The Heart of Illinois Fair continues at Expo Gardens through Saturday featuring free grand stand entertainment, daily attractions, truck/tractor and semi truck pulls, demo derbies, livestock competition, home arts exhibits, large midway carnival rides and food of every kind. The fair opens at 8 am, rides & concessions open at noon. For more info, call 691-6332 or visit www.heartofillinoisfair.com

The Peoria Chiefs vs. Dayton begins at 7 pm tonight (Thursday) at O'Brien Field. The Chiefs take on Dayton again Friday night at 7 pm as well. On Saturday the Chiefs play Bowling Green at 6:30 pm and again Sunday at 1 pm. Individual tickets for games are $10 for all seats and $7 for lawn seating. For more information and to order tickets online, go to www.peoriachiefs.com

The Central Illinois Jazz Orchestra will perform on the CEFCU Stage at the Landing on the Peoria RiverFront tonight (Thursday) beginning at 7 pm. The event is free and features local jazz artists and is supported by CEFCU and the Illinois Jazz Society. The Landing bar will be open to serve beverages.

Family Nights at Lakeview Aquatic Center run from 7:30 - 9:30 pm tonight (Thursday) and every Thursday through August 5th. Swim under the lights for a private swim designed specifically for families for one low price. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is $4 per person or $10 for a family up to 4 people; additional children $2 each. For more infomation, call 686-3377.

Sean Kent will perform at Jukebox Comedy Club tonight at 8 pm during the "Pro-Am Showcase" and Friday and Saturday at 8 and 10:30 pm. Tickets are $13  or $12 with cash except for the Thursday show and the Friday late show which are $11 or  $10 with cash.

The Illinois Shakespeare Festival presents "Merry Wives of Windsor" on Friday beginning at 8 pm at Ewing Manor in Bloomington. The Festival also presents "The Three Musketeers" on Saturday at 8 pm and "The Tempest" on Sunday at 7:30 pm. Individual tickets for performances range from $26 - $42 for adults and $22 - $38 for students & senior citizens. For more information, call 866-IL-SHAKE or visit www.thefestival.org

Wave with Paul Weddle will perform at the Live at the Five Spot on Friday from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at the Contemporary Art Center. Admission is $7 for members, $10 for non-members, $6 for student & senior members, for student & senior non-members and $3 for ages 16 & younger. Students require valid school ID & seniors are 65 & older.
Enjoy Salsa Dancing at the Contemporary Art Center Friday night with a dance lesson 8:30 - 9:30 pm and open dancing from 9:30 pm - 12:30 am. Admission is $3 for CAC Members and $6 for non-members.

Balloons at the Park, an Illinois State Championship Hot-Air Balloon Race & Festival, will take place at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe with gates opening at 5 pm on Friday, at 3 pm on Saturday plus there will be morning lifts on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 6 am.  The festival will feature hot air balloon flights & competitions, family fun activities, evening balloon glow, live entertainment, arts & craft vendors, a business expo plus food & drink. Tickets are $6 for adult single day in advance or $8 at the gate and children 12 & under are $4 in advance or $6 at the gate.  For more information, visit  www.balloonsatthepark.com

The Canton Area Chamber of Commerce will host the second Music In the Park Series in Jones Park on Friday from 7 - 10 pm featuring Christian Rock band Two Cent Offering. Drawing upon a wide range of influences spanning classic and modern rock, singer/songwriters, and rhythm & blues, the band creates a fresh sound that is rooted in rich musical history. Admission is free.

Toby Keith brings his American Ride show to the US Cellular Coliseum at 7:17 pm on Friday with special guest Jaron & The Long Road to Love. Tickets are $57.75 and 39.75.  Special offer "Hell Raiser Super Saver" includes 2 seats for $40. Tickets are on sale at the US Cellular Coliseum, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. For more information, visit www.uscellularcoliseum.com

Tin Horse will perform on the CEFCU Stage on the Landing on the Peoria Riverfront.  Opening act Not Easily Broken begins at 8 pm, Headliner Tin Horse starts at 9, Admission: $7Admission is $7 per person. The Landing bar will be open.

Corn Stock Theatre will present Les Miserables School Edition beginning at 7:30 pm on Friday and each night through July 24. Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for students, and are available at the Corn Stock Box Office, online at www.cornstocktheatre.org or by calling 676-2196.

The Metro Centre will host Movies Under the Stars featuring "Madagascar" at 8 pm. The movie will be shown on a gigantic screen (weather permitting). Popcorn and soft drinks for $1 each benefits local charities (while supplies last). Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and arrive early for the best seats. Family activities will take place before the movie. Visit www.shopmetrocentre.com for more information.

The Wildlife Prairie State Park Movies Under the Stars series continues with "Monsters vs. Aliens" on Friday night. Cost is $15 per carload & park members receive a 10% discount. Gates open at 7:15 pm with showtime at 8 pm. Movies are shown under the park's Teepee Shelter and the Ice Cream Exhibit will be open for snacks and refreshments. For more information, visit www.wildlifeprairiestatepark.org

Peoria's RiverFront Market features Illinois grown produce, local meats, cheeses, fresh breads, herbs, and flowers plus a great selection of local art including jewelry, pottery, wood-turned items, candles, and much more every Saturday morning from 8 am - noon along Peoria's beautiful RiverFront. For more information, call 671-5555 or visit www.peoriariverfront.com

The Arthritis Foundation, Greater Illinois Chapter, will be hosting their 4th Annual Auto Show for Arthritis on Saturday from 8 am - 4 pm in downtown Peoria at the foot of Hamilton Street on the riverfront. Admission is free. There will be raffle prizes, 50/50 raffle, food, bags/corn hole, and vending booths. All proceeds from this show will benefit Juvenile Arthritis and will stay in the local community.

Lakeview Aquatic Center is throwing a Parrot Head Party featuring the music of Jimmy Buffett on Saturday beginning at 7 pm. Cost is $5 per person. Season passes will be honored. The event will feature a "Best Dressed" contest.

Mid-State Steel, a Minor League Football Team will play at 7pm Saturday at Peoria Stadium. Admission is $5.

Too White Crew will perform at the CEFCU Center Stage at the Landing on Saturday with gates opening at 7:30 pm. Admission is $7 per person. Too White Crew is the world's first old school hip-hop tribute band. The Landing bar will be open to serve beverages.

The Mackinaw Valley Vineyard Art and Wine Festival will be held from noon to 6 pm on Sunday at the vineyard. Local artisans will have the opportunity to showcase their talents and sell their artwork. Wine tasting will be featured in the Art Pavilion as well as the tasting room plus food will be available.  Enjoy live music performed throughout the day as well. Admission is free. For more information call 359-9463.

The St. Jude Shrimp & Corn Boil will be held Sunday from 11 am - 6 pm at the Itoo Hall on Farmington Road. Admission is $10 per person and all proceeds will benefit the St. Jude Midwest Affiliate. For more information, call 676-9725.

Glenn Wilson will perform with The Central Illinois Jazz Society House Band on Sunday in the Starting Gate Banquet Room located in the Landmark Recreation Center. Admission is $5 for members and $7 for non-members. Children 14 and under are free with an adult. Food and beverages are available for purchase.