Congrats to our our 2011 contest winners!
See them HERE
Encores is a magical musical tour of the history of the Barn 2 Dinner Theatre in Goodfield. The show runs through July 24: on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and the show is at 8 pm. On Sundays, doors & 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 309-965-2545 or go to www.barn2.com
The CEFCU Jazz Series takes place tonight (Thursday) on the Peoria RiverFront on the CEFCU Center Stage at the Landing beginning at 7 pm. Admission is free. The Thursday night series features local jazz artists and is supported by CEFCU and the Central Illinois Jazz Society.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be presented by Community Children's Theatre at Peoria Players Theatre beginning at 7 pm tonight (Thursday), Friday & Saturday and at 1:30 pm on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for ages 12 & under and senior citizens and are available at the door. For more information call 309-681-2861.
The Peoria Chiefs take on Beloit beginning at 7 pm at O'Brien Field. They will also play Beloit on Friday at 6:30 pm. Promotions include Thirsty Thursday tonight and fireworks on Friday. Tickets are $10 and $7 and are available at the Chiefs Box Office, by calling 309-680-4008 or online HERE
Mike Armstrong will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club this weekend with performances tonight (Thursday) at 8 pm and Friday and Saturday at 8 and 10:30 pm. Tickets are $16 or $15 with cash except for the Thursday and Friday 10:30 show which are just $13 or $12 with cash.
Whisper & Shout at the Contemporary Art Center is an open mic for sharing and inspiring poetry. This week's theme is "Back in the Day". Doors open at 7:30 pm tonight (Thursday), show begins at 8 pm. Admission is $4 for members or $7 for non-members. Live at the Five Spot at the Contemporary Art Center will feature Rob Williams and the Soggy Bottom Blues Band beginning at 5:30 pm on Friday. Admission is $7 for members or $10 for non-members, $6 for student & senior members and $9 for student & senior non-members. For more information on either event, call 309-674-6822.
The Illinois Shakespeare Festival at Ewing Manor (located at at 48 Sunset Rd. in Bloomington) will present The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) tonight (Thursday) at 7:30 pm and Saturday at 8 pm. Romeo & Juliet will be presented on Friday at 8 pm and Sunday at 7:30 pm. Tickets range in price from $27 - $47 for adults & $23 - $43 for students and are available by calling 309-438-2535 or online HERE. Season tickets are also available. Visit thefestival.org/tickets/index.shtml for more information and a schedule of shows.
Take the All American City Historical Trolley Tour beginning at 10:30 am on Friday. The tour leaves from Kelleher's Irish Pub (located at 619 SW Water Street near State St. in downtown Peoria). Cost is $10. On Saturday, take a Springdale Cemetery/Grandview Drive Trolley Tour and visit Peoria's premier scenic drive that winds its way above the beautiful Illinois River valley beginning at 10:30 am. Or catch the River City Historical Trolley Tour which highlights Peoria's rich history beginning 1 pm on Saturday. The tours leaves from Harp & Thistle (located at 4605 N Prospect Road in Peoria Heights). The cost for each tour is $10. Reservations are recommended. Call 309-673-6000 click HERE for more information.
The Heart of Illinois Fair begins Friday and will take place at Expo Gardens in Peoria everyday through Saturday, July 16th. Hours are 4 pm - Midnight on weekdays and from Noon - Midnight on weekend days. Admission is $8 for ages 13 & up and $5 for ages 6 - 12. Ages under 6 and active military personnel with ID are free. Carnival arm band discounts are available and there are bands each night performing in the entertainment tent. Visit http://www.heartofillinoisfair.com or call 309-691-6332 for more details.
CoverGurl will perform on the CEFCU Stage at the Landing on the Peoria RiverFront on Friday beginning at 7:30 pm. Admission is $7 per person. The Landing bar will be open to serve your favorite beverages.
Yogi Bear will be the feature presentation at Movies Under the Stars at Metro Centre Friday night with the pre-show at 7:45 pm and the movie beginning at 9 pm. Admission is free and gourmet popcorn & soft drinks are available for $1 each and benefit local charities. Bring lawn chairs & blankets and enjoy family friendly activities during the pre-show. The show will go on weather permitting.
Enjoy a Moonlight Cruise on the Spirit of Peoria Friday night with boarding at 7:30 pm and cruise from 8 - 10 pm with live entertainment and a cash bar. Tickets are $15 per person, $13 for senior citizens and $9 for kids ages 4-12. Call 800-676-8988 or visit http://www.spiritofpeoria.com/cruises/themed/moonlight for more information or to order tickets.
The Friday Night Water Street Fiesta takes place every Friday night between 5 - 10 pm on the 300 block of Water Street. Enjoy Peoria's riverfront with good food and variety street entertainment while you shop. The street is closed off to accommodate the festival and admission is free.
The original interactive comedy, the Lebanese/Redneck Wedding, returns to the Peoria Cabaret Theatre at the Waterhouse on Friday and Saturday with doors opening at 5:45 pm, ceremony at 6:30 pm, buffet dinner at 7:15 pm and dancing at 8:30 pm. Admission is $37 per person for the buffet dinner and show including tax & gratuity. Make reservations by calling 309-494-9100 or online HERE.
The Peoria RiverFront Market will take place Saturday from 8 am - Noon on the Peoria Riverfront 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 all handcrafted by local artists and entertainment. Admission is free. For more information, call 309-671-5555 or visit www.peoriariverfront.com
A Blood Drive will be hosted by Dress Barn in the Shoppes at Grand Prairie on Saturday from 11 am - 3 pm. Appointments are appreciated: call 800-448-3543, ext. 1 or visit http://www.givebloodgivelife.org to make an appointment for this event. Please bring a Photo ID or your Red Cross Donor Card.
The Paws for a Cause Dog Show will take place Saturday from 10 am - 2 pm at Junction City Shopping Center. The event features an informal dog show, community business booths, a silent auction, food, live music & family fun. Cost to register your dog for the show is $10 which benefits Paws Giving Independence, a local non-profit that trains service dogs to assist people with a variety of different disabilities while providing support to encourage independence. For more information and to register your dog online, visit http://www.givingindependence.org/Dog_Show.php
Rock Candy will perform on the CEFCU Stage at the Landing on the Peoria Riverfront Saturday night beginning at 7:30 pm. Playing a mix of Dance, Hip Hop, Pop Rock and 80's, lead singer Molly Callinan, has just returned from her off Broadway debut in The Dirty Dancing Musical. Admission is $7 per person. The Landing bar will be open to serve your favorite beverages.
See the Roe Family Band at Forest Park Nature Center beginning at 7 pm on Saturday. Admission is $7 per adult or $6 per child under 12. CORE members receive a $1 per person discount.
Open Dance at Body Fitness (located at 3020 N. University in Peoria) is an evening of social dancing with good friends, as well as a chance to make new friends. From 7 - 8 pm on Saturday will be a lesson called "Jazz Up Your Swing" learn some new moves and styling to jazz up your swing dancing. From 8 - 11:30 pm will be open dancing. Cost for the lesson & dance is $8 per person or $12 per couple or cost for the dance only is $5 per person or $8 per couple.
The 5th Annual Midnight Riders Miles for Smiles Bicycle Ride through the streets of Peoria benefiting St. Jude Children's Hospital will take place at Junction City on Saturday with check-in from 10:30 - 11:30 pm with the ride beginning at midnight. The entry fees are $25 per person or $45 per family plus $10 each additional member. For a registration form, click HERE
The Peoria German-American Society will host their annual Volksfest at Hickory Grove Park (located at 12503 Hickory Grove Rd. in Dunlap just north of Peoria off of Route 40 North to Hickory Grove Rd.: turn east and look for additional signs) from noon to 8 pm on Sunday. Admission and parking are free. Food available will include turkey breast, bratwurst, Heidelburgers, sauerkraut, German potato salad, and German green beans. Homemade ice cream and assorted deserts will also available. German and domestic beer are available, along with soft drinks and a cash bar. There will also be soccer, folk dancing, Bingo, and a shooting tent plus an arts and crafts village featuring a variety of handmade items from local handicrafters, and a German gift tent will be open offering a number of imported items from Germany for sale. Entertainment will be provided by the Ratskeller Brummers, Lindenhof Echoes, Peoria Volkstaenzer, and Vogel Musik. There will also be a Classic Car and Motorcycle Cruis�n from noon - 5 pm, featuring cars, trucks & motorcycles made prior to 1970. For more information, call 309-444-4656 or visit www.peoriagermans.net
Plan ahead!
Visit our Events Calendar for great entertainment in the Peoria area any time.
Encores is a magical musical tour of the history of the Barn 2 Dinner Theatre in Goodfield. The show runs through July 24: on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and the show is at 8 pm. On Sundays, doors & 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 309-965-2545 or go to 
The CEFCU Jazz Series takes place tonight (Thursday) on the Peoria RiverFront on the CEFCU Center Stage at the Landing beginning at 7 pm. Admission is free. The Thursday night series features local jazz artists and is supported by CEFCU and the Central Illinois Jazz Society.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be presented by Community Children's Theatre at Peoria Players Theatre beginning at 7 pm tonight (Thursday), Friday & Saturday and at 1:30 pm on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for ages 12 & under and senior citizens and are available at the door. For more information call 309-681-2861.
The Peoria Chiefs take on Beloit beginning at 7 pm at O'Brien Field. They will also play Beloit on Friday at 6:30 pm. Promotions include Thirsty Thursday tonight and fireworks on Friday. Tickets are $10 and $7 and are available at the Chiefs Box Office, by calling 309-680-4008 or online 
Mike Armstrong will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club this weekend with performances tonight (Thursday) at 8 pm and Friday and Saturday at 8 and 10:30 pm. Tickets are $16 or $15 with cash except for the Thursday and Friday 10:30 show which are just $13 or $12 with cash. 
Whisper & Shout at the Contemporary Art Center is an open mic for sharing and inspiring poetry. This week's theme is "Back in the Day". Doors open at 7:30 pm tonight (Thursday), show begins at 8 pm. Admission is $4 for members or $7 for non-members. 
The Illinois Shakespeare Festival at Ewing Manor (located at at 48 Sunset Rd. in Bloomington) will present The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) tonight (Thursday) at 7:30 pm and Saturday at 8 pm. Romeo & Juliet will be presented on Friday at 8 pm and Sunday at 7:30 pm. Tickets range in price from $27 - $47 for adults & $23 - $43 for students and are available by calling 309-438-2535 or online 
Take the All American City Historical Trolley Tour beginning at 10:30 am on Friday. The tour leaves from Kelleher's Irish Pub (located at 619 SW Water Street near State St. in downtown Peoria). Cost is $10. On Saturday, take a Springdale Cemetery/Grandview Drive Trolley Tour and visit Peoria's premier scenic drive that winds its way above the beautiful Illinois River valley beginning at 10:30 am. Or catch the River City Historical Trolley Tour which highlights Peoria's rich history beginning 1 pm on Saturday. The tours leaves from Harp & Thistle (located at 4605 N Prospect Road in Peoria Heights). The cost for each tour is $10. Reservations are recommended. Call 309-673-6000 click 
The Heart of Illinois Fair begins Friday and will take place at Expo Gardens in Peoria everyday through Saturday, July 16th. Hours are 4 pm - Midnight on weekdays and from Noon - Midnight on weekend days. Admission is $8 for ages 13 & up and $5 for ages 6 - 12. Ages under 6 and active military personnel with ID are free. Carnival arm band discounts are available and there are bands each night performing in the entertainment tent. Visit 
CoverGurl will perform on the CEFCU Stage at the Landing on the Peoria RiverFront on Friday beginning at 7:30 pm. Admission is $7 per person. The Landing bar will be open to serve your favorite beverages.
Yogi Bear will be the feature presentation at Movies Under the Stars at Metro Centre Friday night with the pre-show at 7:45 pm and the movie beginning at 9 pm. Admission is free and gourmet popcorn & soft drinks are available for $1 each and benefit local charities. Bring lawn chairs & blankets and enjoy family friendly activities during the pre-show. The show will go on weather permitting.
Enjoy a Moonlight Cruise on the Spirit of Peoria Friday night with boarding at 7:30 pm and cruise from 8 - 10 pm with live entertainment and a cash bar. Tickets are $15 per person, $13 for senior citizens and $9 for kids ages 4-12. Call 800-676-8988 or visit 
The Friday Night Water Street Fiesta takes place every Friday night between 5 - 10 pm on the 300 block of Water Street. Enjoy Peoria's riverfront with good food and variety street entertainment while you shop. The street is closed off to accommodate the festival and admission is free.
The original interactive comedy, the Lebanese/Redneck Wedding, returns to the Peoria Cabaret Theatre at the Waterhouse on Friday and Saturday with doors opening at 5:45 pm, ceremony at 6:30 pm, buffet dinner at 7:15 pm and dancing at 8:30 pm. Admission is $37 per person for the buffet dinner and show including tax & gratuity. Make reservations by calling 309-494-9100 or online 
The Peoria RiverFront Market will take place Saturday from 8 am - Noon on the Peoria Riverfront 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 all handcrafted by local artists and entertainment. Admission is free. For more information, call 309-671-5555 or visit 
A Blood Drive will be hosted by Dress Barn in the Shoppes at Grand Prairie on Saturday from 11 am - 3 pm. Appointments are appreciated: call 800-448-3543, ext. 1 or visit 
The Paws for a Cause Dog Show will take place Saturday from 10 am - 2 pm at Junction City Shopping Center. The event features an informal dog show, community business booths, a silent auction, food, live music & family fun. Cost to register your dog for the show is $10 which benefits Paws Giving Independence, a local non-profit that trains service dogs to assist people with a variety of different disabilities while providing support to encourage independence. For more information and to register your dog online, visit 
Rock Candy will perform on the CEFCU Stage at the Landing on the Peoria Riverfront Saturday night beginning at 7:30 pm. Playing a mix of Dance, Hip Hop, Pop Rock and 80's, lead singer Molly Callinan, has just returned from her off Broadway debut in The Dirty Dancing Musical. Admission is $7 per person. The Landing bar will be open to serve your favorite beverages.
See the Roe Family Band at Forest Park Nature Center beginning at 7 pm on Saturday. Admission is $7 per adult or $6 per child under 12. CORE members receive a $1 per person discount.
Open Dance at Body Fitness (located at 3020 N. University in Peoria) is an evening of social dancing with good friends, as well as a chance to make new friends. From 7 - 8 pm on Saturday will be a lesson called "Jazz Up Your Swing" learn some new moves and styling to jazz up your swing dancing. From 8 - 11:30 pm will be open dancing. Cost for the lesson & dance is $8 per person or $12 per couple or cost for the dance only is $5 per person or $8 per couple.
The 5th Annual Midnight Riders Miles for Smiles Bicycle Ride through the streets of Peoria benefiting St. Jude Children's Hospital will take place at Junction City on Saturday with check-in from 10:30 - 11:30 pm with the ride beginning at midnight. The entry fees are $25 per person or $45 per family plus $10 each additional member. For a registration form, click 
The Peoria German-American Society will host their annual Volksfest at Hickory Grove Park (located at 12503 Hickory Grove Rd. in Dunlap just north of Peoria off of Route 40 North to Hickory Grove Rd.: turn east and look for additional signs) from noon to 8 pm on Sunday. Admission and parking are free. Food available will include turkey breast, bratwurst, Heidelburgers, sauerkraut, German potato salad, and German green beans. Homemade ice cream and assorted deserts will also available. German and domestic beer are available, along with soft drinks and a cash bar. There will also be soccer, folk dancing, Bingo, and a shooting tent plus an arts and crafts village featuring a variety of handmade items from local handicrafters, and a German gift tent will be open offering a number of imported items from Germany for sale. Entertainment will be provided by the Ratskeller Brummers, Lindenhof Echoes, Peoria Volkstaenzer, and Vogel Musik. There will also be a Classic Car and Motorcycle Cruis�n from noon - 5 pm, featuring cars, trucks & motorcycles made prior to 1970. For more information, call 309-444-4656 or visit 
