Calendar of Events

Lakeview Museum's Art of the Brick

• Date(s): 04/10/2010 - 09/06/2010
• Recurring daily
• Times: 10:00am- 4:00pm
• Location: Lakeview Museum
• Contact: Lakeview Museum
• Phone: (309) 686-7000
• Admission: Adults-$6.00 Seniors- $4.00 Children- $4.00
• Member Listing: Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences

The Art of the Brick museum show is currently touring the U.S. It is the first major museum exhibition in the United States to focus exclusively on the use of the popular LEGO® building block as an art medium and artist Nathan Sawaya takes it to new heights.

This New York-based artist is exhibiting more than thirty works created solely from standard LEGO bricks over the period 2002 - 2007 with several new ones created specifically for this exhibit. Nearly one million colorful LEGO pieces transformed into whimsical and awe-inspiring images are on display.

Sawaya's ability to transform this common toy into something meaningful, his devotion to spatial perfection and the way he conceptualizes action, enables him to elevate what almost every child has played with into the status of art.

"These works are very personal to me, since they reflect my growth as an artist as I strove to discover my creative identity," said Sawaya. "The museum exhibit is accessible because it engages the child in all of us while simultaneously illuminating sophisticated and complex concepts."

Peoria Riverfront Market

• Date(s): 09/04/2010 - 09/25/2010
• Recurring weekly on Saturday
• Times: 8:00am- noon
• Location: Peoria Riverfront
• Contact: Peoria Riverfront
• Phone: (309) 671-5555
• Admission: FREE
• Member Listing: Peoria Riverfront District

You'll find exceptional taste and freshness all season long.  Don't miss out on the best selection of fresh produce, local meats, eggs, berries, breads and cheeses in Central Illinois!  Everything is locally grown and brought directly from farms and gardens.  We also feature a one-of-a-kind selection of art including pottery, blown glass, jewelry, wood turned items, candles, soaps and more all handcrafted by local artists!

We are located across from the Illinois Antique Center in Liberty Park, and there is always plenty of free parking available. This great family event is generously sponsored by Humana!  Watch for new vendors, more entertainment, and lots of fun in the 2010 season! Only products grown or made in Illinois will be at our market.

Spirit of Peoria Moonlight Cruise

• Date(s): 09/03/2010 - 09/03/2010
• Times: Boat boards at 7:30pm & Cruise starts at 8:00pm- 10:00pm
• Location: Spirit of Peoria Boat
• Contact: Spirit of Peoria Boat
• Phone: 1-800-676-8988
• Admission: Adults- $20.00 Seniors- $18.00 Children- $14.00
• Member Listing: Spirit of Peoria

Enjoy Peoria's evening skyline by the light of the moon. Live entertainment is included with your ticket for this 2-hour cruise and a cash bar is available as well.

Bryan Bowers Concert At Forest Park Nature Center

• Date(s): 09/04/2010 - 09/04/2010
• Times: 7:00pm
• Location: Forest Park Nature Center
• Contact: Forest Park Nature Center
• Phone: (309) 686-3360
• Admission: Adults- $7.00 Children- $6.00 12 & under- FREE
• Member Listing: Forest Park Nature Center

The Peoria Park District's Forest Park Nature Center will host a concert by autoharp player Bryan Bowers.

From his rather unglamorous beginning as a street singer, Bryan Bowers has become a major artist on the traditional music circuit. He has redefined the autoharp and become a well-known singer/songwriter. In 1993, he was inducted into the Autoharp Hall of Fame, to stand only with Maybelle Carter, Kilby Snow and Sara Carter.

Bryan Bowers has a dynamic outgoing personality and an uncanny ability to enchant a crowd in practically any situation. His towering six foot four inch frame can be wild and zany on stage while playing a song like "Dixie," and five minutes later, he can have the same audience singing "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" in quiet reverence. For nearly three decades, Bryan Bowers has been to the autoharp what Earl Scruggs was to the five-string banjo. http://www.bryanbowers.com/

Payment for reserved seating at the concert is available at the Nature Center's Trailhead Nature Store. General admission seating is available at the door. Concert fees are $7 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under, and CORE members receive $1 off.

Farmington's Italian Fest

• Date(s): 09/04/2010 - 09/04/2010
• Times: 7:00am- Midnight
• Location: Jacob's Park- Farmington, IL
• Contact: Kent
• Phone: (309) 245-2441
• Admission: FREE

Come on out to Jacob's Park and enjoy great entertainment, sports and food.  This event is sponsored by the Farmington C of C.  This is an event for the entire family.

Live At The Five Spot

• Date(s): 04/16/2010 - 12/31/2010
• Recurring weekly on Friday
• Times: 5:30pm- 7:30pm
• Location: 305 SW Water Street
• Contact: Contemporary Art Center of Peoria
• Phone: (309) 674-6822
• Admission: Members- $7.00 Non-members- $10.00
• Member Listing: Contemporary Art Center of Peoria

Live at the Five Spot is the Contemporary Art Center's music event featuring the best regional talent performing jazz, blues and more. It is a smokeless, nightclub atmosphere that is a great way to end a busy week with your friends. While the music fills the building, one can stroll through our three fine art galleries. Consult the calendar to learn what bands will be playing.

You may order food & drink from the Rhythm Kitchen yourself and bring it up or bring your own food and drink. Remember to bring your own plates, silverware and cups. After the performance, go downstairs to enjoy more live music at the Rhythm Kitchen.

If you would like a discount on admission, become a member of the CAC. If you join during Live at the Five Spot, you receive a free pass for two for another night. One of the benefits of membership is to be able to reserve a table. The large rounds are $25 and the conference table area is $50. If you have a large party and you want to be sure to be seated together, this is a good option to consider.

Salsa Lessons & Dancing- Contemporary Art Center

• Date(s): 05/07/2010 - 12/03/2010
• Recurring monthly on the 1st Friday
• Times: Dance lessons- 8:30pm- 9:30pm Open dancing- 9:30pm- 12:30pm
• Location: Contemporary Art Center
• Contact: Peoria Riverfront
• Phone: (309) 671-5555
• Admission: Members- $3.00 Non-members- $6.00
• Member Listing: Contemporary Art Center of Peoria

The 1st and 3rd Fridays (after Five Spot)
Come on out and learn how to salsa dance at Contemporary Art Center with DJ Ed Caballero. For more information contact www.samebadance.com.

Mackinaw Valley Vineyard Music Night

• Date(s): 05/29/2010 - 09/25/2010
• Recurring weekly on Saturday
• Times: 7:00pm
• Location: Mackinaw Valley Vineyard
• Contact: Mackinaw Valley Vineyard
• Phone: (309) 359-9463
• Admission: Tickets-$5.00
• Member Listing: Mackinaw Valley Vineyard

Saturday music nights at Mackinaw Winery! We have cheeses for sale with crackers and also Butch's Pizza and guests may also bring in their own food we just do not allow outside beverages of any kind since we sell wine, beer, soda and water. Most music nights are well attended so it is always a good idea to bring your own lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on.  Reserved seating is available on our deck areas for an additional $5 per person, it is reserved by calling ahead and is done on a first come first serve basis.  Again, there are some evenings that all deck spaces may be reserved so please always bring a lawn chair or blanket for lawn seating.  See you this Summer & Fall!

Stark County Farmer's Market

• Date(s): 06/03/2010 - 09/30/2010
• Recurring weekly on Thursday
• Times: 3:30pm- 6:30pm
• Location: Downtown Wyoming, IL
• Contact: Lorie Hartz
• Phone: (309) 695-4739
• Admission: FREE
• Member Listing: Stark County Board

The Farmer's Market is open every Thursday June through September from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in downtown Wyoming. The market is sponsored by the Wyoming Chamber of Commerce.

Horse Creek Trails

• Date(s): 06/18/2010 - 12/17/2010
• Recurring weekly on Friday
• Times: 6:30pm- 10:30pm
• Location: Astoria IL
• Contact: Fulton County Tourism
• Phone: (309) 338-2065
• Admission: Tickets- $2.00
• Member Listing: Fulton County Tourism Council - Canton

Horse show every Friday night at 6:30 in Astoria, IL. This is an event for the entire family.

Pekin Main Street Downtown Farmer's Market

• Date(s): 06/24/2010 - 09/23/2010
• Recurring weekly on Thursday
• Times: 3:30pm- 6:00pm
• Location: Pekin City parking lot at 3rd & Margaret (behind Fast Dragon Restaurant)
• Contact: Pekin Main Street
• Phone: (309) 353-3100
• Admission: FREE
• Member Listing: Pekin Main Street

Fresh produce, baked goods, breads, local meats, farm fresh eggs, organic produce, plants & flowers, artisans and much more every Thursday at Pekin Main Street.

French Toast Wine Tasting

• Date(s): 06/25/2010 - 12/31/2010
• Recurring weekly on Friday
• Times: 5:00pm- 7:00pm
• Location: French Toast Wine Country
• Contact: French Toast Wine Country
• Phone: (309) 686-0234
• Admission: Admission- $5.00
• Member Listing: French Toast Wine Country

Join us on Friday evenings for wine tasting at French Toast Wine Country's Wine Bar.  A casual food menu will be available as well.

Art of Photography Show

• Date(s): 07/13/2010 - 09/14/2010
• Recurring every week day
• Times: 9:00am- 5:00pm
• Location: Graham Hospital Atrium Gallery -Canton, IL
• Contact: Fulton County Tourism
• Phone: (309) 547-3721
• Admission: FREE
• Member Listing: Fulton County Tourism Council - Canton

Come and view the Art of Photography Show at Graham Hospital Atrium Gallery.  Local art will be on display at the gallery until September 14th.

Country Night

• Date(s): 07/28/2010 - 09/29/2010
• Recurring weekly on Wednesday
• Times: 7:00pm- 12:00pm
• Location: The Locker Room
• Contact: The Locker Room
• Phone: (309) 713-3334
• Admission: FREE
• Member Listing: The Locker Room Sports Bar & Grill

Every Wednesday is Country Night at The Locker Room.  There will be live music from 7:00pm- 9:00pm.  You can also create your own burger for $5.00 dollars, plus $2.00 domestic beverages.  This is a great time to wind down after a busy day. 

Conklin's Barn II Dinner Theatre presents- "Lie, Cheat & Genuflect"

• Date(s): 07/29/2010 - 09/12/2010
• Recurring daily
• Times: See below
• Location: Conklin' Barn II Dinner Theatre
• Contact: Conklin's Barn II Dinner Theatre Box Office
• Phone: (309) 965-2545
• Admission: See below
• Member Listing: Conklin's Barn II Dinner Theatre

The Buckle brothers, Billy and Tom, are in big trouble.  Tom's bad luck playing the ponies has drained away Billy's savings and he has borrowed from loan shark Pizza Face Petrillo, who wants his money back or else.  Grandfather Buckle had plenty of money, but these two black sheep are out of the will. What else to do but dress Billy up as their cousin, which is a nun who is to inherit the entire fortune.  Throw in a stuffy lawyer, a hard drinking, man-hungry housekeeper and a trio of beautiful young women, and you have the recipe for a laugh-packed farce of twists, turns, puns and pratfalls.

Event Schedule
Evening Performances
Doors Open 6:00 P.M.
Buffet 6:30 - 7:30 P.M.
Show Starts 8:00 P.M.

Sunday Brunch Performances
Doors Open 12:00 Noon
Buffet 12:00 - 1:00 P.M.
Show Starts 1:30 P.M.

Event Admission
2010 Dinner and Show Pricing *
Thursday evenings:  $31.00 (musicals $33.00**)
Friday evenings, Sunday Brunch:  $33.00 (musicals $35.00**)
Saturday evenings:  $35.00 (musicals $37.00**)

Friday Night Water Street Fiesta

• Date(s): 08/06/2010 - 10/29/2010
• Recurring weekly on Friday
• Times: 5:00pm- 10:00pm
• Location: 300 block of Water Street
• Contact: Diana Siegwarth
• Phone: (309) 863-5121
• Admission: FREE

The 300 block of Water Street comes alive every Friday evening at the
Friday Night Water Street Fiesta! We have an eclectic mix of merchandise
from various local vendors, performances by street entertainers and food and spirits from The Rhythm Kitchen. Come and shop, eat, drink and be entertained!

Corn Stock Theatre presents- Curtains Musical

• Date(s): 08/27/2010 - 09/04/2010
• Recurring daily
• Times: Refer to Corn Stock Theatre Website
• Location: Corn Stock Theatre
• Contact: Corn Stock Theatre Box Office
• Phone: (309) 676-2196
• Admission: Adults- $18.00 Students- $12.00
• Member Listing: Corn Stock Theatre

• When a Broadway musical is in its out-of-town tryout. . . well, sometimes it's murder! Never fear! Boston's finest detective, and a diehard musical theatre fan himself, is on the case, and between the show stoppers (by John Kander and Fred Ebb) and the heart stoppers (provided by Rupert Holmes and Peter Stone), all will be hilariously revealed!

Blues Festival

• Date(s): 09/03/2010 - 09/04/2010
• Recurring daily
• Times: 5:00pm- 11:00pm
• Location: Peoria Riverfront
• Contact: Peoria Riverfront
• Phone: (309) 671-5555
• Admission: Fri- $15 Advance/$20 Gate Sat-$20 Advance/$25 Gate
• Member Listing: Peoria Riverfront District

Come on out to the Peoria Riverfront and join us for a nice blues festival.

Labor Day Weekend Celebration

• Date(s): 09/03/2010 - 09/06/2010
• Recurring daily
• Times: TBA
• Location: Bradford, IL
• Contact: Village of Bradford
• Phone: (309) 897-2071
• Admission: FREE
• Member Listing: Stark County Economic Development Partnership

Bradford Labor Day Celebration begins on Friday evening with a Movie In The Park, Saturday the all day Gospelfest,started in 1995, is held in Elsie Dweyer Park and features over 20 performers. The Little Miss Bradford pageant is held on Saturday evening in the Bradford Grade School gym. Sunday is the car show, started in 2007,featuring nearly 100 cars of all decades. Saturday evening the American Legion holds their fish fry and later in the evening a Street Dance is held downtown Main St. Monday features a parade, frog jumping contest, kiddie tractor pull and water fights, watermelon eating contest and food.

Manito Popcorn Festival

• Date(s): 09/03/2010 - 09/05/2010
• Recurring daily
• Times: TBA
• Location: Veteran's Park & Forman Center
• Contact: Manito Popcorn Festival Committee
• Admission: TBA

The celebration that is now known as the "Manito Popcorn Festival began back in 1972.  Two young ladies named Linda & Phylis sought the support of the area churches to have an "Old Fashioned Picnic in the Park:  With no budget and a lot of hard work, the annual celebration began, they had a frog jumping contest, auctioned off box lunches and generally just had a good time.  In fact they had such a good time that they did it again in 1973.  This time a few more people became interested and there were some game booths and food booths in the park.  It was at this time that Linda and Phylis approached Lee Lacey with the idea that they had it started and now it was his turn to keep it going.  Thus began a long association with this annual event.

Willett's Winery & Cellar Music Night

• Date(s): 09/03/2010 - 09/24/2010
• Recurring weekly on Friday
• Times: 6:30pm
• Location: Willett's Winery & Cellar
• Contact: Willett's Winery & Cellar
• Phone: (309) 968-7070
• Admission: Tickets- $50.00
• Member Listing: Willett's Winery and Cellar

The Wine & Dine Experience is a 4-course gourmet meal prepared by  Chef Kevin Roecker with each course being expertly paired with wine from Willett's Winery & Cellar. During the evening, you'll hear about each course selection from Chef Kevin and each wine selection from winemaker, Dan Willett.  Joe Metzka will provide jazz music throughout the evening. This is an enjoyable evening. Tickets are $50 per person and include wine with each course.