Park — 1016 E Marietta Ave (Peoria Heights)
• 🔹 West Peoria Farmers Market — Franciscan Rec Complex (West Peoria)
• 🔹 Line Dancing Under the Stars with Mike Kaufmann — Industry Brewing (Peoria)
• 🔹 Moonlight Boat Ride — Miller Park (Bloomington)
• 🔹 McLean County 4-H Show & Rodeo (multiple dates) — Interstate Center (Bloomington)

📅 THURSDAY, JULY 30

• 🔹 Decade of Decadence — Idlewood Park (Morton)
• 🔹 Fish Fry & Carnival (multiple dates) — Alpha Park (Bartonville)
• 🔹 Cubs V Cardinals Bus Trip — Pekin Moose Lodge (Pekin)
• 🔹 Rove and Ramble — Washington Square (Washington)
• 🔹 Pekin Farmers Market — Miller Center (Pekin)
• 🔹 Kickapoo Junction — Rotary Park (Pekin)
• 🔹 Whitey's 29 Cruise-in — Whitey's On 29 (Creve Coeur)
• 🔹 Parks On Tap | Endres Park — Endres Park (Peoria Heights)
• 🔹 Blo-No Boogie Band at Honky-Tonk Happy Hour! — Deer Creek American Legion (Deer Creek)
• 🔹 Back to School Pool Party — Dragonland Waterpark! (Pekin)
• 🔹 Bland Fam Acoustical Jam — Analytical Brewing (Peoria)
• 🔹 Ava Easter — Tartan Inn (West Peoria)
• 🔹 Hollywood Nights - The Bob Seger Experience — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (Bloomington)
• 🔹 Illinois Symphony Orchestra Sips & Sounds - Brass Quintet — Ancho & Agave (Bloomington)

📅 FRIDAY, JULY 31

• 🔹 20th Anniversary Springfield Road Garage Sales — Springfield Rd (East Peoria)
• 🔹 Monsters of Yacht — CEFCU Center Stage (Peoria)
• 🔹 Auditions for Peoria Players DRACULA — First Christian Church of Peoria (Peoria)
• 🔹 Groove in the Garden: Sly Dog Acoustic Duo — Morton Public Library (Morton)
• 🔹 Devin C. Williams — Office on Main (Morton)
• 🔹 East Peoria Farmers Market — Levee District (East Peoria)
• 🔹 The Killer Riffs — OZ'Z Bar & Grill (Creve Coeur)
• 🔹 Gettin' Pretty With It — Whitey's On 29 (Creve Coeur)
• 🔹 The Holdouts — Katie's Corner Tap (Groveland)
• 🔹 Splash Bash — Dragonland Waterpark! (Pekin)
• 🔹 Annual Sports Auction & Murder Mystery — Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino (East Peoria)
• 🔹 Josh Holland Acoustic — Tin Lizard Bar & Grill (21+) (East Peoria)
• 🔹 Wild Nights — Wildlife Prairie Park (Hanna City)
• 🔹 Grandview Drive Tours — Tower Park (Peoria Heights)
• 🔹 Summer Sessions Concert Series | Dexter O'Neal — Shoppes at Grand Prairie (Peoria)
• 🔹 Night Hikes — Wildlife Prairie Park (Hanna City)
• 🔹 FriYay at Glen Oak Park — Glen Oak Park (Peoria Zoo & PlayHouse) (Peoria)
• 🔹 Anthology - Tribute to the Allman Brothers Band — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (Bloomington)
• 🔹 Corn Stock Theatre presents Matilda the Musical (multiple dates) — Five Points Washington Performing Arts Center (Washington)
• 🔹 Kayak Nights — Lake Storey Beach (Galesburg)

📅 SATURDAY, AUGUST 1

• 🔹 3 and a Half Men — Tin Lizard Bar & Grill (21+) (East Peoria)
• 🔹 The Princess Concert — Peoria Civic Center (Peoria)
• 🔹 65 North Pickers — Friendly Valley Tavern (21+) (Peoria)
• 🔹 White Trash Bash 2026 (21+) — Illinois River (East Peoria)
• 🔹 Saturdays on the Square with Chicago Farmer — Museum Square (Bloomington)
• 🔹 Tributes to Morgan Wallen - Lainey Wilson and Zac... — OZ'Z Bar & Grill (Creve Coeur)
• 🔹 Central Illinois cars and coffee — Bass Pro Shops (East Peoria)
• 🔹 PTO Back To School Pool Party — Morton Swimming Pool (Morton)
• 🔹 Touch-a-Truck — Village of Roanoke (Roanoke)
• 🔹 Community Bash 2026 — Great Oaks Community Church (Germantown Hills)
• 🔹 Back to School Bash 2026!!! — 106 Grant Road (Marquette Heights)
• 🔹 Concert in the Vineyard- West MacQueen Street — Mackinaw Valley Winery (Mackinaw)
• 🔹 Monthly Line Dance Party — Miller Center (Pekin)
• 🔹 Wolf & Gypsy Band — Twisted Spoke (Pekin)
• 🔹 45th Annual St. Jude Runs — multiple locations (Central Illinois)
• 🔹 Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy (multiple dates; 21+) — Venue Chisca (Peoria)
• 🔹 Citizen's Band 14 — Martini's on Water Street (Peoria)
• 🔹 Yoga in the Park: Grandview Drive — Grandview Drive (Peoria)
• 🔹 Tall Grass Prairie Walk & Talk Guided Hike — Tawny Oaks Field Station (Edelstein)
• 🔹 Peoria Riverfront Market — Peoria Riverfront (Peoria)
• 🔹 Galesburg Farmers Market — Seminary & Simmons Streets (Galesburg)

📅 SUNDAY, AUGUST 2

• 🔹 First Sunday Market — Avanti's Dome (Pekin)
• 🔹 Minier Corn Daze — Westside Park (Minier)
• 🔹 Parks On Tap | Bradley Park — Laura Bradley Park (Peoria)
• 🔹 Chosen Car Show — El Gallo Bar & Grill (East Peoria)
• 🔹 Sunday Music Uncorked with Bell & Field — Tres Rojas (Washington)
• 🔹 The Elegant Wedding Expo — DoubleTree Hotel (Bloomington)
• 🔹 Logan County Fair (multiple dates) — Logan County Fairgrounds (Lincoln)
• 🔹 Dogs & Dogs: Hot Dog Eating Competition & more (21+) — Friendly Valley (21+) (Peoria)

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July 20-26 Community Events Guide – Monday Draft

What's Happening in Central Illinois?

What did we miss? Add it in the comments!

Jul 20–23 — Woodford County 4-H Show — Woodford County Fairgrounds — Eureka

Jul 21–26 — Peoria Chiefs Home Series vs. West Michigan Whitecaps — Dozer Park — Peoria

Jul 21 — Party in the Park — Veterans Park — Delavan

Jul 21 — The Listening Room Open Mic & Potluck — Gnarly Oak Farm — Dunlap

Jul 22 — Cousin Eddie / Kona Ice — 813 Lincoln Rd — Marquette Heights

Jul 22 — Noah Hutton (Acoustic on the Patio) — Smash House Live — Bloomington

Jul 22 — Storytime at Fon du Lac Farm Park — Fon du Lac Farm Park — East Peoria

Jul 22 — Summer Concert Series — Miller Park — Bloomington

Jul 22 — Tab Benoit: Soul of the Swamp Tour — The Castle Theatre — Bloomington

Jul 22 — The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee — Heartland Theatre — Normal

Jul 22 — We're Alright Wednesdays with Dan Hubbard — DESTIHL Beer Hall — Normal

Jul 22 — West Peoria Farmers Market — Franciscan Recreation Complex — West Peoria

Jul 23 — Annie — Community Players Theatre — Bloomington

Jul 23 — Decade of Decadence 80's Hair Night (FREE) — Three Sisters Park — Chillicothe

Jul 23 — FREE Franklin Park Concerts — Franklin Park — Bloomington

Jul 23 — Great Neighbor Appreciation Cookout — Peoria Riverfront Museum — Peoria

Jul 23 — Live Music on the Patio — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom — Peoria Heights

Jul 23 — Now and Zen FREE Concert — Idlewood Park — Bloomington

Jul 23 — Pekin Farmers Market — Downtown Pekin — Pekin

Jul 23 — Purse Bingo — Blue Margaritas — Peoria

Jul 23 — Rove and Ramble: Sip & Shop — Countryside Banquet Facility — Washington

Jul 23 — Sheltered Reality Percussion Performance — Pekin Public Library — Pekin

Jul 23 — Whitey's 29 Cruise-In — Whitey's BBQ — Creve Coeur

Jul 23–25 — River & Rails Fest — Three Sisters Park — Chillicothe

Jul 24 — Big on Blondes — Windjammer — Bloomington

Jul 24 — Brushville: Friday Night Live at the Vineyard — Mackinaw Valley Winery — Mackinaw

Jul 24 — Captain Crayfish with Fusion Mellow — Kenny's Westside Pub — Peoria

Jul 24 — Cuttin Loose on Water Street — Kelleher's Irish Pub — Peoria

Jul 24 — East Peoria Farmers Market — Levee District — East Peoria

Jul 24 — Five Points Friday — Five Points Washington — Washington

Jul 24 — Flowers + Ice Cream — Yoder's Country Market — Brimfield

Jul 24 — Groove in the Garden: Vinyl Tap — Blessed Blooms Garden — Morton

Jul 24 — Hindley Street Country Club — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — Bloomington

Jul 24 — LUCERO — The Castle Theatre — Bloomington

Jul 24 — Next Thing Smokin' — Tin Lizard — East Peoria

Jul 24 — Radius Outdoor Movie — Radius Church — Minier

Jul 24 — Skylab Planetarium — Fondulac District Library — Creve Coeur

Jul 24 — Summer Sessions Concert Series: Mixtape Mayhem — The Shoppes at Grand Prairie — Peoria

Jul 24 — Terry Luttrell's REO Classics Band — CEFCU Center Stage — Peoria RiverFront

Jul 24 — The Holdouts — Crusens War Memorial — Peoria

Jul 24 — The Nuns World Tour — The Barn III — Goodfield

Jul 24 — Three and a Half Men — Oliver's in the Heights — Peoria Heights

Jul 24 — TourBus Concert Series: Aaron Kelly Band — DESTIHL Beer Hall — Normal

Jul 24 — Twisted Whiskey — Industry Brewing — Peoria

Jul 24 — Twisted Whiskey — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom — Peoria Heights

Jul 24 — Wild Nights — Wildlife Prairie Park — Hanna City

Jul 24–25 — Antique Tractors at Princeville Heritage Museum — Princeville Heritage Museum — Princeville

Jul 24–25 — Midwest Cigar Summit — Jimmy's Bar — West Peoria

Jul 24–25 — Second Pres. Annual Group Sale — Second Presbyterian Church — Bloomington

Jul 25 — Peoria RiverFront Market — RiverFront Market — Peoria

Jul 25 — 11th Annual Cruise In — Northminster Presbyterian Church — Peoria

Jul 25 — 2026 Broadview Mansion Summer Concert — Broadview Mansion — Normal

Jul 25 — Annual Float for St. Jude — American Legion Post 1276 — Deer Creek

Jul 25 — Almost Whiskey Band — Crusens War Memorial — Peoria

Jul 25 — BN Pridefest: Pride Paws Patrol — Downtown Bloomington — Bloomington

Jul 25 — Boogie Night Disco Costume Party — Gone Social — Peoria

Jul 25 — BSR @ Crusens Rt. 29 Summer Series — Whitey's BBQ — Creve Coeur

Jul 25 — Chasing Rachel — Windjammer — Bloomington

Jul 25 — Chillicothe Sweet Corn Festival — Downtown — Chillicothe

Jul 25 — Chris Hawkins Music — Sankoty Lakes — Spring Bay

Jul 25 — Courtyard Concert Series: Revel In Red — Courtyard Concert Series — Peoria Heights

Jul 25 — Cousin Eddie — Martini's on Water Street — Peoria

Jul 25 — Danny Reinmann Acoustic — Kenny's Westside Pub — Peoria

Jul 25 — Decade of Decadence: 80's Hair Night — Mackinaw Valley Winery — Mackinaw

Jul 25 — Farmstand Festival — Farmstand Festival Grounds — Glasford

Jul 25 — Fiesta en el Rio — Peoria RiverFront — Peoria

Jul 25 — Full Circle — Jim Dandy's — Bartonville

Jul 25 — Glenn Miller Orchestra — Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center — East Peoria

Jul 25 — Gray Horse Summer Show — Gray Horse Farm — Brimfield

Jul 25 — Latin Dance Night — Casa de Arte — Peoria

Jul 25 — Live Band Karaoke — Tin Lizard — East Peoria

Jul 25 — Midnight Miles — Six Strings Club — Pekin

Jul 25 — Miller Mid-Summer Mixer Fundraiser — Miller Center — Peoria

Jul 25 — Mindfulness Hike — Farmdale Reservoir — East Peoria

Jul 25 — Party in the Parking Lot — Hy-Vee — Bloomington

Jul 25 — Party in the Parking Lot (Hy-Vee Sheridan) — Hy-Vee — Peoria

Jul 25 — Pekin Boat Club Summer Jam — Pekin Boat Club — Pekin

Jul 25 — RetroFit — Smash House Live — Bloomington

Jul 25 — Revel In Red — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom — Peoria Heights

Jul 25 — St. Jude Runs Raffle Night & Silent Auction — One More @ Oak Hill — Brimfield

Jul 25 — The Vibe Collective — Oliver's in the Heights — Peoria Heights

Jul 25 — TourBus Concert Series: Wildermore — DESTIHL Beer Hall — Normal

Jul 25 — West Peoria Summer Block Party — West Peoria Summer Block Party — West Peoria

Jul 25 — Whitney's Walk for Suicide Prevention & Awareness — Jubilee College State Park — Brimfield

Jul 26 — Chris Hawkins Music at German American Society Corn Boil — Hickory Grove Park — Peoria

Jul 26 — Cruisin' Through the Decades Jeep Cruise-In — DESTIHL Beer Hall — Normal

Jul 26 — Manito Market — Memorial Park — Manito

Jul 26 — Peoria Flea Market — Northwoods Mall — Peoria

Jul 26 — Rhythm is the Forest — Forest Park Nature Center — Peoria Heights

Jul 26 — Sunday Music Uncorked — Tres Rojas Winery — Washington

Jul 26 — The Wood Brothers (Sold Out) — Friendly Valley Tavern — Peoria

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS
July 6–12, 2026

Here's our first draft of this week's event list!

Did we miss something?
Drop it in the comments and we'll add it before the final guide!

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🎭 THEATER & COMEDY
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

• July 8–12 — Seussical the Musical — Peoria Players Theatre
• July 9, 11 & 12 — Illinois Shakespeare Festival — Bloomington-Normal
• July 10–11 — The Manhattan Dolls — Peoria
• July 11 — Orpheum Theatre Summer Comedy Series — Galesburg

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🎶 LIVE MUSIC
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

• July 8 — Peoria Municipal Band — Kelleher's, Peoria
• July 10 — Paul Cauthen (21+) — Crusens, West Peoria
• July 10 — Dexter O'Neal & The Funkyard — CEFCU Center Stage, Peoria Riverfront
• July 10 — Aristocrats — Metamora Square
• July 10 — River Valley Big Band — Pekin
• July 11 — Steady Flow — CEFCU Center Stage, Peoria Riverfront
• July 11 — David Phelps — Five Points Washington
• July 11 — Vinyl Tap — Metamora Square
• July 11 — Concert in the Vineyard — Mackinaw Valley Vineyard
• July 12 — Peoria Municipal Band — Glen Oak Park, Peoria
• July 12 — Princeton Community Band Concert — Princeton
• July 12 — Pekin Park Concert Band — Mineral Springs Park

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🛍️ MARKETS & FLEA MARKETS
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

• July 8 — Morton Farmers Market N More — Morton
• July 8 — West Peoria Farmers Market — West Peoria
• July 9 — Pekin Farmers Market — Pekin
• July 9 — Pekin Flea Market — Pekin
• July 10 — East Peoria Farmers Market — East Peoria
• July 11 — Peoria RiverFront Market — Peoria
• July 11 — Cobblestone Corner Flea Market — Farmington
• July 11 — Eureka Farmers Market — Eureka
• July 11 — Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market — Bloomington
• July 12 — Central Illinois Flea Market — Peoria Speedway

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🍔 FOOD & DRINK
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

• July 8 — Dinner on the Bricks — Metamora Square
• July 9 — Parks on Tap — Cassidy Park, Peoria
• July 10 — Salsa Lessons & DJ Dance Party — Mackinaw Valley Vineyard
• July 11 — Brunch with the Giraffes — Peoria Zoo
• July 11 — Floatapalooza
• July 12 — Hot Rods & Hamburgers — Metamora Square

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
👨‍👩‍👧 FAMILY
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

• July 10 — FriYay at Glen Oak Park — Peoria
• July 10 — Summer Storytime — Washington
• July 11 — Wild Encounters: Second Saturdays — Peoria PlayHouse / Zoo
• July 11 — Pack the Park & Stride & Ride — Normal
• July 11 — Story Time at the Plaza — Canton
• July 12 — Power Up Scavenger Hunt — Normal
• July 12 — Access for All Day — Peoria Riverfront Museum

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🇺🇸 HISTORY
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

• July 8 — Sharing the Spirit of America (Declaration Reading) — Metamora Square
• July 8 — The Prairie State and the Promise of America — Peoria Riverfront Museum
• July 9 — Hidden Figures (Free Movie) — Galesburg
• July 9 — Daughters of the American Revolution Exhibit (Final Day) — Princeton
• July 11 — America 250 Festival — Goodfield

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🚗 CARS & CRUISE-INS
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

• July 11 — Saturday Night Lights Cruise-In — Washington
• July 11 — Route 66 Museum Grand Opening & Cruise-In — Lincoln
• July 12 — Hot Rods & Hamburgers Car Show — Metamora

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🎡 FAIRS & FESTIVALS
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

• July 9–11 — Bureau County 4-H Fair — Princeton
• July 10–11 — Glorious Garden Festival — Bloomington
• July 11 — Freedom House Garden Walk — Princeton
• July 12 — Marshall-Putnam Fair Opening Day — Henry

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
⚽ SPORTS
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

• July 11 — Peoria City vs. Springfield FC — Peoria
• July 11 — Yoga in the Park — Peoria
• July 11 — Pack the Park & Stride & Ride — Normal
• July 7–19 — Peoria Chiefs are on the road (No home games)

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
👀 UNIQUE & WEIRD
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

• July 11 — Boos & Booze: Rosemary's Baby with the Slash Sisters — Peoria

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

What did we miss?

Comment below and we'll add it to Thursday's final Channel 309 Event Guide!

Central Illinois 4th of July Week Guide

• Jul 2 — America 250 Drone Show (Bloomington)
• Jul 2 — Peoria Chiefs Game & Fireworks (Peoria)

• Jul 2-4 — Minonk 4th of July Celebration

• Jul 3 — Peoria Sportsman's Club Fireworks (Manito / Spring Lake)
• Jul 3 — Peoria Chiefs Game & Fireworks (Peoria)
• Jul 3 — Morton Independence Day Celebration
• Jul 3 — Spring Bay American Legion Celebration & Fireworks
• Jul 3 — Manito 4th of July Parade
• Jul 3 — Havana Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks

• Jul 4 — Deer Creek American Legion Celebration
• Jul 4 — Peoria Jaycees Firecracker 5K
• Jul 4 — West Peoria 4th of July Parade
• Jul 4 — Hopedale Independence Day Celebration
• Jul 4 — Eureka Independence Day Parade
• Jul 4 — Henry 4th of July Parade
• Jul 4 — Minonk 4th of July Parade
• Jul 4 — Roanoke Independence Day Parade (1 PM)
• Jul 4 — Downs Independence Day Parade (Noon)
• Jul 4 — Red, White & BOOM! (Peoria / East Peoria)
• Jul 4 — Honor America Celebration (Pekin)
• Jul 4 — Lake Eureka Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks
• Jul 4 — Three Sisters Park Fireworks (Chillicothe)
• Jul 4 — Sweetwater Park Fireworks (Elmwood)
• Jul 4 — Henry Fireworks Celebration
• Jul 4 — Fairview Fireworks
• Jul 4 — Brock Lake Fireworks (Mackinaw)
• Jul 4 — Bellflower Fireworks
• Jul 4 — Canton Fireworks
• Jul 4 — Downs Fireworks
• Jul 4 — Bloomington 4th of July Celebration (Miller Park)
• Jul 4 — Normal 4th of July Celebration

📅 CENTRAL ILLINOIS WEEKLY EVENTS
June 25–28, 2026

• Jun 25-28 — Galesburg Railroad Days — Downtown Galesburg
• Jun 25, 5-7:30 PM — Rove & Ramble Food Truck Event — Countryside Banquet, Washington
• Jun 26, 7 PM — Old Crow Medicine Show — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
• Jun 26-27 — Dragon's Fire Balloon Fest — Avanti's Event Center, Pekin
• Jun 26, 4-7 PM — East Peoria Farmer's Market — Levee District
• Jun 26, 6:30-8:30 PM — Murder at the 1980s Prom — Lakeview Library, Peoria
• Jun 26 — Peoria Municipal Band at St. Philomena — Peoria

• Jun 27, 8 AM — Uplands Neighborhood Yard Sale — Peoria
• Jun 27, 8 AM-Noon — Peoria RiverFront Market — Peoria Riverfront
• Jun 27, 9 AM-3 PM — Morton VFW Flea Market — Morton
• Jun 27, 10 AM-2 PM — Wheels O' Time Cruise-In — Wheels O' Time Museum
• Jun 27 — Peoria Prowlers Roller Derby — Peoria Civic Center
• Jun 27, 7 PM — Peoria Pops Orchestra: Songs of the Heartland — Noble Center Lawn, Peoria
• Jun 27 — Pontiac Independence Day Celebration — Pontiac

• Jun 28, 8 AM-3 PM — Peoria Flea Market — Northwoods Mall
• Jun 28 — Central Illinois Flea Market (Weather Make-Up Date)
• Jun 28, 11 AM-6 PM — Itoo Society Shish-Ka-Bob — Itoo Hall, Peoria
• Jun 28, 12-4 PM — Peoria Makers Art Market — Friendly Valley Tavern
• Jun 28, 7 PM — Buckcherry with Cole Hollow — Peoria Riverfront
• Jun 28 — Peoria Municipal Band — Glen Oak Park

Things To Do Around Central Illinois This Week (June 15–21)

Festival of Food Trucks (Washington) — June 15, 4-8PM

Central Illinois Emergency Expo at Grand Prairie (Peoria) — June 17, 4–7PM (FREE)

Peoria Chiefs Home Games — June 17–22

Chillicothe Days Festival — June 17–20

Save the Jukebox Comedy Club (Peoria) — June 17–18, 8PM ($6)

A Taste of Ireland at Prairie Home Alliance Theater (Peoria) — June 18, 7:30PM ($56+)

[NEW!] Market After Hours (Downtown Peoria) — June 18, 4–7PM

Texas Tenors at Five Points Washington — June 19, 8PM ($39-59)

Downtown Pekin Pop-Up Market — June 20, 9AM–2PM

32nd Annual Float for St. Jude (Deer Creek) — June 20, registration 9AM–Noon ($25 donation includes T-shirt & food)

Wharf Harbor Yacht Club River Run (Peoria/East Peoria) — June 20, sign-in begins 10AM, ($15-20)

[NEW!] Discover Morton Business Expo (Morton) — June 20, 10AM–1PM

Community Art Fair at Five Points (Washington) — June 20, 10AM–5PM

Fathers & Floats at Peoria Zoo — June 21 , 10AM-5PM

Peoria Makers Art Market @ Friendly Valley (Peoria) — June 21, 12PM–4PM (21+)

Peoria Municipal Band Concert at Glen Oak Park (Peoria) — June 21, 7PM (FREE)

Car Shows & Events This Week:
• Friday Night Lights at Bass Pro (June 19, 6–10PM)
• Outdoor Market Fest, Washington (June 20, 9AM–3PM)
• Coffee & Cars, Hanna City (June 21, 8–11AM)
• Cruise-In & Custom Car Show, Morton VFW (June 21, 10AM–3PM)
• Father's Day Car Show, Revive Church (June 21, 11AM–1PM)
• Super Car Sunday, Northwoods Mall (June 21, 1–4PM)

Juneteenth Events This Week:
• Jubilee Day: A Juneteenth Celebration, Peoria RiverFront (June 19, 4–9PM, FREE)
• Freedom Fest 2026, Trewyn Park (June 20, 11AM, FREE)
• 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, Contemporary Art Center (June 20, 6:30–8:30PM, FREE)
• 27th Annual Juneteenth Father's Day Choral Celebration, ICC Performing Arts Center (June 21, 3PM)

If I missed anything happening around Peoria or Central Illinois this week, add it below.

https://reddit.com/link/1u1218q/video/sw8kdj2fq86h1/player

Anyone ever visit on a headful?
[interior shots start around 12s]

Things To Do Around Central Illinois This Week (June 8–14)

420 Bingo at Gro Up Gardening (Pekin) — June 10, 5PM (21+)

Limestone Township Pool Days Festival (Bartonville) — June 11–13 (FREE admission)

Flotsam River Circus Benefit at The Space at 1208 (Peoria Heights) — June 11, 8PM ($10–25 suggested donation)

Tremont Turkey Festival — June 12–14 in Tremont (FREE admission)

Jim McMahon Meet & Greet at Kelleher's (Peoria) — June 12, 7–10PM ($100 and up)

Keller Williams' Grateful Grass at Friendly Valley Tavern (Peoria) — June 12, Doors 7PM, Music 8PM (21+, $29)

32nd Annual Float for St. Jude (Deer Creek) — June 13, registration 9AM–Noon ($25 donation includes T-shirt & food)

45th Annual Moss Avenue Sale (Peoria) — June 13, 8AM–3PM (FREE)

Emily Ann Roberts at Crusens Farmington Road (West Peoria) — June 13, 8PM (21+, $20–25)

Mackinaw Valley Wine Run 5K — June 14, 9AM (registration required)

Paws in the Park Summer Splash at Donovan Park (Peoria) — June 14, 2–7PM (FREE)

Shopping Events This Week:
• South Pekin Townwide Sales (June 12–13)
• Lacon Townwide Garage Sales (June 12–13)
• Morton Village Garage Sales (June 13)
• Eagles Annual Flea Market (June 13–14)
• Central Illinois Flea Market at Peoria Speedway (June 14, 9AM–3PM, $3 admission)

If I missed anything happening around Peoria or Central Illinois this week, add it below.

Things To Do Around Peoria This Week (June 2-7)

Peoria Bach Festival — May 31–June 5 at Westminster Presbyterian Church (FREE–$20)

West Side Story at Corn Stock Theatre — June 2–6, 7:30PM ($20–25)

Peoria Chiefs vs. Beloit Sky Carp at Dozer Park — June 2–7 ($14–28)

American Animation: Art on Screen at Peoria Riverfront Museum — June 4–7 ($7.50–10.50)

Parks on Tap at Columbia Park — June 4, 5–8PM (FREE entry)

Central Illinois Cars & Coffee at Bass Pro (East Peoria) — June 6, 8–11:30AM (FREE)

Steamboat Classic — June 6, starting around 8AM downtown

Peoria Riverfront Market (moved to Northwoods Mall this week only) — June 6, 8AM–Noon

Elmwood Strawberry Festival — June 6, 8AM–5PM (FREE)

Canton Art on Main Fine Arts Festival — June 6–7, 9AM–4:30PM (FREE)

June Flea Market at Cobblestone Corner (Farmington) — June 6, 9AM–4PM

German American Sommerfest at Hickory Grove Park — June 6, Noon–8PM (FREE)

1st Sunday Market at Avanti Dome (Pekin) — June 7, 10AM–3PM (Bar for 21+)

Farmers Markets (and more) This Week:
• Morton (June 2)
• West Peoria (June 3)
• Sheridan (June 3)
• Pekin (June 4)
• East Peoria (June 5)
• Elmwood (June 5)
• Peoria Riverfront at Northwoods Mall (June 6)
• Bloomington (June 6)
• Canton (June 6)
• Germantown Hills (June 6)
• Metamora (June 6)
• Havana (June 6)

If I missed anything happening around Peoria or Central Illinois this week, add it below.

Things To Do Around Peoria This Week (May 25–31)

Peoria Heights Food Truck Park — May 27, 5–9PM

Rhumboogie with Lowdown Brass Band at Peoria Riverfront Museum — May 28, 7–8:30PM ($15–20)

Hot in the Heights (21+) at Tower Park — May 28, 5:30–9:30PM ($22)

Little Mania Mini Wrestling at Pub 52 (Mackinaw) — May 29, 7–9PM ($35, all ages)

Parks on Tap at Sommer Park North — May 29, 5–8PM

Live @ The Five Spot at Contemporary Art Center — May 29, 6:30–8:30PM ($8–16 BYOB)

Dueling Pianos at Jim’s Steakhouse — May 29, 7:30–10:30PM (call for reservations)

Chalk Art Contest at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie — May 30, 10AM–3PM (FREE)

Justin Roberts Family Concert at CEFCU Stage — May 30, 10AM–12PM (FREE)

Northmoor Observatory Open Night — May 30, sunset–10PM at Donovan Park (FREE, weather permitting)

Peoria Bach Festival at Westminster Presbyterian Church — May 31, ~4PM (donation)

If I missed anything happening around Peoria or Central Illinois this week, add it below.

Things To Do Around Peoria This Week (May 19–24)

• Peoria Chiefs home games — May 19–24 Includes Bluey night, fireworks, Bark in the Park, $2 beers, and more.
• On Golden Pond at Peoria Players — May 22–23 at 8PM + May 24 at 2PM ($20)
• Summer Camp Bands at Friendly Valley — May 22–24 Multiple bands, 21+ event
• Riverfront Market Opening Day — May 23, 8AM–12PM
• Sculpture Walk Peoria — May 23, 9AM–12PM (FREE)
• International Wine & Craft Beer Festival at Mackinaw Valley Winery — May 23 (11AM–11PM) + May 24 (12PM–5PM), $5–15
• Uncorked at Tres Rojas Winery (Washington) — May 23–24, 12PM–7PM Live music, food truck, wine, $5 adults / kids free
• Laser Light Nights: Taylor Swift + K-Pop shows — May 23, various times
• Courtyard Concert Series at Pour Bros (Peoria Heights) — May 23, 8PM
• Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Eating Contest at Storm Shelter (East Peoria) — May 23, 7PM
• Peoria Flea Market at Northwoods Mall — May 24, 8AM–3PM ($2 admission)
• Peoria’s Miss & Mister Juneteenth Pageant — May 24, 2PM, East Bluff Community Center

If I missed anything happening around Central Illinois this week, add it below.