Tonight, Peoria Players Theatre presents its summer fundraiser, Altar Boyz. It's a foot-stomping, rafter-raising, musical comedy about a fictitious Christian boy-band on the last night of their national "Raise the Praise" tour. The Boyz are five all-singing, all-dancing heartthrobs from Ohio: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan & Abraham. Performances begin at 7:30 pm on Thursday through Saturday and 2:30 pm on Sunday. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for students 18 & under and are on sale at the Peoria Players Box Office, by calling 688-4473 or online HERE.

Squabbles continues at the Barn II Dinner Theatre tonight.  This hilarious play pits a cantankerous father-in-law against a mother in a comedic succession of squabbles. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and the show is at 8 pm. On Sundays, doors and the buffet open at noon, and the show is at 1:30 pm. Prices are $30 for Thursdays, $32 for Fridays and Sunday brunch and $34 for Saturdays. For more information, call 965-2545 or click HERE.

The Peoria Chiefs take on the Beloit Snappers tonight beginning at 7 pm at O'Brien Field.  The Chiefs will face the Snappers again Friday evening at 6:30 pm.  Tickets are $10 for Club Box, $9 for Box or $6 for Lawn and are available at the O'Brien Field box office, by phone at 866-698-4253 or online HERE.

The Peoria Bach Festival 2009 continues tonight through Sunday and brings together top flight local, regional, and national musicians for a week of concerts and celebrations.  A complete schedule and details regarding this year's events can be found by clicking HERE or calling 676-4609.

On Friday, the Contemporary Arts Center presents Live at the Five Spot featuring the Preston Jackson & Friends (jazz, R&B) at 5:30 pm. Admission is $7 for CAC members and $10 for non-members.  Also on Friday, the CAC presents Salsa at CAC, a Latin Dance Latin dance lesson and open dancing from 8:30 - 12:30 pm. The dance lesson runs from 8:30 - 9:30 pm and open dancing is from 9:30 pm - 12:30 am. Open dancing to DJ Ed Caballero. Admission is $3 CAC members and $6 non-members.

The Canton, Bartonville, and Metamora Relay for Life races will take place this Friday at 6 pm through Saturday at 9 am.  Click HERE for each race's details.

On Saturday, the Elmwood Strawberry Festival offers strawberry pie, shortcake and other strawberry delicacies in the day-long event which also includes great entertainment, craft booths, a pancake and sausage breakfast from 6-10 am sponsored by the Elmwood Fire Dept., a food tent from 10 am to 6 pm, an outdoor volleyball classic, a car show, a motorcycle show, plus a kids corner.  Elmwood is located between Galesburg and Peoria on Illinois Route 78.  For more information, call 742-8272.

The newly renovated Peoria Zoo will host the grand opening of their new Africa ! Exhibit on Saturday. Hours are 10 am - 5 pm, with the last admissions at 4:30 pm. Regular admission prices will be in effect. For more information, click HERE or call 686-3365.

Find fresh produce locally grown and brought directly from farms and gardens, local meats, cheeses and breads at the RiverFront Market on Saturday from 8 am to Noon. There's also pottery, blown glass, jewelry, wood turned items, candles, soaps and more all handcrafted by local artists plus music and food demonstrations.  For more details, click HERE or call 671-5555.

The Junction City Art Fair also takes place this Saturday.  The Peoria Art Guild partners with the Junction City Shopping Center for a third year to present this juried fair showcasing artists from Central Illinois (within a 100 miles radius). The fair runs Sunday too.  Hours are 10 am - 4 pm both days.  For more information, call 637-2787 or click HERE.

The Boat Drunks will perform on Satrurday at the CEFCU Center Stage at The Landing. Gates open at 7:30 pm and the show starts at 8:00 pm. Admission is $7 per person.

Luthy Botanical Garden celebrates summer with a Plant Sale on Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm.  Kick off the season with live music from 11 am to 3 pm. Enjoy popcorn and a soda while strolling through the garden and check out the first-ever tent sale with bargains galore from all different seasons. Stock up on new annuals, perennials, veggies, and herbs for your garden (selection is limited).  Admission is free.

The Heritage Ensemble will perform at the Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center at 7:30 pm on Saturday. Tickets are $15 for the general public, $12 for senior citizens, and $8 for students. For more information, call 694-5ICC.

The German- American Society- presents Sommerfest on Saturday and Sunday from noon - 8 pm at Hickory Grove Park in Dunlap. A non-for-profit corporation founded to promote German culture in the Peoria area through song, sport, food, drink and good fellowship. Activities will include soccer, air rifle, bingo, German food and beverages, bands, entertainment and more. The event is free. For more information, call 691-3657

Logan Center is sponsoring a Community Sale from 8 am - 2 pm on Saturday. You can bring your items and sell them at this event.   Registration and table rental required for sellers: $15 for the first table, $10 for each additional table. Call 676-8179 for more information.  The event will be held indoors in case of rain.

The Let's Move Together Arthritis Walk is an individual and team event geared towards those adults and children who have arthritis. This is a 5k, (3.1 mile) walk with a one mile "Stride for Pride" option. This family oriented event will feature a Health Fair, fun activities and a post party. Join them on Saturday to acknowledge, support and celebrate those who battle arthritis on a daily basis. For more information, click HERE.

Also on Saturday, the Glenn Kaiser Band will perform at the First Assembly of God Church in Pekin beginning at 7 pm. They play Christian blues and rock. Tickets are $10 at the door. For more information, call 347-2163.

Internationally-acclaimed medium and clairvoyant Lisa Williams will appear on Sunday at the Peoria Civic Center Theater beginning at 7 pm. Tickets are $45, $55 and $65 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and online HERE.

Also on Sunday, the Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center will host the gospel rapper, Sean Slaughter, and the group Hope Renewed at 6 pm. The event is free. For more information, call 694-5ICC.

The Peoria Municipal Band will perform Sunday beginning at 7:30 pm at the Glen Oak Amphitheatre. Conducted by David Vroman, the band welcomes guests vocalists each week.