Greater Peoria bursts to life each spring with a variety of festivals, fairs, concerts, and community events. From blooming gardens to outdoor music, here’s a guide to what’s happening through May.
Earth Day Festival (April 26, Peoria Heights): Forest Park Nature Center’s annual festival is all about sustainability and nature. This event features environmental exhibitors, hands-on activities for all ages, live music, food, and a drum circle.
Peoria Zoo “Glow Wild” Lantern Festival (through April 27): The zoo transforms into an illuminated wonderland for the Glow Wild festival. This event features large, glowing lantern sculptures of animals and nature scenes.
“Lilies with the Lorax” Floral Show (through May 2, Peoria): Welcome spring at Luthy Botanical Garden’s conservatory, which is decked out in a Dr. Seuss-inspired lily display.
Parks on Tap (May 2-August 29, Peoria): A traveling taphouse that brings the party to you! From 4 pm until dusk, enjoy live acoustic music, delicious food truck fare, and a variety of beer and non-beer options, all from a nearby Peoria Park District park!
Peoria Heights Fine Art Fair (May 10-11): Promoting the development, establishment, and expansion of the Arts in Peoria Heights, the Peoria Heights Fine Art Fair is a juried art show featuring ceramics, digital art, drawing, fiber/textiles, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture and more.
Zootini (May 15, Peoria): Get ready for Peoria's wildest martini tasting event! Enjoy a variety of signature martinis, appetizers, desserts, and live music at this outdoor, after-hours event at the Peoria Zoo! With four drink tickets and raffle prizes, it’s the perfect spring evening with friends.
Arts in Education Spring Celebration (through mid-May, Peoria): On weekday lunch hours downtown, you might encounter the sounds of school choirs, bands, and orchestras at the Peoria Riverfront Museum and the Caterpillar Visitors Center. This long-running annual celebration, dating back to the 1980s, showcases student performers from across the region and fills the plazas with music and art exhibitions. Here is the full schedule.
Music, International Wine and Craft Beer Festival (May 24, Mackinaw): Enjoy live music from a diverse lineup of talented artists while sipping on local wine and craft beer. Food trucks and vendors will also be on-site, so come hungry and ready to celebrate summer!
Peoria Riverfront Market Opening (Saturdays starting late May): As the weather warms, the Peoria Riverfront Market opens for the season. Stroll along the riverfront and shop at the region’s largest farmers' market, featuring local produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, flowers, and artisan crafts.
