Summer in Greater Peoria means live music filling the warm evening air. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these concert series are the perfect way to enjoy summer. This is truly just a snippet of what’s happening around the region. To stay up to date on even more concerts, festivals, and events, be sure to check out the full calendar linked here. Get ready to groove under the stars!
Arts in the Park in Morton – Free summer concerts Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., with lawn‑chair accessibility and snacks starting at 6 p.m.
CEFCU Summer Concert Series (Downtown Peoria) — One of Peoria’s premier summer music offerings is the CEFCU Summer Concert Series hosted by the Peoria Park District at the RiverFront’s CEFCU Center Stage. This riverfront venue is known for lively open-air concerts with the Illinois River as a backdrop. The lineup features a mix of touring rock, country, and bluegrass artists, plus popular tribute bands and annual festivals. Highlights include Monsters of Yacht (July 3), Decade of Decadence (July 11), The Way Down Wanderers (July 12), Infamous Stringdusters & Leftover Salmon (July 17), River City Soul Fest (Aug 1-2), moe. (Aug 7), Jammsammich Farewell (Aug 8), Black Stone Cherry (Aug 10), Umphrey’s McGee (Aug 14)
Choose Greater Peoria Summer Series: Let’s Hang! – A downtown Peoria midweek lunchtime hangout every Wednesday starting July 9 at the Caterpillar Visitors Center Plaza. Live tunes and food trucks!
Concert in the Vineyard at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard – A laid-back summer concert series held Saturday nights through mid-September. Just a short drive from Peoria, the vineyard offers a scenic countryside setting where guests can enjoy live music from local and regional bands playing rock, pop, funk, and more. Hightlights include Decade of Decadence (July 26), NEON NIVA (August 2), Stereotypical (August 9), Mixtape Mayhem (August 16), Decadence of Decadence (August 23), Revel in Red (August 30).
Elmwood Concert Series — Just a short drive southwest of Peoria, Elmwood hosts a charming summer concert series that brings local talent and community favorites to the town square. These free concerts offer a small-town vibe with big-time fun. Enjoy music spanning rock, country, and classic hits in a family-friendly setting.
Five Points Fridays in Washington – For Five Points Fridays, there is a monthly initiative. In July, they will be joined by the Tazewell County Animal Alliance and Tazewell County Animal Control. Live music, food trucks, kids activities, and more!
Friday Night Heights (Peoria Heights) – Clink Bar + Events hosts live music nights in a relaxed outdoor setting featuring a vintage Airstream bar, seating, and local performers. With craft cocktails, foodtrucks, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy Peoria’s local music scene. Hightlights include Still Shine (August 1)
Harmonize Peoria's Garage Band Open Stage – On Tuesdays from June 3rd to August 5th, roll up the garage door, set out the instruments and join the community in making music with the help of a different hot band each week.
Jammin’ on the Lawn at Friendly Valley Tavern (Peoria) — A newer addition to Peoria’s music scene is Jammin’ on the Lawn at Friendly Valley Tavern, operated by the team from Kenny’s Westside Pub. This spacious lawn setting in West Peoria hosts a mix of local and nationally touring bands most weekends during the summer. Highlights include Still Shine (July 5), Griffin William Sherry (July 18), The Spooklights (July 26), Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band (Aug 9), Henhouse Prowlers (Aug 16), Fresh Hops (Aug 23).
Music in the Park in East Peoria — Hosted in Levee Park on the outdoor stage, attendees are encouraged to support nearby restaurants and businesses and bring dinner or snacks to the event. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged.
Peoria Municipal Band (Downtown Peoria) — A beloved tradition, the performs free outdoor concerts twice a week during the summer. Sundays at 7 p.m. they play at Glen Oak Park Amphitheater, and Wednesdays they bring their sound downtown outside Kelleher’s Irish Pub on Water Street. These performances are perfect for all ages.
Pour Bros 2025 Courtyard Concert Series in Peoria Heights — Pour Bros. is back with its 10th season of free live music all summer long! From May 17 through the end of September, enjoy an eclectic mix of local and regional acts. Hightlights include Allnighter (July 26), Austyn Weston Band (August 2), Revel in Red (August 9), The Brazilionaires (August 16), Patrick n Swayze (August 23), The Textures (August 30).
Rhumboogie on the Plaza at the Peoria Riverfront Museum – Thursdays through summer feature jazz performances—including a 9-piece band.
Summer Concerts on the Square in Metamora — Friday + Saturday evenings at the bandstand in Metamora’s Square; all family‑friendly and bring‑your‑own‑chair. Highlights include Brass Band of Central Illinois (July 25), Vinyl Tap (July 26), Jim Markum (August 1), West McQueen Street (August 2), Roof Top Big Band (August 8), Luke Maurer Band (August 9), Brain Choban Jazz Quintet (August 15), Cat Big Band (August 22).
Water Street Block Party at Kelleher's Irish Pub – Every Friday and Saturday night of July and August, enjoy free live music beginning at 7 pm. Highlights include Hooiser Daddy (July 25), Grey Slush (July 26), Broken Mojo (August 1), Highway J (August 2), Defkon 1 (August 8), Twisted Whiskey (August 9), Emily How (August 15), Kasino (August 16), Kickapoo Junction (August 22), Matt Eckberg Band (Augst 23).
Wildfire Concerts at Wildlife Prairie Park – Round up your friends, pack your lawn chairs, and enjoy a live outdoor concert surrounded by nature! During intermission, catch a special Keeper Chat featuring a Wildlife Prairie Park Animal Ambassador. Plus, the animal trails and Prairie Zephyr Train will stay open until 8 p.m.
Pack your chair or blanket, and come experience the sounds of summer in Greater Peoria!
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