The
Central Illinois Recreational Show will take place at the Peoria Civic Center on Friday from 2 - 7 pm, on Saturday from 10 am - 7 pm and on Sunday from 11 am - 4 pm. Admission is $8:50 for adults, $3.50 for kids aged 6-12, free for kids 5 & under and $20 for a family pack good for two adults and two children aged 12 & under. For more information, visit www.eventsltd.org CLICK the image to watch the ExplorePeoria.com Entertainment Video Report about the 2016 Central IL Recreational Show! Find a $2 Off Coupon for the Show on Peoria.Deals!
The 2nd
Annual Peoria Area Regional College Fair will take place tonight (Thursday) from 6 - 7:30 pm in Bradley University's Renaissance Coliseum. High school students and their families will find nearly 100 colleges and universities from around the country that will be represented. A list of participating institutions and other details are available at www.bradley.edu/collegefair
Shorty's Strickly
Bluegrass Festival will take place at the Stoney Creek Inn (located at 101 Mariner's Way in East Peoria) at 7 pm tonight (Thursday), 7 pm on Friday, 1 pm and 7 pm on Saturday and on Sunday for a Morning Gospel performance beginning at 9:30 am. Tickets are $20 for each show or $30 for both shows on Saturday and $10 for Thursday night's show with purchase of any other ticket. For more information, call 309-671-0175.
The Central Illinois
Herpetological Society will meet at Forest Park Nature Center tonight (Thursday) beginning at 7 pm featuring a speaker, raffles, announcements of trips and exhibits and opportunities for hobbyists to interact with one another. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.centralillinoisherp.com
The Bradley
University Theatre Department continues its production of The Seagull at Hartmann Center for the Performing Arts beginning at 8 pm tonight (Thursday) through Saturday and at 2:30 pm on Sunday. A world classic by the revered Russian master, Anton Chekhov, tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for Bradley faculty & staff and senior citizens or $7 for students and are available at the Bradley Box Office, by calling 309-677-2650 or online at www.bradley.edu/academic/departments/theatre
Mark Britten, the
"Chinaman", will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club tonight (Thursday) at 8 pm, Friday & Saturday at 7:15 pm and 9:45 pm. Tickets are $12 for the Thursday & Friday late shows and $15 for the other shows. For more information and to reserve seats, call 309-673-5853 or visit www.jukeboxcomedy.com
Whisper & Shout
at the Contemporary Art Center, an open mic for sharing and inspiring poetry, will take place tonight (Thursday) beginning at 8 pm. Admission is $4 for members or $8 for non-members. Live at the Five Spot at the Contemporary Art Center will featurethe Lizzi Neal Band on Friday beginning at 5:30 pm. Admission is $8 for members, $12 for non-members, $7 for student & senior members and $11 for student & senior non-members. Salsa at the Contemporary Art Center will also take place on Friday featuring a dance lesson from 8:30 - 9:30 pm and open dancing to DJ Ed Caballero from 9:30 pm - 12:30 am. A cash bar will be available. Admission is $4 for members or $7 for non-members. For more information,
call 309-674-6822 or visit www.peoriacac.org
The CIAO First Fridays
Artists' Tour will take place on Friday from 5 - 9 pm at various locations including the Contemporary Art Center, Studios on Sheridan and the Prairie Center of the Arts plus other locations where visitors can view artist demonstrations as well as purchase pieces. For a complete map of the locations, visit http://ciaopeoria.com
Central Illinois Youth Symphony
will host its annual fundraiser, "A Musical Masquerade" at the Life Together Center (at the corners of Sheridan and War Memorial in Peoria) on Friday beginning at 6 pm. The event will feature wine and craft beer tasting, hors d'oeuvres, live performances by CIYS students and a silent auction. Tickets are available by calling 309-370-6424 or online at www.ciys.org
Mitch Williams will
perform table-side close up magic at the New Amsterdam Bar & Restaurant on the Peoria riverfront (located at 120 Southwest Water Street) on Friday & Saturday from 6 - 8:30 pm and is free for customers. For more information, visit www.mitchwilliamsmagic.com
The Peoria Rivermen
will take on the Pensacola Ice Flyers at the Peoria Civic Center Arena on Friday & Saturday beginning at 7 pm and Sunday at 3 pm. Tickets are $20, $17, $12 and $10 in advance or $1 more the day of the game and are available at the Peoria Civic Center, all Ticketmaster locations, by phone at 309-676-1040 or online at www.Ticketmaster.com For more information about the Rivermen, visit www.Rivermen.net Find a Rivermen Coupon on Peoria.Deals!
TheICC Theatre Program continues its production of The Dead Guy at the Performing Arts Center Main Stage Theatre in East Peoria beginning at 7:30 pm on Friday & Saturday and at 2:30 pm on Sunday. Rated R for mature themes and content, tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students & senior citizens and are available at the ICC box office, by calling 309-694-5136 or online at www.artsaticc.com
The Corn Stock Winter Playhouse
will present Bug at the Corn Stock Theatre Center (located in upper Bradley Park) beginning at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students aged 18 and under with ID and are available at the Corn Stock box office, by calling 309-676-2196 or online at www.CornStockTheatre.com Find a Buy One, Get One FREE Deal for Bug on Peoria.Deals!
Get The Led Out
will perform at the Peoria Civic Center Theater on Friday beginning at 8 pm. Tickets are $28 and $38 and and are available at the Civic Center box office, by calling 800-745-3000, all Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.Ticketmaster.com
Breakfast with the Giraffes will take place at the Peoria
Zoo on Saturday from 9 - 10 am. Featuring a light breakfast for attendees, you can see the giraffes enjoy their breakfast too. Cost is $9 for adult members, $6 for child members or $18 for adult non-members and $12 for child non-members. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 309-681-3559. For more information, visit www.peoriazoo.org
Uke309will take place at Kidder Music (located at 7728 N. Crestline Dr. in Peoria) on Saturday beginning at 10 am. For ukulele beginners and enthusiasts, you will learn ukulele basics plus there will be jam sessions. For more information, call 309-692-4040 or visit www.meetup.com/uke309
Prohibition Family
Day will take place in the Peoria Riverfront Museum Lobby on Saturday from 11 am - 2 pm. Featuring a 1920s game station, invention and history trivia from the 1920s and make-and-take activities plus a performance by Bradley University's Hilltop Combo from 11 am - Noon and Bradley University's Swing Dance Society from 12:45 - 1:45 pm. Admission is free for members and with general admission, which is $11 for adults, $10 for seniors citizens 60+ or $9 for youth 3-17 plus Peoria
county residents receive a 15% discount. For more information, call 309-686-7000 or visit www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org
The Peoria PlayHouse (located at
2218 North Prospect Road in Peoria) will host an Art Parade where you can make life-size puppets on Saturday from 1 - 3 pm. Admission is $10 per non-member or $5 for members. To register, call 309-323-6900 or visit www.peoriaplayhouse.org
Cool Chemistry
Demonstrations will take place in the Peoria Riverfront Museum Lobby on Saturday from 1- 2 pm. Bradley University Chemistry Club students will provide activities and perform chemistry demonstrations. Admission is free to members or $11 for adults, $10 for seniors citizens 60+ or $9 for youth 3-17 plus Peoria county residents receive a 15% discount. For more information, call 309-686-7000 or visit www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org
A Chili
Cook Off for St. Jude will take place at Abbas Grotto (located at 1839 Highview Road in East Peoria) on Saturday from 5 - 9 pm. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under, ages 3 and under are free. There will also be a cash bar.
StarkbierFest
will take place at the Lindenhof (located at 7601 N. Harker Drive in Peoria) on Sunday from Noon - 6 pm. Meaning "strong beers", the Starkbiers event will feature a German buffet for $12 for adults including Schnitzel vom Schwein, bratwurst, roast pork, (schweinbraten), and fried chicken plus mashed potatoes & gravy, German potato salad, red cabbage, sauerkraut, and green beans. Dessert is $2 extra. Kids 9 and under who wear a costume from any Grimm Fairy Tale will eat for free.
All kids 12 and under without a costume can enjoy the buffet for $6. Face painting will also be available. Several seasonable strong beers will also be available and Wilanna Vogel will perform on the accordion from 1 - 4 pm playing a variety of German favorites. For more information, call 309-691-7484 or visit www.peoriagermans.net
Flanagan's Irish Tales
Day will take place at the Judge Flanagan House (located at 942 NE Glen Oak Ave. in Peoria) on Sunday from 1 - 4 pm. For a bit of March Madness Flanagan style, you will find costumed storytellers sharing magical Irish tales and tap your toes to the music of Flynn's Irish Dancers at 1 pm, 1:30 pm, 2 pm & 2:30 pm with the oldest home in Peoria as the backdrop. Admission is $10 for adults and free for kids plus there will be complimentary refreshments. For more information, visit
www.peoriahistoricalsociety.org
A Jazz
Vesper Service will take place at Westminster Presbyterian Church (located at 1420 W Moss Ave. in Peoria) on Sunday beginning at 4 pm. Dave Hoffman and various friends will fill the church with everything from cool to hot jazz while Pastor Denise Clark-Jones will offer prayers, scripture and a homily. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://westminsterpeoria.org
Peace for Peoria
will take place at 823 Salaam Dr. in Peoria on Monday beginning at 6 pm. A community event to bring together Jews, Christians, and community leaders in solidarity to fight hate and celebrate the rich diversity of Peoria's Muslim residents, speakers include US Attorney General Jim Lewis of the US Department of Justice, Mayor Jim Ardis from the City of Peoria, Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, the 92nd District State Representative, Rev. Michael Brown of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria,
Pastor Jim Powell, the Lead Pastor at Richwoods Christian Church, Rev. Dr. Stephen Whitaker, the Pastor Head of Staff at the United Presbyterian Church, Rabbi Daniel Bogard of the Congregation Anshai Emeth, and Imam Kamil Mufti, Resident Scholar of the Islamic Foundation of Peoria. Admission is free. For more information and to rsvp, visit http://peaceforpeoria.com
Find Peoria area events and entertainment
on ourEvents Calendarany
time!
The 2nd
Annual Peoria Area Regional College Fair will take place tonight (Thursday) from 6 - 7:30 pm in Bradley University's Renaissance Coliseum. High school students and their families will find nearly 100 colleges and universities from around the country that will be represented. A list of participating institutions and other details are available at 
Shorty's Strickly
Bluegrass Festival will take place at the Stoney Creek Inn (located at 101 Mariner's Way in East Peoria) at 7 pm tonight (Thursday), 7 pm on Friday, 1 pm and 7 pm on Saturday and on Sunday for a Morning Gospel performance beginning at 9:30 am. Tickets are $20 for each show or $30 for both shows on Saturday and $10 for Thursday night's show with purchase of any other ticket. For more information, call 309-671-0175.
The Central Illinois
Herpetological Society will meet at Forest Park Nature Center tonight (Thursday) beginning at 7 pm featuring a speaker, raffles, announcements of trips and exhibits and opportunities for hobbyists to interact with one another. Admission is free. For more information, visit 
The Bradley
University Theatre Department continues its production of The Seagull at Hartmann Center for the Performing Arts beginning at 8 pm tonight (Thursday) through Saturday and at 2:30 pm on Sunday. A world classic by the revered Russian master, Anton Chekhov, tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for Bradley faculty & staff and senior citizens or $7 for students and are available at the Bradley Box Office, by calling 309-677-2650 or online at 
Mark Britten, the
"Chinaman", will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club tonight (Thursday) at 8 pm, Friday & Saturday at 7:15 pm and 9:45 pm. Tickets are $12 for the Thursday & Friday late shows and $15 for the other shows. For more information and to reserve seats, call 309-673-5853 or visit 
Whisper & Shout
at the Contemporary Art Center, an open mic for sharing and inspiring poetry, will take place tonight (Thursday) beginning at 8 pm. Admission is $4 for members or $8 for non-members.
Live at the Five Spot at the Contemporary Art Center will feature the Lizzi Neal Band on Friday beginning at 5:30 pm. Admission is $8 for members, $12 for non-members, $7 for student & senior members and $11 for student & senior non-members. 
Salsa at the Contemporary Art Center will also take place on Friday featuring a dance lesson from 8:30 - 9:30 pm and open dancing to DJ Ed Caballero from 9:30 pm - 12:30 am. A cash bar will be available. Admission is $4 for members or $7 for non-members. For more information,
call 309-674-6822 or visit 
The CIAO First Fridays
Artists' Tour will take place on Friday from 5 - 9 pm at various locations including the Contemporary Art Center, Studios on Sheridan and the Prairie Center of the Arts plus other locations where visitors can view artist demonstrations as well as purchase pieces. For a complete map of the locations, visit 
Central Illinois Youth Symphony
will host its annual fundraiser, "A Musical Masquerade" at the Life Together Center (at the corners of Sheridan and War Memorial in Peoria) on Friday beginning at 6 pm. The event will feature wine and craft beer tasting, hors d'oeuvres, live performances by CIYS students and a silent auction. Tickets are available by calling 309-370-6424 or online at 
Mitch Williams will
perform table-side close up magic at the New Amsterdam Bar & Restaurant on the Peoria riverfront (located at 120 Southwest Water Street) on Friday & Saturday from 6 - 8:30 pm and is free for customers. For more information, visit 
The Peoria Rivermen
will take on the Pensacola Ice Flyers at the Peoria Civic Center Arena on Friday & Saturday beginning at 7 pm and Sunday at 3 pm. Tickets are $20, $17, $12 and $10 in advance or $1 more the day of the game and are available at the Peoria Civic Center, all Ticketmaster locations, by phone at 309-676-1040 or online at 
The
ICC Theatre Program continues its production of The Dead Guy at the Performing Arts Center Main Stage Theatre in East Peoria beginning at 7:30 pm on Friday & Saturday and at 2:30 pm on Sunday. Rated R for mature themes and content, tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students & senior citizens and are available at the ICC box office, by calling 309-694-5136 or online at 
The Corn Stock Winter Playhouse
will present Bug at the Corn Stock Theatre Center (located in upper Bradley Park) beginning at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students aged 18 and under with ID and are available at the Corn Stock box office, by calling 309-676-2196 or online at 
Get The Led Out
will perform at the Peoria Civic Center Theater on Friday beginning at 8 pm. Tickets are $28 and $38 and and are available at the Civic Center box office, by calling 800-745-3000, all Ticketmaster outlets or online at 
Breakfast with the Giraffes will take place at the Peoria
Zoo on Saturday from 9 - 10 am. Featuring a light breakfast for attendees, you can see the giraffes enjoy their breakfast too. Cost is $9 for adult members, $6 for child members or $18 for adult non-members and $12 for child non-members. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 309-681-3559. For more information, visit 
Uke309
will take place at Kidder Music (located at 7728 N. Crestline Dr. in Peoria) on Saturday beginning at 10 am. For ukulele beginners and enthusiasts, you will learn ukulele basics plus there will be jam sessions. For more information, call 309-692-4040 or visit 
Prohibition Family
Day will take place in the Peoria Riverfront Museum Lobby on Saturday from 11 am - 2 pm. Featuring a 1920s game station, invention and history trivia from the 1920s and make-and-take activities plus a performance by Bradley University's Hilltop Combo from 11 am - Noon and Bradley University's Swing Dance Society from 12:45 - 1:45 pm. Admission is free for members and with general admission, which is $11 for adults, $10 for seniors citizens 60+ or $9 for youth 3-17 plus Peoria
county residents receive a 15% discount. For more information, call 309-686-7000 or visit 
The Peoria PlayHouse (located at
2218 North Prospect Road in Peoria) will host an Art Parade where you can make life-size puppets on Saturday from 1 - 3 pm. Admission is $10 per non-member or $5 for members. To register, call 309-323-6900 or visit 
Cool Chemistry
Demonstrations will take place in the Peoria Riverfront Museum Lobby on Saturday from 1- 2 pm. Bradley University Chemistry Club students will provide activities and perform chemistry demonstrations. Admission is free to members or $11 for adults, $10 for seniors citizens 60+ or $9 for youth 3-17 plus Peoria county residents receive a 15% discount. For more information, call 309-686-7000 or visit 
A Chili
Cook Off for St. Jude will take place at Abbas Grotto (located at 1839 Highview Road in East Peoria) on Saturday from 5 - 9 pm. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under, ages 3 and under are free. There will also be a cash bar.
StarkbierFest
will take place at the Lindenhof (located at 7601 N. Harker Drive in Peoria) on Sunday from Noon - 6 pm. Meaning "strong beers", the Starkbiers event will feature a German buffet for $12 for adults including Schnitzel vom Schwein, bratwurst, roast pork, (schweinbraten), and fried chicken plus mashed potatoes & gravy, German potato salad, red cabbage, sauerkraut, and green beans. Dessert is $2 extra. Kids 9 and under who wear a costume from any Grimm Fairy Tale will eat for free.
All kids 12 and under without a costume can enjoy the buffet for $6. Face painting will also be available. Several seasonable strong beers will also be available and Wilanna Vogel will perform on the accordion from 1 - 4 pm playing a variety of German favorites. For more information, call 309-691-7484 or visit 
Flanagan's Irish Tales
Day will take place at the Judge Flanagan House (located at 942 NE Glen Oak Ave. in Peoria) on Sunday from 1 - 4 pm. For a bit of March Madness Flanagan style, you will find costumed storytellers sharing magical Irish tales and tap your toes to the music of Flynn's Irish Dancers at 1 pm, 1:30 pm, 2 pm & 2:30 pm with the oldest home in Peoria as the backdrop. Admission is $10 for adults and free for kids plus there will be complimentary refreshments. For more information, visit
A Jazz
Vesper Service will take place at Westminster Presbyterian Church (located at 1420 W Moss Ave. in Peoria) on Sunday beginning at 4 pm. Dave Hoffman and various friends will fill the church with everything from cool to hot jazz while Pastor Denise Clark-Jones will offer prayers, scripture and a homily. Admission is free. For more information, visit 
Peace for Peoria
will take place at 823 Salaam Dr. in Peoria on Monday beginning at 6 pm. A community event to bring together Jews, Christians, and community leaders in solidarity to fight hate and celebrate the rich diversity of Peoria's Muslim residents, speakers include US Attorney General Jim Lewis of the US Department of Justice, Mayor Jim Ardis from the City of Peoria, Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, the 92nd District State Representative, Rev. Michael Brown of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria,
Pastor Jim Powell, the Lead Pastor at Richwoods Christian Church, Rev. Dr. Stephen Whitaker, the Pastor Head of Staff at the United Presbyterian Church, Rabbi Daniel Bogard of the Congregation Anshai Emeth, and Imam Kamil Mufti, Resident Scholar of the Islamic Foundation of Peoria. Admission is free. For more information and to rsvp, visit