Join us for a week-long festival, September 9th - 15th, which will highlight Peoria’s diverse culture, entertainment, art, and innovation.
Experience Peoria with our curated line-up of events from art exhibits + innovative conversations to live music + comedians! Find more details at PlayinPeoria.com
Monday, September 9th
Art Exhibit: River of Painted Birds {The Peoria Art Guild} // The opening reception for this exhibition will be September 6th, 5-8pm. The art will be on view September 6th-27th during normal business hours. Gallery events are always free and open to the public.
Greater Peoria Public Mural Tour Guide {Big Picture Peoria} // A self-guided tour any day of the week! Peoria is the proud home of over 60 murals from many local artists. Take the self-guided tour any day of the week using the mural map.
Rise Summit {Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino} // This multi-day conference aims to empower young leaders with practical solutions to tackle the contemporary challenges of the workforce and further their personal growth and development with a focus on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Quality of Life, and Professional Development.
Vinyl Night {Black Band} // Located in the warehouse district, get a great meal on a Monday night and do it while listening to a curated playlist of jazz, funk, soul, rock, hip hop, & world music from the past 60+ years.
Tuesday, September 10th
Art Exhibit: River of Painted Birds {The Peoria Art Guild} // The opening reception for this exhibition will be September 6th, 5-8pm. The art will be on view September 6th-27th during normal business hours. Gallery events are always free and open to the public.
Greater Peoria Public Mural Tour Guide {Big Picture Peoria} // A self-guided tour any day of the week! Peoria is the proud home of over 60 murals from many local artists. Take the self-guided tour any day of the week using the mural map.
Rise Summit {Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino} // This multi-day conference aims to empower young leaders with practical solutions to tackle the contemporary challenges of the workforce and further their personal growth and development with a focus on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Quality of Life, and Professional Development.
Sip & Stroll Sculpture Walk {The Peoria Art Guild} // Join us for an evening of speciality drinks from Black Band Distillery then strolling downtown Peoria on a private sculpture walk.
Wednesday, September 11th
Art Exhibit: River of Painted Birds {The Peoria Art Guild} // The opening reception for this exhibition will be September 6th, 5-8pm. The art will be on view September 6th-27th during normal business hours. Gallery events are always free and open to the public.
Greater Peoria Public Mural Tour Guide {Big Picture Peoria} // A self-guided tour any day of the week! Peoria is the proud home of over 60 murals from many local artists. Take the self-guided tour any day of the week using the mural map.
Rise Summit {Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino} // This multi-day conference aims to empower young leaders with practical solutions to tackle the contemporary challenges of the workforce and further their personal growth and development with a focus on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Quality of Life, and Professional Development.
TEDxBradley University {Bradley University} // The theme is "Discovery and Value Creation," based on technology, artificial intelligence, innovation, sustainability, energy, and human thought and expression. Our speakers include a mix of experts from the Bradley University community, government leaders, and trail-blazing entrepreneurs, whose presentations will stimulate and engage through thought-provoking ideas and innovative discoveries that can transform human experience.
Thursday, September 12th
Falling Walls Pitch Competition {Bradley University} // The theme is "Discovery and Value Creation," based on technology, artificial intelligence, innovation, sustainability, energy, and human thought and expression. Our speakers include a mix of experts from the Bradley University community, government leaders, and trail-blazing entrepreneurs, whose presentations will stimulate and engage through thought-provoking ideas and innovative discoveries that can transform human experience.
Footloose {Peoria Players Theatre} // With multiple performance dates + times, don’t miss adding this event to your calendar! About the show: When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he's not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town's youth.
gBETA Showcase {Distillery Labs} // An exhilarating evening of innovation and networking in the vibrant greater Peoria region!
Greater Peoria Public Mural Tour Guide {Big Picture Peoria} // A self-guided tour any day of the week! Peoria is the proud home of over 60 murals from many local artists. Take the self-guided tour any day of the week using the mural map.
NEXT Summit {Virtusense} // The NEXT Summit is about evolving healthcare from reactive to proactive by embracing technical innovations and new clinical workflows and processes. This exclusive event invites thought leaders to explore new frontiers of healthcare delivery that work to prevent negative health events, support care staff, and drive down the cost of exceptional healthcare.
Whisper & Shout: Open Mic Poetry Night {Contemporary Art Center} // Experience a diverse open mic with artists from all backgrounds in a positive and inspiring atmosphere. One of Peoria's most sought-after Storytellers, Garry Moore is known as a News Anchor, Radio Personality, Music Teacher, Drummer and Superhero.
Youth Mental Health Symposium {Carle Health, Trillium Place} // More information to come!
Friday, September 13th
Comedian Joe Gatto {Peoria Civic Center} // Joe Gatto is a comedian best known from the hit TV shows “Impractical Jokers” and “The Misery Index.” He has toured with the Jokers live comedy show to sold-out crowds across the world.
Footloose {Peoria Players Theatre} // With multiple performance dates + times, don’t miss adding this event to your calendar! About the show: When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he's not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town's youth.
Greater Peoria Public Mural Tour Guide {Big Picture Peoria} // A self-guided tour any day of the week! Peoria is the proud home of over 60 murals from many local artists. Take the self-guided tour any day of the week using the mural map.
Hopscotch {Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum} // Hopscotch is the Peoria PlayHouse’s annual grown-ups-only fundraising event. Mix, mingle, and play throughout the PlayHouse! The event highlights the many benefits of play for children of all ages.
Impact X: Philanthropy and Investment for Community Good {Jump Simulation Center} // This transformative event will explore the intersection of entrepreneurial philanthropy and venture capital, showcasing how strategic investments and community-building initiatives are driving positive change in healthcare.
The Sweet Nothings {Contemporary Art Center} // The Sweet Nothings is a traditional jazz group from Bloomington featuring Trenton Perry on guitar, Allison Thabit on trumpet, Chris Wiman on xylophone and slide guitar, Joe Holland on bass and Eric Knutilla on percussion. Whether it’s on a stage or street corner; retirement home or burlesque show, The Sweet Nothings have been sharing their spin on early jazz classics in every nook and cranny they can find in central Illinois.
Saturday, September 14th
Clayton Anderson {CEFCU Center Stage at The Landing} // Headlining the Saturday Night concert on the riverfront is country artist, Clayton Anderson. Anderson is a product of his upbringing: a hard-working, salt of the earth, country singer-songwriter from the heartland. His songs and his story are woven from the cloth of his hometown as well as the durable red, white, and blue of America. Joining Clayton Anderson on the bill is Springfield, Illinois’ blues band Black Magic Johnson.
Comedian Ali Siddiq {Peoria Civic Center} // Ali Siddiq is a stand-up comedian and public speaker out of Houston, TX. Ali’s unique style of stand-up began behind the walls of incarceration, an incubator for interesting experiences and good stories.
Greater Peoria Public Mural Tour Guide {Big Picture Peoria} // A self-guided tour any day of the week! Peoria is the proud home of over 60 murals from many local artists. Take the self-guided tour any day of the week using the mural map.
La Caravana 2024 {Peoria Riverplex} // Kickoff Hispanic Heritage month in Peoria with the 5th annual celebration of La Caravana! A traditional horse + car caravan leads the way from the Peoria Riverplex to a live band, food vendors + so much more waiting at Morton Square Park
Main Street Quest {Bradley University, Wyckoff Hall} // Join the adventure with Main Street Quest! This community scavenger hunt in downtown Peoria to promote fun with friends or family while discovering local landmarks and solving clues. Gather your team of five people and compete to win up to $500 if you solve the most!
Peoria Riverfront Market {Peoria riverfront} // A vibrant outdoor farmers' and artists' market featuring local produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, flowers and more! Local art, live music and demonstrations each week. Open every Saturday mid-May through Sept, 8 am-Noon, in the 200 block of Water St
Silver Streak & The Gypsy Coeds {Peoria Riverfront Museum} // The “Silver Streak” Model T Ford is on display at the Peoria Riverfront Museum on Saturday, September 14th, + Sunday, September 15th. Come and learn about these remarkable women known as “The Bradford Model T Girls” who were way ahead of their time!
Tropical Dance Night {Cafe Santa Rosa} // Join us for a sizzling night of rhythm and fun at our Tropical Dance Extravaganza! Immerse yourself in the vibrant beats of the tropics as we transform the dance floor into a paradise of joy and excitement.
Sunday, September 15th
GO DAY 2024 {Peoria Riverfront Museum} // Enjoy a fun-filled day for families and friends! Participate in sports, activities, arts and games and leave feeling inspired to “GO” share the positive stories about Greater Peoria.
Greater Peoria Public Mural Tour Guide {Big Picture Peoria} // A self-guided tour any day of the week! Peoria is the proud home of over 60 murals from many local artists. Take the self-guided tour any day of the week using the mural map.
Silver Streak & The Gypsy Coeds {Peoria Riverfront Museum} // The “Silver Streak” Model T Ford is on display at the Peoria Riverfront Museum on Saturday, September 14th, + Sunday, September 15th. Come and learn about these remarkable women known as “The Bradford Model T Girls” who were way ahead of their time!