Click HERE to see
our 2011 contest
winners so far!
The 2011 Arts in Education Spring Celebration (Brown Bag It) takes place each weekday beginning at 11 am through May 27. Performances and displays take place on three stages at the Peoria County Courthouse Plaza: the Circle, the Monument, and Main and Jefferson. For specific performance dates, visit www.springcelebration.org/calendar.html
Geocaching will take place at Wildlife Prairie State Park tonight (Thursday) from 6 - 8 pm for ages 12 & up. Cost to attend is $10 for members and $15 for non-members and a family of four with membership is $35. Register by calling 309-676-0998 or visit www.wildlifeprairiestatepark.org for more information.
Peoria County's recycling educator will present "Sustainable Living," a free workshop at ICC North tonight (Thursday) from 6 - 7:30 pm. The class will outline the County's sustainability initiatives and explain steps anyone can take to achieve a sustainable lifestyle at home. Registration is required: call 309-690-6900 to register.
Run for Your Wife continues this weekend at the Barn 2 Dinner Theatre in Goodfield. 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 965-2545 or go to www.barn2.com
Celtic Woman will bring their "Songs from the Heart" Tour to the Peoria Civic Center Arena tonight (Thursday) at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $47 and $67 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com
Dierks Bentley will headline the 2011 Jagermeister Country Tour at the US Cellular Coliseum tonight (Thursday) beginning at 7:30 pm. Opening for Dierks Bentley is special guest Columbia Nashville road warrior Josh Thompson and brand new A&M/Octone duo Miss Willie Brown. Tickets are $38.50 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including the U.S. Cellular Coliseum Box Office, Ticketmaster.com , select Walmart locations or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.
Bradley Theatre Dept. presents America Live! beginning at 8 pm tonight, Friday and Saturday and on Sunday at 2:30 pm at the Hartmann Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $14 for the general public, $12 for faculty, staff & senior citizens and $7 for students and are available at the BU Theatre Box Office, by calling 309-677-2650 or online at http://slane.bradley.edu/node/551
Dwight Slade will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club at 8 pm tonight (Thursday) and at 8 and 10:30 pm on Friday & Saturday. Tickets are $14 except the Thursday night show and the Friday 10:30 pm show which are $10. For more information, call 309-673-5853 or visit www.jukeboxcomedy.com
Junior Achievement of Central Illinois will host its annual JA Titan Online Business Simulation Competition at Robert Morris University on Friday beginning at 9:30 am. Competing students will plan and execute all aspects of a business, and Robert Weaver of Weaver Enterprises, Ltd. will become a laureate in JA's Business Hall of Fame. The event is open to the public with an RSVP to the JA office at 309-682-1800.
The Luthy Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale runs Friday - Sunday and offers new and hard-to-find perennials, native plants, ornamental grasses, unusual tropical plants and annuals including a selection of heirloom tomatoes, peppers, and other veggies. Hours are 10 am - 5 pm on Friday & Saturday and 12 - 5 pm on Sunday. Admission is $2 for adults or free for children 12 & under. Garden members get a 10% discount.
The ultimate stadium theater and the world's most immersive movie experience are uniting at Rave Motion Pictures in Peoria. Rave Grand Prairie 18 will open on Friday with Fast Five: The IMAX Experience. Rave Grand Prairie 18 is located at 5311 W American Prairie Drive. For showtimes & tickets, call 309-282-7300.
The Invest in Youth Luncheon, which helps to raise funds for YMCA youth programs, will begin at 11:30 am Friday at the Greater Peoria Family YMCA (located at 7000 N. Fleming Lane in Peoria). Guest speaker is U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. For more information, call 309-692-7631, ext 215, or email breusch@peoriaymca.org
The 4th Annual Sleep Health Event hosted by Dr. Sarah Zallek of the Illinois Neurological Institute's Sleep Center will be held at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom on Friday from 3 - 5 pm, with an educational dinner program from 5 - 8:30 pm. David Strickland, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other guest speakers will be on hand. Admission to the afternoon event is free. Dinner is $75 per person and reservations are required: call 309-453-2206 to reserve your seats.
Cancer Center for Healthy Living will present its 11th Annual Spirit of Living Dinner at Packard Plaza (located in downtown Peoria) on Friday with cocktails beginning at 5:45 pm and dinner at 7 pm. There will be entertainment in addition to the presentation of the annual awards. Tickets are $100 per person and are available by calling 309-693-8139.
Live at the Five Spot at the Contemporary Art Center will feature South Side Cindy & The Slip-Tones on Friday beginning at 5:30 pm. Admission: $7 for members or $10 for non-members, $6 for student & senior members and $9 for student & senior non-members.
The Peoria Zoo After Dark event begins at 7 pm on Friday. Meet animals up close, learn about night houses and nocturnal animals. The cost of the tours is $20 per person or $15 for Zoo members and includes Zoo admission. For more information or to register, call 309-686-3364 or visit www.peoriazoo.org
Enjoy a Behind the Scenes Tour at Peoria Zoo on Saturday beginning at 9:30 am. This hour long tour will take you into areas the public doesn't usually get to see, where you can learn more about the animals and how they are cared for. Cost is $20 per person (includes zoo admission). Requires registration by calling 309-681-3513. Party for the Planet at the Peoria Zoo will be Saturday from 11 am - 3 pm. Discover the world around you and find out little things that you can each do every day to help out the planet. Animal encounters and games will be going on throughout the day. Admission to the Zoo is $8.50 for adults, $4.75 for ages 3-12 and free for ages 2 & under and members. For more information, call 309-686-3365.
The 19th Peoria Jaycees Annual Peoria International Beer Festival will be held at Expo Gardens (located at 1601 W. Northmoor Road in Peoria) from 6 - 10 pm on Friday and 1 - 9 pm on Saturday. Friday night tickets are $20 where you will have the chance to sample over 100 brews from all around the world, eat tasty bites from a dozen local restaurants and relax to the sounds of Creek Road Ramblers.
On Saturday, you'll have the opportunity to sample over 325 beers and commemorative sample glasses will be given to the first 4500 guests through the door. Admission tickets are available for $12 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information, visit www.peoriajaycees.org
TazWood Dance Company will present its 50th concert, Fancy Dancin' at the ICC Performing Arts Center at 7:30 pm on Friday & Saturday and at 2:30 pm on Sunday. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for students and senior citizens and are available at the ICC Box Office or by calling 309-694-5136.
The Peoria Area Civic Chorale will present "Showtime! Music of Broadway and Hollywood with a Splash of New Orleans Jazz" at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday at Five Points Performing Arts Center in Washington (located at 360 N. Wilmor Rd. in Washington). Carl Anderson and his New Orleans Jazz Band, will be special guests. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for students and are available at the Chorale Box Office or by calling 309-693-6725. For more information, visit www.peoriacivicchorale.com
Bach in Time: Music from the Early Periods will be presented as part of the Sacred Heart 2011 Concert Series at St. Joseph's Church (located at 103 Richard Pryor Place in Peoria) on Friday beginning at 7:30 pm. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for students & seniors and free for ages 12 & under.
The 7th Annual Earth Day Festival at Forest Park Nature Center (located at 5809 Forest Park Ave. in Peoria Heights) will feature live folk, blues & pop music on Saturday from 11 am - 4 pm. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. For more information, call 309-686-3360.
Tazewell County Jaycees will be hosting a Rotten Egg Hunt at Mineral Springs Park in Pekin on Saturday. This event is free and the hunt will begin at 10 am. Grand prizes will be given away for each age group. For more information, visit www.tazcojaycees.com
The Pet Pantry, in cooperation with the Morton Park District, announces their 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs to benefit Foster Pet Outreach on Saturday from 1 - 3 pm. Admission is $5 per dog with all proceeds going to Foster Pet Outreach. Each Easter egg contains prizes, redeemable that day for treats, food samples, coupons, and gift certificates. For more information, visit www.thepetpantry-peoria.com or call 309-383-4145.
At the Civil War Spring Drill at Sommer Park (located at 6329 N. Koerner Road in Edwards), you can experience the daily life of men and women during the Civil War, watch them in action, and perhaps be a part of a daily drill. Hours are 10 am - 5 pm on Saturday. Admission is $2 per person. Civil War enthusiasts from the Midwest will bring to life the joys and sorrows of the time. For more information, call 309-691-8423.
The Peoria Area Accordian Club will present the Mastro-Nardi 100th Birthday Celebration on Saturday from 2 - 5 pm at the Miller Senior Center (located at 551 S. 14th Street in Pekin). Admission is free. For more information, call 309-839-2053.
The Bradley Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Lab Band Spring Concert will take place at Dingeldine Music Center (located at 1417 W Barker Ave in Peoria) on Saturday beginning at 7:30 pm. Admission is $5 for adults and free for students. For more information, call 309-677-2242.
The Peoria German-American Society's Annual Maifest will be held at the Lindenhof (located at 7601 N. Harker Drive in Peoria) on Sunday from Noon to 6 pm. Admission to the event is free. Activities will be held both indoors and outdoors. For more information, visit www.peoriagermans.net or call 309-691-7484.
The Peoria Historical Society will host a Mother Daughter May Day Tea beginning at 2 pm Sunday at Flanagan House (located at 942 Glen Oak Ave in Peoria). There will be a ladies vintage clothing and under pinings program where a variety of vintage hats and accessories will be available to try on and have photos taken. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for ages under 12. Reservations are required: call 309-672-1921 or visit
http://peoriahistoricalsociety.org
The Party Hearty Zumbathon will take place Sunday from 2 - 4 pm on Sunday at Bradley University's Renaissance Coliseum. Cost is $10, cash or check payable to the American Heart Association. Tickets available at the Bradley University Markin Center office.
The St. Martin Chamber Players will perform at the Universalist Unitarian Church (located at 3000 W Richwoods Blvd. in Peoria) beginning at 3 pm on Sunday. Admission is free, however there will be a free will offering. For more information, call 309-688-5608.
The Orpheus Club Spring Concert will take place beginning at 3:30 pm on Sunday at the United Presbyterian Church (located at 2400 W Northmoor Road in Peoria). Admission is $5 at the door.
Plan ahead!
Visit our Events Calendar for great entertainment in the Peoria area any time.
The 2011 Arts in Education Spring Celebration (Brown Bag It) takes place each weekday beginning at 11 am through May 27. Performances and displays take place on three stages at the Peoria County Courthouse Plaza: the Circle, the Monument, and Main and Jefferson. For specific performance dates, visit 
Geocaching will take place at Wildlife Prairie State Park tonight (Thursday) from 6 - 8 pm for ages 12 & up. Cost to attend is $10 for members and $15 for non-members and a family of four with membership is $35. Register by calling 309-676-0998 or visit 
Peoria County's recycling educator will present "Sustainable Living," a free workshop at ICC North tonight (Thursday) from 6 - 7:30 pm. The class will outline the County's sustainability initiatives and explain steps anyone can take to achieve a sustainable lifestyle at home. Registration is required: call 309-690-6900 to register.
Run for Your Wife continues this weekend at the Barn 2 Dinner Theatre in Goodfield. 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 965-2545 or go to 
Celtic Woman will bring their "Songs from the Heart" Tour to the Peoria Civic Center Arena tonight (Thursday) at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $47 and $67 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and online at 
Dierks Bentley will headline the 2011 Jagermeister Country Tour at the US Cellular Coliseum tonight (Thursday) beginning at 7:30 pm. Opening for Dierks Bentley is special guest Columbia Nashville road warrior Josh Thompson and brand new A&M/Octone duo Miss Willie Brown. Tickets are $38.50 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including the U.S. Cellular Coliseum Box Office, 
Bradley Theatre Dept. presents America Live! beginning at 8 pm tonight, Friday and Saturday and on Sunday at 2:30 pm at the Hartmann Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $14 for the general public, $12 for faculty, staff & senior citizens and $7 for students and are available at the BU Theatre Box Office, by calling 309-677-2650 or online at 
Dwight Slade will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club at 8 pm tonight (Thursday) and at 8 and 10:30 pm on Friday & Saturday. Tickets are $14 except the Thursday night show and the Friday 10:30 pm show which are $10. For more information, call 309-673-5853 or visit 
Junior Achievement of Central Illinois will host its annual JA Titan Online Business Simulation Competition at Robert Morris University on Friday beginning at 9:30 am. Competing students will plan and execute all aspects of a business, and Robert Weaver of Weaver Enterprises, Ltd. will become a laureate in JA's Business Hall of Fame. The event is open to the public with an RSVP to the JA office at 309-682-1800.
The Luthy Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale runs Friday - Sunday and offers new and hard-to-find perennials, native plants, ornamental grasses, unusual tropical plants and annuals including a selection of heirloom tomatoes, peppers, and other veggies. Hours are 10 am - 5 pm on Friday & Saturday and 12 - 5 pm on Sunday. Admission is $2 for adults or free for children 12 & under. Garden members get a 10% discount.
The ultimate stadium theater and the world's most immersive movie experience are uniting at Rave Motion Pictures in Peoria. Rave Grand Prairie 18 will open on Friday with Fast Five: The IMAX Experience. Rave Grand Prairie 18 is located at 5311 W American Prairie Drive. For showtimes & tickets, call 309-282-7300.
The Invest in Youth Luncheon, which helps to raise funds for YMCA youth programs, will begin at 11:30 am Friday at the Greater Peoria Family YMCA (located at 7000 N. Fleming Lane in Peoria). Guest speaker is U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. For more information, call 309-692-7631, ext 215, or email 
The 4th Annual Sleep Health Event hosted by Dr. Sarah Zallek of the Illinois Neurological Institute's Sleep Center will be held at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom on Friday from 3 - 5 pm, with an educational dinner program from 5 - 8:30 pm. David Strickland, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other guest speakers will be on hand. Admission to the afternoon event is free. Dinner is $75 per person and reservations are required: call 309-453-2206 to reserve your seats.
Cancer Center for Healthy Living will present its 11th Annual Spirit of Living Dinner at Packard Plaza (located in downtown Peoria) on Friday with cocktails beginning at 5:45 pm and dinner at 7 pm. There will be entertainment in addition to the presentation of the annual awards. Tickets are $100 per person and are available by calling 309-693-8139.
Live at the Five Spot at the Contemporary Art Center will feature South Side Cindy & The Slip-Tones on Friday beginning at 5:30 pm. Admission: $7 for members or $10 for non-members, $6 for student & senior members and $9 for student & senior non-members.
The Peoria Zoo After Dark event begins at 7 pm on Friday. Meet animals up close, learn about night houses and nocturnal animals. The cost of the tours is $20 per person or $15 for Zoo members and includes Zoo admission. For more information or to register, call 309-686-3364 or visit 
The 19th Peoria Jaycees Annual Peoria International Beer Festival will be held at Expo Gardens (located at 1601 W. Northmoor Road in Peoria) from 6 - 10 pm on Friday and 1 - 9 pm on Saturday. Friday night tickets are $20 where you will have the chance to sample over 100 brews from all around the world, eat tasty bites from a dozen local restaurants and relax to the sounds of Creek Road Ramblers.
TazWood Dance Company will present its 50th concert, Fancy Dancin' at the ICC Performing Arts Center at 7:30 pm on Friday & Saturday and at 2:30 pm on Sunday. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for students and senior citizens and are available at the ICC Box Office or by calling 309-694-5136.
The Peoria Area Civic Chorale will present "Showtime! Music of Broadway and Hollywood with a Splash of New Orleans Jazz" at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday at Five Points Performing Arts Center in Washington (located at 360 N. Wilmor Rd. in Washington). Carl Anderson and his New Orleans Jazz Band, will be special guests. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for students and are available at the Chorale Box Office or by calling 309-693-6725. For more information, visit 
Bach in Time: Music from the Early Periods will be presented as part of the Sacred Heart 2011 Concert Series at St. Joseph's Church (located at 103 Richard Pryor Place in Peoria) on Friday beginning at 7:30 pm. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for students & seniors and free for ages 12 & under.
The 7th Annual Earth Day Festival at Forest Park Nature Center (located at 5809 Forest Park Ave. in Peoria Heights) will feature live folk, blues & pop music on Saturday from 11 am - 4 pm. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. For more information, call 309-686-3360.
Tazewell County Jaycees will be hosting a Rotten Egg Hunt at Mineral Springs Park in Pekin on Saturday. This event is free and the hunt will begin at 10 am. Grand prizes will be given away for each age group. For more information, visit 
The Pet Pantry, in cooperation with the Morton Park District, announces their 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs to benefit Foster Pet Outreach on Saturday from 1 - 3 pm. Admission is $5 per dog with all proceeds going to Foster Pet Outreach. Each Easter egg contains prizes, redeemable that day for treats, food samples, coupons, and gift certificates. For more information, visit 
At the Civil War Spring Drill at Sommer Park (located at 6329 N. Koerner Road in Edwards), you can experience the daily life of men and women during the Civil War, watch them in action, and perhaps be a part of a daily drill. Hours are 10 am - 5 pm on Saturday. Admission is $2 per person. Civil War enthusiasts from the Midwest will bring to life the joys and sorrows of the time. For more information, call 309-691-8423.
The Peoria Area Accordian Club will present the Mastro-Nardi 100th Birthday Celebration on Saturday from 2 - 5 pm at the Miller Senior Center (located at 551 S. 14th Street in Pekin). Admission is free. For more information, call 309-839-2053.
The Bradley Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Lab Band Spring Concert will take place at Dingeldine Music Center (located at 1417 W Barker Ave in Peoria) on Saturday beginning at 7:30 pm. Admission is $5 for adults and free for students. For more information, call 309-677-2242.
The Peoria German-American Society's Annual Maifest will be held at the Lindenhof (located at 7601 N. Harker Drive in Peoria) on Sunday from Noon to 6 pm. Admission to the event is free. Activities will be held both indoors and outdoors. For more information, visit 
The Peoria Historical Society will host a Mother Daughter May Day Tea beginning at 2 pm Sunday at Flanagan House (located at 942 Glen Oak Ave in Peoria). There will be a ladies vintage clothing and under pinings program where a variety of vintage hats and accessories will be available to try on and have photos taken. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for ages under 12. Reservations are required: call 309-672-1921 or visit
The Party Hearty Zumbathon will take place Sunday from 2 - 4 pm on Sunday at Bradley University's Renaissance Coliseum. Cost is $10, cash or check payable to the American Heart Association. Tickets available at the Bradley University Markin Center office.
The St. Martin Chamber Players will perform at the Universalist Unitarian Church (located at 3000 W Richwoods Blvd. in Peoria) beginning at 3 pm on Sunday. Admission is free, however there will be a free will offering. For more information, call 309-688-5608.
The Orpheus Club Spring Concert will take place beginning at 3:30 pm on Sunday at the United Presbyterian Church (located at 2400 W Northmoor Road in Peoria). Admission is $5 at the door.
