COMEDY
Ongoing. The Jukebox Comedy Club features local, regional and nationally known comedians, open Wednesdays through Saturdays.
DANCE
7/1, 7/15, 8/5, 8/19. The Contemporary Art Center hosts Salsa at the CAC on the first and third Fridays of the month from 8:30pm to midnight.
7/16. Civil War Dancers will perform at noon in the lobby at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
EXHIBITS
Ongoing. Sculpture Walk Peoria features 15 large-scale sculptures along Washington Street from Liberty to State Street in Peoria.
Ongoing. The Diocesan Museum in the Spalding Pastoral Center features exhibits on the Peoria Diocese, while the adjacent Fulton J. Sheen Museum offers a permanent exhibit on the life of the famous archbishop.
Thru 7/10. The Figures of Strength: Artwork by Sculptor Nita Sutherland will be on display at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
Thru 7/14. The Regional Alumni Invitational show will be on display at the Prairie Center of the Arts.
Thru 7/17. Artistic Abilities, featuring the work of artists with disabilities, will be on display in the Foster Gallery for Christianity and Fine Arts.
Thru 9/30. Be the Astronaut will be on display in the International Features Gallery at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
Thru 10/31. Wheels O’ Time Museum is open noon to 5pm Wednesdays through Sundays, with an eclectic collection of cars, fire trucks, steam engines and much more.
Thru 11/30. Leo: The Life and Legacy of C.L. Best is on display at the Caterpillar Visitors Center.
7/1, 8/5. Art galleries and artist studios around the region open their doors from 5 to 9pm for First Fridays.
7/5 – 7/28. Exhibit A Gallery in Peoria Heights will host photographer Joe Couri’s “Photographic Journey Through the Lens,” with an artist reception on 7/8 from 5 to 8pm.
7/8 – 8/19. Installation work by Susan Emerson will be on display at the Contemporary Art Center, with a combined opening reception on 7/9 at 6:30pm featuring music by Paul Weddle and Jason Hatterman.
7/8 – 8/26. Sculpture by Mark Richey and paintings by Michael Wille will be on display at the Contemporary Art Center, with a combined opening reception on 7/9 at 6:30pm.
7/10. Works by Patricia Keck will be on display at Project 1612 from 3 to 5pm.
7/16 – 10/16. Changing Perspectives: The Landscapes of Harold Gregor will be on display in the Folk Art Gallery at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
7/16 – 7/30. The Illinois Art League’s annual Membership Show and Sale will be on display at the Peoria Public Library in downtown Peoria during library hours. An artists’ reception will take place on 7/21 from 3 to 5pm, and the art sale runs from 9am to 4pm on 7/29 and 7/30.
7/24 – 8/28. Unseen Voice, an exhibit featuring work from up-and-coming area artists, will be on display at the Foster Gallery for Christianity and Fine Arts.
8/1 – 9/2. Exhibit A Gallery in Peoria Heights will host artist Don Kettleborough, with an artist reception on 8/12 from 5 to 8pm.
8/2 – 8/30. From My Eyes to Yours, a photography exhibit by Tim Schroll, will be on display at the Peoria Public Library.
8/4. Project 1612 will display the works of Reenie Charriere from 5 to 7pm.
8/8 – 9/23. I Witness: Activist Art and Social Movement Politics, an exhibit by Krista Wortendyke, will be on display at the Heuser Art Center Gallery at Bradley University.
FESTIVALS
7/1 – 7/4. Red, White and BOOM Weekend takes place on the Peoria Riverfront with Free Fallin’ in concert on Friday, Brushville on Saturday, Fusion Night Light Outdoor Dance Party on Sunday, and Spring Creek Station on Monday, prior to the fireworks.
7/3. The Peoria Park District will host Fireworks Spectacular, featuring Jammsammich, the Peoria Municipal Band and more at Glen Oak Park from 4 to 10pm.
7/3. The Peoria German-American Society will host Volksfest from noon to 8pm at Hickory Grove Park.
7/8 – 7/16. The Heart of Illinois Fair takes place at Expo Gardens, featuring carnival rides, live entertainment, motor sports, livestock shows and more.
7/17. Mackinaw Valley Vineyard will host an Art & Wine Festival from noon to 6pm featuring local artists and a cruise-in.
7/22 – 7/23. The Central Illinois BBQ Throwdown takes place at Riverfront Festival Park, featuring BBQ cookoffs, craft and vendor fairs, and family entertainment.
7/23. The Sunbeam Building will host a Vintage Market from 9am to 4pm featuring local music, shops and food.
7/23. The Princeville Heritage Museum and Central Illinois Farm Heritage Tractor Club will host Summer Harvest from 9am to 4pm at the museum.
7/23 – 7/24. CIAO will host the Rhapsody in Bloom Arts Festival at Luthy Botanical Garden from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and noon to 5pm on Sunday.
7/24. The Peoria German-American Society will host a Corn Boil from 2 to 8pm at Hickory Grove Park.
8/7. The Peoria German-American Society will host Bratfest with craft beer tastings from noon to 8pm at Hickory Grove Park.
8/10. Peoria Area Community Events presents the 34th annual Taste of Peoria, featuring specialty foods from more than 40 local restaurants, from 4 to 11pm at Riverfront Festival Park.
8/11 – 8/13. Brimfield Old Settlers Days features live music, food tent, carnival, games and much more.
8/12 – 8/13. Grand Nationals Weekend will feature live music, a motorcycle parade, swap meet and more at Riverfront Festival Park on the Peoria Riverfront.
8/13. ArtsPartners of Central Illinois presents IGNITE Peoria, a community-wide celebration of creativity at the Peoria Civic Center.
8/14. The Italian-American Society of Peoria will host Summer Festa Picnic at Hickory Grove Park, featuring Italian food, beverages, gift booths, music and more.
8/26 – 8/28. Erin Feis takes place on the Peoria Riverfront, showcasing Irish heritage through song, dance, food, activities and cultural exhibits.
LECTURES & PRESENTATIONS
7/6. Dr. Fred Smith, ISU anthropology professor, presents “Neanderthals and the Origins of Modern Humans” at the Peoria Public Library in downtown Peoria at 6pm.
MUSIC
Thru 8/26. Live at the Five Spot takes place on Fridays at the Contemporary Art Center from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Upcoming shows include: The Brazilionaires (samba/pop, 7/1), Ed & Judy Howard (R&B/pop/rock, 7/8), Jennifer Hall (indie alternative rock/soul, 7/15), Mardra & Reggie Thomas (jazz/R&B, 7/22), Lizzi Neal Band (rock/blues, 7/29), Dexter O’Neal & Funk Yard (R&B/funk, 8/5), Steve “The Harp” Blues Band (blues, 8/12), Galactic Cowboy Orchestra (jazz/rock/bluegrass fusion, 8/19) and Dorann & the Soul Mystics (soul/R&B, 8/26).
Thru 8/27. Rhythm Kitchen Music Café features live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 to 11pm.
7/1, 8/19. Mackinaw Valley Vineyard welcomes Brushville from 8 to 11pm.
7/2 – 8/27. Mackinaw Valley Vineyard hosts live music on Saturdays from 7 to 11pm. Artists include: The Biscuits & Gravy Band (7/2); Jury’s Out (7/9); Bubblegum Jack (7/16); Jammsammich (7/23); Loose Shoes (7/30); The Shake (8/6); Heroso (8/13); 7 West (8/20); and The Scott Marek Band (8/27).
7/3 – 8/14. The Peoria Municipal Band performs every Sunday at 7pm at Glen Oak Park and Thursdays at 7pm on Water Street outside of Kelleher’s Irish Pub.
7/7. The Morton Fine Arts Association presents The Midnight Special, rocking the ‘70s, from 7 to 9pm at the Idlewood Arts Pavilion in Morton.
7/7. Diplomatic Relations presents Jared Grabb and Caron Easley at the Tartan Inn at 9pm.
7/7, 7/14, 7/21. The CEFCU Jazz Series features local jazz artists at 7pm at the CEFCU Center Stage at the Landing on the Peoria Riverfront.
7/8. Diplomatic Relations presents The Golden Fleece, Teaheads, The Fever Haze and The Burning Sensation at Peoria Pizza Works at 7pm.
7/9. Small Potatoes will perform at Forest Park Nature Center as part of the Songs from the Woods concert series at 7pm.
7/11. Singer/songwriter Chris Cornell brings his Higher Truth tour to the Peoria Civic Center Theater at 8pm. 
7/12. In This Moment, along with Hellyeah, Sunflower Dead and Shaman’s Harvest, will perform at the Limelight Eventplex at 7pm.
7/14. The Morton Fine Arts Association presents the country rock of The Joe Stamm Band from 7 to 9pm at the Idlewood Arts Pavilion in Morton.
7/15. Limelight Eventplex presents country singer Tracy Lawrence at the CEFCU Center Stage at the Landing on the Peoria Riverfront at 7pm.
7/15. The Temperance Movement and The Stone Foxes perform at the Limelight Eventplex at 8pm.
7/16. Gospelfest Jubilee: A 1940s Radio Broadcast will feature the Gospelfest singers and choir with Shawn Degenhart at 7pm at Grace Presbyterian Church.
7/17. The Central Illinois Jazz Society House Band plays at 6pm, followed by the Richard Drexler Trio at 7:15pm at Landmark Recreation Center.
7/19. Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment presents Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros at The Landing on the Peoria Riverfront.
7/21. The Morton Fine Arts Association presents Prairieland, a family-friendly musical variety show, from 7 to 9pm at the Idlewood Arts Pavilion in Morton.
7/22, 7/23, 8/19, 8/20. Howlin’ on Water dueling piano show performs at 8pm at The Waterhouse, with pre-show dinner buffets at 6:30pm. Doors at 6pm.
7/23. Diplomatic Relations presents Thee Fine Lines, Andy Thomas’ Dust Heart, Good Mr Square and the Overflows, and Up & at ‘Em at Peoria Pizza Works at 7pm.
7/24. The folk duo Hungrytown performs in the Music in the McKenzie series at the Peoria Public Library North Branch from 2 to 4pm.
7/26, 8/23. The Peoria Heights Community Band performs at 7pm at Tower Park in Peoria Heights.
7/28. The Morton Fine Arts Association presents Cousin Eddie, featuring late ‘60s to current sounds, from 7 to 9pm at the Idlewood Arts Pavilion in Morton.
7/28. Limelight Eventplex presents Summerland Tour 2016 featuring Sugar Ray, Everclear, Lit and Sponge at 7pm in Festival Park on the Peoria Riverfront.
7/28. The classic rock duo Whitford/St. Holmes performs at the Limelight Eventplex at 8pm.
7/31. Diplomatic Relations presents Men of Fortune and Caustic Casanova at the Red Barn at 7pm.
8/4. Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment presents Umphrey’s McGee with special guests The Main Squeeze at the Landing on the Peoria Riverfront.
8/5. Limelight Eventplex presents Drew Baldridge with the Matt Miller Band and Tasji Bachman at 7pm, with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
8/5 – 8/6. The Peoria Park District’s River City Soul Fest takes place at Riverfront Festival Park, featuring gospel act Dottie Peoples on Friday and R&B acts SWV and Carl Thomas on Saturday.
8/6. Limelight Eventplex welcomes guitarist Ted Nugent to Three Sisters Park at 7pm.
8/7. Diplomatic Relations presents Narco States, Super88 and GONN (50th anniversary) at Peoria Pizza Works at 7pm.
8/11. The Peoria Historical Society presents German Rhythms on the River on the Spirit of Peoria. Boarding begins at 5pm.
8/13. The Roundstone Buskers will perform at Forest Park Nature Center as part of the Songs from the Woods concert series at 7pm.
8/14. The Sally Weisenburg Band performs in the Music in the McKenzie series at the Peoria Public Library North Branch from 2 to 4pm.
8/20. Diplomatic Relations presents Tina Sparkle and La Historia at Peoria Pizza Works at 7pm.
8/21. The Central Illinois Jazz Society House Band performs at 6pm, followed by Sally Weisenburg and Friends at 7:15pm at the Landmark Recreation Center.
8/22. Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment presents Gov’t Mule with special guests Blackberry Smoke at The Landing on the Peoria Riverfront.
8/26. 10 Years, Finger Eleven and Evan Stone will be at the Limelight Eventplex at 8:30pm.
POETRY & STORYTELLING
7/7, 8/4. Whisper & Shout, an open mic for poetry, takes place at the Contemporary Art Center from 8 to 10pm.
7/9. Peoria Poetry Club meets at Riverview Senior Living Community from noon to 2:30pm.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Thru 9/24. The Peoria Riverfront Market is open Saturdays from 8am to noon, featuring local produce and food, with local artists selling jewelry, pottery, blown glass and more.
7/30 – 7/31. Peoria Area Community Events hosts the Gus Macker Basketball Tournament at Northwoods Church.
8/7. The Mackinaw Valley Vineyard will host the Prairie Traveling Vintage Show & Sale from noon to 6pm.
8/20. 4 Directions Healing Foundation presents the fifth annual Native Americans Speak cultural event from 10am to 4pm at Shore Acres Park in Chillicothe.
THEATER
Thru 7/2. Corn Stock Theatre presents Cheaper by the Dozen at 7:30pm.
7/7 – 7/10. The Peoria Park District Community Children’s Theatre presents Singin’ in the Rain at Peoria Players Theatre at 7pm, with additional 1:30 matinees on 7/8 through 7/10.
7/14 – 7/17. The Conklin Players will host An Evening with Patsy Cline starring Julie Seeley at Five Points Washington, with shows at 7pm Thursday thru Saturday and a 2pm matinee on Sunday.
7/15 – 7/23. Corn Stock Theatre presents Seussical the Musical! at 7:30pm.
7/21 – 7/24. Arc Light Productions presents Legally Blonde: The Musical with shows at 7:30pm and a 2:30pm matinee on Sunday.
7/21 – 7/24. The Penguin Players present Fame, Jr. in the ICC Performing Arts Center Thursday through Saturday at 7:30pm and 2:30pm on Sunday.
7/24. Peoria Players Theatre will host a Get Acquainted event at 6:30pm.
7/29 – 7/31, 8/3 – 8/6. Youthlight 2016 presents School of Rock at 7:30pm, with a 2pm matinee on 7/31, at Eastlight Theatre.
7/30. Peoria Cabaret Theatre presents Nyk’s Outrageous Cabaret: Best of 2015-2016 Local Musicals featuring Nyk Sutter and Friends at The Waterhouse. Doors at 6pm; show at 8pm.
8/3 – 8/7. Peoria Players Theatre presents Legally Blonde: The Musical at 7:30pm with a 2pm matinee on 8/7.
8/5 – 8/13. Corn Stock Theatre presents the musical The Spitfire Grill at 7:30pm.
8/5 – 8/6. Peoria Cabaret Theatre presents the improv comedy The Lebanese/Redneck Wedding at The Waterhouse. Doors at 5pm; show at 5:45pm.
8/12. The Angela Jackson and Friends Cabaret performs in the Broadway Lounge at The Waterhouse. Doors at 6pm; show at 8pm.
8/12 – 8/14. Peoria Public Schools’ Summer Youth Theater will perform The Lion King Jr. in the Peoria Civic Center Theater.
8/26 – 9/3. Corn Stock Theatre presents Memphis (The Musical) at 7:30pm.
For More Information…
4 Directions Healing Foundation—4dhf.org, 202-4197
Arc Light Productions—arclightpro.com, 455-4095
Art Garage—art-garage-studio.com, 231-2511
Art-Space Peoria—facebook.com/artspacepeoria, 868-0474
ArtsPartners of Central Illinois—artspartners.net, 676-2787
Atelier 5835—5835 N. Galena Road, Ste. 105, Peoria, 383-3341
Bradley University Galleries—art.bradley.edu/bug, 677-2989
Brimfield Old Settlers Days—brimfieldoldsettlersdays.webs.com
Caterpillar Visitors Center—visitcaterpillar.com
Central Illinois BBQ Throwdown—mortonbbqthrowdown.net
Central Illinois Jazz Society—cijs.org, 692-5330
CIAO/Central Illinois Artists Organization—ciaopeoria.com
Contemporary Art Center—peoriacac.org, 674-6822
Corn Stock Theatre—cornstocktheatre.com, 676-2196
Diplomatic Relations—facebook.com/diplomaticrelationsil
Ear in the Envelope—820 SW Adams, Peoria, 550-3518
Eastlight Theatre—eastlighttheatre.com, 699-7469
Erin Feis—erinfeispeoria.com
Exhibit A Gallery—exhibitagallery.net, 693-6180
First Fridays—peoriafirstfriday.com, ciaopeoria.com
Five Points Washington—fivepointswashington.org, 444-8222
Foster Gallery for Christianity and the Fine Arts—fumcpeoria.org, 673-3641
GAR Hall—cilfpeoria.org, 672-1800
Goddess Boheme—goddessboheme.com, 363-9449
Gospelfest Jubilee—gospelfestministries.com
Grand Nationals Weekend—grandnationalsweekend.com
Heart of Illinois Fair—heartofillinoisfair.com
The Hive—thehive305.com, 360-4880
Howlin’ on Water—howlinonwater.com, 494-9100
IGNITE Peoria—ignitepeoria.com
Illinois Art League—illinoisartleague.com
Illinois Central College/Arts at ICC—artsaticc.com, 694-5136
Italian-American Society of Peoria—italianamericansociety.com
Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment—jaytv.com, 839-1220
Jukebox Comedy Club—jukeboxcomedy.com, 673-5853
Limelight EventPlex—limelighteventplex.com, 693-1234
Mackinaw Valley Vineyard—mackinawvalleyvineyard.com
Morton Fine Arts Association—mortonfinearts.org, 266-5135
Penguin Players—penguinproject.org
Peoria Area Community Events—peoriaevents.com
Peoria Cabaret Theatre—peoriacabarettheatre.com, 494-9100
Peoria Civic Center—peoriaciviccenter.com, (800) 745-3000
Peoria German-American Society—peoriagermans.net, 691-7484
Peoria Heights Community Band—peoriaheightscommunityband.com
Peoria Historical Society—peoriahistoricalsociety.org, 674-1921
Peoria Municipal Band—peoriamunicipalband.com
Peoria Park District—peoriaparks.org, 681-2861
Peoria Players Theatre—peoriaplayers.org, 688-4473
Peoria Public Library—peoriapubliclibrary.org, 497-2000
Peoria Riverfront Market—visitdowntownpeoria.com/peoria-riverfront-market
Peoria Riverfront Museum—peoriariverfrontmuseum.org, 686-7000
Prairie Center of the Arts—prairiecenterofthearts.org, 657-6767
Princeville Heritage Museum—princevilleheritagemuseum.com
Project 1612—project1612.com, 798-0375
Red, White & BOOM!—redwhiteandboom.us
Rhythm Kitchen Music Café—rhythmkitchenmusiccafe.biz, 676-9668
Sculpture Walk Peoria—sculpturewalkpeoria.org
Spalding Pastoral Center—cdopmuseums.org, 671-1550
Speakeasy Art Center—speakeasyartcenter.com, 267-2058
Spirit of Peoria—spiritofpeoria.com, 637-8000
Sunbeam Building/Studios On Sheridan—sunbeambuilding.com, 573-8404
Toraason Glass—facebook.com/ToraasonGlass
The Waterhouse—waterhousepeoria.com, 494-9100
Wheel Art Studios—bit.ly/wheelart, 306-1741
Wheels O’ Time Museum—wheelsotime.org, 243-9020
