Greater Peoria Festivals

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Greater Peoria fairs and festivals offer affordable, family-friendly fun year round. Discover the newest art, crafts, music, and film. Enjoy live rock, folk, country, bluegrass, and jazz music. Shop for one-of-a-kind Illinois-made products. Taste a variety of local fare like pumpkin pancakes, cheesecake, strawberry pie, fresh hot pretzels, tenderloin sandwiches, barbecue, craft beers, and wine. Classic cars, the Illinois River, and seasonal agriculture are some of Greater Peoria’s favorite festival themes. Take a fun peek into world cultures at German, Celtic, Latino, India, Polish, Lebanese, and Global celebrations.

To find information on these events and more, visit our Events Calendar

AUTUMN

Autumn Market {Chillicothe} // September // This market is full of local farmers and artisans. Shop produce, baked goods, sweet treats, hand-crafted goodies, and more! Enjoy music by the Roundstone Buskers and snacks from food trucks like El Zarape Taco Truck and Swanee’s Soft Pretzels.

Bridge to Bridge River Drive {Peoria Heights > Chillicothe > Henry > Lacon > Spring Bay} // September // This charming festival takes place in five of Greater Peoria’s quintessential river towns along the Illinois River. Stop along the route from Peoria Heights to Chillicothe to Lacon to Henry to Spring Bay and experience art fairs, vendor markets, live music, family games, fishing, food, and more!

Cannabis Camp {West Peoria} // September // Cannabis Camp is the premier cannabis event of the summer in downstate Illinois. This consumption event celebrates all-natural health and wellness treatments, specifically cannabis. There will be a variety of vendors from around the state with booths set up to offer educational materials, purchasable items, and giveaways. We will also have food trucks, live art, yoga, music, and more!

Corn Festival {El Paso} // September // Visit El Paso for the annual corn festival, featuring three fun filled days of carnival, food, and free entertainment. Set up camp early for the best view of the parade!

Elmwood Fall Festival {Elmwood} // September // Come for the amazing vendors, stay for the awesome parade. Elmwood Fall Festival is held in historic downtown Elmwood with live music, games and prizes, and carnival rides.

Grape Stomp + Harvest Festival {Mackinaw} // September // Channel your inner Lucy and get your feet wet in this juicy and one-of-a-kind wine-making experience. With wine flights all day and a Lucy-Look-alike contest, you’ll be stomping to the beat of a great time!

Havana Oktoberfest {Havana} // September // Havana Oktoberfest is an amazing weekend filled with culture and fun. Get ready for food and drinks, vendors, live music, a carnival and parade, contests, polka pace race and fun for all!

Labor Day Parade + Picnic {Peoria} // September // This Labor Day Parade supports various trade unions beginning their march from the Monroe Street Fire Station all the way to the courthouse. After the parade, enjoy a picnic at the Riverfront Festival Park, with food and beverages on-site.

Manito Popcorn Festival {Manito} // September // Ditch that microwave popcorn and bring the family to this poppin’ Labor Day weekend festival in Manito. Enjoy craft booths, vendors, a parade, and the best popcorn in town.

Marigold Festival {Pekin} // September // The Pekin Marigold Festival is a can’t-miss community event featuring local vendors, artists, music, athletics, and more. Celebrate Senator Everett Dirksen with a parade, carnival, and the crowning of Miss Marigold in the Marigold capital of the world.

Pumpkin Festival {Morton} // September // Celebrate fall in the Pumpkin Capital of the World! This four-day festival is a pumpkin lover’s dream come true. Events include the Pumpkin Boxcar Derby, the Pumpkin Princess pageant, and the Pumpkin Classic 10K. Don’t miss the famous Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast, but make sure to arrive early!

Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair {Peoria} // September // This nationally recognized event features original works from national, regional and local artists in a variety of mediums. From jewelry to ceramics and everything in between, there’s something for every art lover to enjoy.

Peoria Blues + Heritage Festival {Peoria} // September // Enjoy a world-class lineup of artists from blues, roots, fun, and soul, and everything in between. Downtown Peoria comes to life in this event that stretches off the waterfront into bars, venues, and local businesses.

Peoria Oktoberfest {Peoria} // September // With Oompah music, lederhosen, and dirndls, the Peoria Oktoberfest festival is a great way to experience German culture and heritage. This party on the Riverfront features live music, beer samples, Nagelspielen tournaments, and even a catholic mass.

Stark County Fall Festival {Wyoming} // September // A community event with craft food and beverages from local vendors. There’s plenty of kids activities including, inflatable bounce houses, pedal pull, arm wrestling exhibition, and much more.

Taste of Canton {Canton} // September // The streets in downtown Canton will be closed off for this local food festival!! Expect a variety of tastings from local restaurants and food trucks, a wine and beer garden, live music and inflatables for the kiddos. Oh, and don’t forget the pie eating contest!!

Big Picture Street Festival {Peoria} // September // This annual event brings together artists of all levels to showcase their talent through various mediums, including paint and chalk. In addition to live art demonstrations, featured artists will create stunning large-scale murals.

Haunted Houses {GPA} // October // Central Illinois is brimming with scary opportunities to face your fears and seek a spooky thrill. Keep an eye on our Haunted Attractions blog for the most terrifying haunts in the Greater Peoria Area.

Peoria Food + Wine Festival {Peoria Heights} // October // The Peoria Food and Wine Festival is perfect for foodies and wine connoisseurs as the festival showcases local food and wines! Every year the Peoria Food + Wine festival benefits local charities–this. Stay tuned to find out what non-profit the proceeds will be donated.

Schlachtfest {Dunlap} // October // Schlachtfest is a combined celebration of German-American Day and a kick-off to German-American Heritage month. The event will feature German music, beer, food, activities, games along with an art and craft fair.

Spoon River Drive Fall Festival {Fulton County} // October // Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Fall Festival is a celebration of arts, history, and culture throughout Fulton County. Each of the communities participating (Astoria, Bernadotte, Canton, Duncan Mills, Lewistown, Smithfield and more) are displaying a multitude of arts, crafts, flea markets, foods, history and heritage.

Spoon River Days {Wyoming} // October // This years’ Schlachtfest will be a combined celebration of German-American Day and a kick-off to German-American Heritage month. The event will feature German music, beer, food, activities, games along with an art and craft fair.

Morton Pumpkin Fest

WINTER

Elmwood Christmas Walk {Elmwood} // December // Take a carriage ride, hear carolers, get your picture with Santa, and greet your community for the holidays at Elmwood’s Central Park! An Elmwood tradition that gets the whole family in the Christmas spirit.

Festival of Lights and Parade of Lights {East Peoria} // November-December // With over three million lights depicting everything from animals to holiday items, this drive-through spectacle is a must-see for all ages. If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting on a Monday or Tuesday.

Santa Claus Parade + Yule Like Peoria {Peoria} // November // The Santa Claus Parade is the longest-running holiday parade in the nation. This Peoria tradition takes a magical journey through the downtown streets of Peoria with more than 100 decorated floats and characters. Yule Like Peoria features refreshments and various forms of holiday entertainment in the beautifully decorated business area of downtown Peoria.

Christmas On Court {Pekin} // December // Explore the charming historic Downtown Court Street, with local retailers and Pop-Up Markets for a unique shopping experience. Indulge in delicious food and drinks and make sure to check out the community Christmas Tree, a tribute to Pekin’s First Responders.

Kris Kringle Market {Peoria Heights} // December // Meet Kris Kringle as Peoria Heights celebrates the annual lighting of their Christmas tree at Tower Park. Visitors to this open air market can expect to cross hot chocolate, cocktails, and live entertainment off their Christmas list.

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SPRING

Shorty’s Strictly Bluegrass Festival {East Peoria} // March // Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant Bluegrass music scene at Stoney Creek Inn in East Peoria IL, where passionate fans, talented artists, and enthusiastic bands from across the Midwest come together to jam and perform live in the ballroom.

Spring Craft + Vendor Show {Peoria} // April // Discover unique and beautiful handmade crafts and products at the upcoming Spring Craft and Vendor Show in Peoria. From one-of-a-kind artisanal items to a wide selection of quality goods, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye while supporting local vendors.

Music Wine + Craft Beer Festival {Mackinaw} // May // 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 Heights Fine Art Fair {Peoria Heights} // May // 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.

Summer Camp {Chillicothe} // May // Join tens of housands of music lovers at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe for a legendary music festival that features top acts like Moe. and Umphrey’s McGee. With a diverse lineup and unpredictable weather, make sure to pack accordingly.

Summercamp

SUMMER

Farmers Market {GPA} // May-September // Visit Peoria’s Riverfront for an outdoor farmers’ market showcasing local produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, fresh flowers, baked goods, and more. Enjoy live music, art, and demonstrations each week. Don’t miss out on this pet-friendly market and make sure to bring your reusable bags! Keep an eye on our Peoria Area Farmers Market Blog for all your locally sourced re-stocking needs.

Parks on Tap {Peoria} // May-September // 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 {Peoria Heights} // May // A delightful local art festival featuring many categories of art, including ceramics, glass, jewelry, mixed media, and more. This is a juried event, with grand prizes for the best art topping out at $1,000!

Peoria Bach Festival {Peoria} // June // Celebrate the joy, pathos, and beauty of the music of Bach! The community is invited to participate as either a performer or spectator in a variety of events curated for all ages.

Canton Art on Main {Canton} // June // Support your local Canton art scene by visiting a variety of artist booths, exhibits, and demonstrations. Enjoy live music and free art activities to keep the kids engaged, with plenty of local food and wine options.

Chillicothe Days {Chillicothe} // June // Bring your family to the carnival at the Chillicothe Days festival, where a vendor fair and sidewalk sale will keep you entertained for hours. Enjoy a fish fry, games and tournaments, and of course the Mr. Chillicothe contest and Miss Chillicothe pageant.

Juneteenth {Peoria} // June // Juneteenth is the only holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Africans throughout the United States. Peoria hosts special programs bringing awareness to Freedom Day by gathering and celebrating through music, history, food, education, culture, and community.

Moss Avenue Sale + Festival {Peoria} // June // Peoria’s most popular garage sale takes over 8 blocks of historic Moss avenue. Here you’ll find antiques, refinished and repurposed furniture, hand-crafted items, and food vendors.

Sommerfest {Peoria} // June // Celebrate the beginning of summer the German way, with this unique festival featuring German food, car and bike shows, arts and crafts, and entertainment. Play games and shop for the perfect Father’s Day gift with a huge selection of imported items from Germany.

Strawberry Festival {Elmwood} // June // This annual festival celebrates Elmwoods love for strawberries and brings together crafts and vendors to fund the betterment of Elmwood. Look out for great food and local entertainers, and treat yourself to delectable strawberry desserts.

Princeville Heritage Days {Princeville} // June // Visit the beautiful Stevens Square in downtown Princeville for a variety of family fun and entertainment. This carnival showcases the best of Princeville, with awesome vendors, games for the kids, and of course the tractor pull and parade!

Turkey Festival {Tremont} // June // This community summer celebration feels like home, where you can explore the wares at the craft and antique booths, sip a lemonade shake-up, and watch a variety of performances from the Miss Tremont pageant to a carnival and a parade. Come hungry, good food is a huge component of this festival– try the famous grilled turkey!

Good Neighbor Days {Washington} // June // Washington’s annual festival is the perfect way to experience community spirit at its finest! Come and enjoy five days of live entertainment, food and drinks, and family-friendly activities, culminating in a spectacular firework show.

Heart of Illinois Fair {Peoria} // July // This expansive showcase of the best of Central Illinois will have you seeing everything from live concerts to motorsports. Catch an exciting ride at the amusement park, or play games with your family and friends.

Mackinaw Valley Winery Annual Art and Wine Festival {Mackinaw} // July // A showcase of local and regional artists in the world of oil and watercolor paintings, woodworking, jewelry, metalwork, ceramics, and glass. Sip on wine all day while you browse, and wander through the car show to admire the hottest rides in Mackinaw.

Fiesta en el Río {Peoria} // July // This high-energy music festival at the Peoria Riverfront celebrates Hispanic and Latino cultures. Enjoy this diverse experience with many types of music, dance, authentic food, and fun.

Marshall Putnam Fair {Henry} // July // Celebrating over 100 years, the Marshall Putnam Fair festival has a wide range of activities and events. From Dueling Pianos to wine-tasting, kids activities and pageant performances, this celebration will keep you entertained for days. Don’t miss the concert featuring a special musical guest!

River City Pride Weekend {Peoria} // July // You’re invited to celebrate Peoria’s annual River City Pride Weekend. Several festivals and events will bring people together, stirring the mind, creating safe spaces, and fostering inclusivity, equality, respect, and awareness.

Red, White + Boom! {Peoria} // July // Peoria’s largest fireworks display, Red, White and Boom!, is a “pyro-musical” that combines stunning fireworks and patriotic music, synchronized to light up the night sky. This spectacular display is visible from both sides of the Illinois River and certain areas of Peoria Heights.

Brimfield Old Settlers Days {Brimfield} // August // The annual Brimfield Old Settlers Days festival is a three day event filled with games, music, and carnival rides. Enjoy tons of food and drink options, and camp out early to get a good view of the parade.

Illinois Oz Festival {Mapleton} // August // Join Dorothy, Toto, and friends in the jolly old land of Oz. Meet all your favorite characters, take trolley rides, and even have storytime with Auntie Em while you take your very own journey down the Yellow Brick Road.

India Fest {Peoria} // August // Enjoy authentic Indian cuisine served by local Indian restaurants at this exciting festival on the Peoria Riverfront. From Bollywood-style entertainment to arts and crafts, lessons, and more, you won’t want to miss this spicy cultural experience.

Marshall County Old Settlers Days {Lacon} // August // This summer festival promises a fun filled weekend packed with events for the whole family to enjoy. Sign up for the 5K run, be amused by stage entertainment and the Grand Parade, and get lunch from one of many delicious food trucks.

Peoria Irish Fest {Peoria} // August // This annual festival on the RiverFront features live music, dancing, Highland Games, exhibits, and interactive sessions. Come enjoy the culture, food, and fun. This annual event is family-friendly and a great way to experience Celtic culture in Peoria.

River City Soul Fest {Peoria} // August // Enjoy Peoria’s original celebration of soul and R+B music. This three-day festival features local house DJs and gospel performance groups for an exciting experience of live entertainment.

Taste of Peoria {Peoria} // August // Satisfy your hunger at this must-attend event featuring local restaurants and food trucks. Enjoy live music while indulging in mouth-watering cuisine. Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair for ultimate relaxation.

Watermelon Festival {Spring Bay} // August // The Watermelon Festival is an annual carnival sponsored by the Spring Bay Legion. Enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts, and fun for the entire family.

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Discover Peoria

Discover Peoria, IL