Truly a destination for great art – Explore Central Illinois’ vibrant arts scene with our directory of venues, theatres, organizations, galleries, and more!
We build awareness & strengthen the arts for the economic and cultural enrichment of Central Illinois. Learn more about us, our partners, and our publications.
Designed to connect you with the arts, and to strengthen and celebrate our arts community, here you’ll learn all about our programs and how you can get involved.
Wed20Mar7:00 PMWed8:00 PMRuth E. Carter: Interweaving Tradition & Imagination Through Costume Design
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Event Details
Join us for a special event with Ruth E. Carter, two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer. Carter made history as the first Black person to win an Academy Award in Best
Event Details
Join us for a special event with Ruth E. Carter, two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer. Carter made history as the first Black person to win an Academy Award in Best Costume Design for the film, Black Panther. She received a second Academy Award in the same category for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Ruth E. Carter’s ability to develop an authentic story through costume and character made her one of the most sought after and renowned costume designers today. Best known for turning the Black Panther superhero into an African king, Carter is the first Black woman to win multiple Academy Awards in any category and the first costume designer to win for the first film and its sequel. Carter is known for her research and diligence to the craft of costume design, specifically for her work on films such as Spike Lee’s Malcolm X, Steven Spielberg’s Amistad and Ava DuVernay’s Selma.
In addition to Academy Award nominations and wins, Carter won accolades and recognition from the Costume Designers Guild, Black Reel Awards, Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, American Black Film Festival, San Diego Film Critics Society, among many others. She also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Ruth E. Carter will be joined in conversation with Aisha Harris, co-host of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour and author of Wannabe.
Register at: Peoria Public Library’s website or bit.ly/ILP_RuthCarter
This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present (ILP), a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility. To request accommodations, please email [email protected]
Cost
Free
Organizer
Wed20Mar2:30 PMWed3:30 PMTot Time
Time
(Wednesday) 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Event Details
During this program for children 1 to 4 years of age and their grown-ups, children develop language, small motor skills, and social skills while engaging in hands-on exploration. Each class
Event Details
During this program for children 1 to 4 years of age and their grown-ups, children develop language, small motor skills, and social skills while engaging in hands-on exploration. Each class includes songs and musical instruments, a read-aloud story, time for play, and a visual art activity. Look for a different theme each week!
Cost (children only; no additional cost for adults accompanying children): $5 for members, $7 for non-members. Fee does not include the cost for museum admission.
Program Plus PlayHouse Admission for the Day (non-members only): $17 per child and $10 per adult.
This program has been made possible by a grant from OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois.
Cost
$5 per child for members | $7 per child non-members
Thu21Mar10:00 AMThu11:00 AMTot Time
Time
(Thursday) 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Event Details
During this program for children 1 to 4 years of age and their grown-ups, children develop language, small motor skills, and social skills while engaging in hands-on exploration. Each class
Event Details
During this program for children 1 to 4 years of age and their grown-ups, children develop language, small motor skills, and social skills while engaging in hands-on exploration. Each class includes songs and musical instruments, a read-aloud story, time for play, and a visual art activity. Look for a different theme each week!
Cost (children only; no additional cost for adults accompanying children): $5 for members, $7 for non-members. Fee does not include the cost for museum admission.
Program Plus PlayHouse Admission for the Day (non-members only): $17 per child and $10 per adult.
This program has been made possible by a grant from OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois.
Cost
$5 per child for members | $7 per child non-members
Thu21Mar10:00 AMThu2:00 PMPettengill-Morron Museum Open House
Time
(Thursday) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location
Pettengill-Morron House
1212 West Moss Ave
Event Details
Built in 1868, Pettengill-Morron House is listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and owned by the Peoria Historical Society. Join us for the story of one of
Event Details
Built in 1868, Pettengill-Morron House is listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and owned by the Peoria Historical Society. Join us for the story of one of Peoria’s most beloved and historical houses and learn about the fascinating lives of those who once called it their home.
Cost
$10 Adults | $5 Students | $3 Ages 12 & Under
Thu21Mar8:00 PMThu10:00 PMWhisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Time
(Thursday) 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location
Contemporary Art Center of Peoria
305 SW Water St
Event Details
Experience a diverse open mic with artists from all backgrounds in a positive and inspiring atmosphere. Peoria’s Open Mic for Poetry is held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of
Event Details
Experience a diverse open mic with artists from all backgrounds in a positive and inspiring atmosphere. Peoria’s Open Mic for Poetry is held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. Host: Ryan Lowry, DJ: Yvaine Washington.
Featured Poet: Sheri Purpose Hall is a highly decorated writer and performance artist and founder of East of Red ArtHouse.
Cost
Tickets in Advance Online: $5-members, $8-nonmembers, $3-poets fees (till 6pm day of event) If an event is not sold out, tickets will also be sold at the door. Tickets at the door*: $9-members, $12-nonmembers, $5-poets (*No money will be taken at the door unless we don’t reach our max capacity)
Fri22Mar6:30 PMFri8:30 PMLive at the Five Spot: Tambora
Time
(Friday) 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Location
Contemporary Art Center of Peoria
305 SW Water St
Event Details
Live Music at the CAC – Tambora creates poetic, energetic, Flamenco influenced music, sung in both Spanish and English. Cindy Youngren’s emotionally charged vocals top off the music, with Tom
Event Details
Live Music at the CAC – Tambora creates poetic, energetic, Flamenco influenced music, sung in both Spanish and English. Cindy Youngren’s emotionally charged vocals top off the music, with Tom Hopwood’s intricate nylon string guitar work leading way, washing you into the rhythm of a street festival to dance uninhibited.
Cost
Tickets in Advance Online: $8-members, $12-nonmembers fees (until 5pm day of event). Tickets at the door*: $12-Members, $16-nonmembers
Fri22Mar7:30 PMFri9:00 PMComedy @ The Waterhouse: Marc Rubben with opener Greg Batton
Time
(Friday) 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Location
The Waterhouse
316 SW Washington St
Event Details
RATING: PG-18 (mature audiences) COMEDY @ The Waterhouse officially begins with one of America’s best comedian ventriloquists – MARC RUBBEN. Opening up for Marc from The Greg & Dan Show on
Event Details
RATING: PG-18 (mature audiences)
COMEDY @ The Waterhouse officially begins with one of America’s best comedian ventriloquists – MARC RUBBEN. Opening up for Marc from The Greg & Dan Show on WMBD radio is GREG BATTON!
2019 Ventriloquist of the Year MARC RUBBEN’S stellar career has included appearances on dozens of national television shows such as; Accidentally Famous; The HBO Aspen Comedy Festival; Comedy Central; and Showtime. RUBBEN has performed regularly as a special guest star for Carnival Cruise Lines and some of the most prestigious Comedy Clubs, such as Catch a Rising Star and The Improv, as well as Casinos and Resorts in Las Vegas; Atlantic City; and around the world.
With some 35 years as a full time professional comedian and ventriloquist, RUBBEN is also an extremely successful corporate comedian with having enjoyed entertaining at over 200 conventions!
Admission is $25pp and seating is reserved. The bar will open and seating will begin 1 hour before the show at 6:30p with the show starting at 7:30p. The show will last approximately 90 minutes.
Cost
$25
Fri22Mar6:00 PMFri7:30 PMAerFire's Dance Open House
Time
(Friday) 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location
AerFire's Dance Studio
25306 Spring Creek Rd.
Event Details
Come join us for a full weekend of FREE dance classes at AerFire in celebration of our brand new space!!! We will be learning some
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 10-11:30am
Sunday, March 24th 1-2:30pm
Cost
Free
Sat23Mar10:00 AMSat11:30 AMAerFire's Dance Open House
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location
AerFire's Dance Studio
25306 Spring Creek Rd.
Event Details
Come join us for a full weekend of FREE dance classes at AerFire in celebration of our brand new space!!! We will be learning some
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 10-11:30am
Sunday, March 24th 1-2:30pm
Cost
Free
Sun24Mar6:00 PMSun8:30 PMJohn Miller and the Romaniacs
Time
(Sunday) 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location
Trailside Event Center
4416 N Prospect Rd
Event Details
Local legend John Miller leads the Romaniacs on guitar. Joining John are Andy Crawford on bass, Joe Park on guitar, and Larry Harms on clarinet and soprano sax. The Romaniacs’
Event Details
Local legend John Miller leads the Romaniacs on guitar. Joining John are Andy Crawford on bass, Joe Park on guitar, and Larry Harms on clarinet and soprano sax. The Romaniacs’ repertoire includes classic Django tunes, modern Gypsy jazz and romantic French musettes. The fare includes some light humorous vocals, a la Freddie Taylor.
The band swings hard and creates lots of fun for the listeners as well as the performers. Gypsy Jazz is happy romantic music with universal appeal. The Romaniacs’ performance guarantees good times and good feelings. Photo by Jeffery Noble / Mouve Film
The ever-popular CIJS House Band under the leadership of Larry Harms kicks off the evening, featuring outstanding jazz musicians from the area. They present a variety of jazz standards and other popular arrangements. Always a delight!
Thanks to Sharon and John Amdall for sponsoring the House Band
Beverages are available for purchase. Food only may be brought in.
Cost
$8 Members $12 Non-members Students free!
Sun24Mar6:00 PMSun7:15 PMThe Music of Easter
Time
(Sunday) 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Location
Crossroads UMC
1420 N. Main St., Washington, IL 61571
Event Details
Join Shawn Degenhart and the GospelFest Singers as they take a musical journey through Holy Week, from the Triumphal Entry on Palm Sunday, to the crucifixion on Golgotha, to the
Event Details
Join Shawn Degenhart and the GospelFest Singers as they take a musical journey through Holy Week, from the Triumphal Entry on Palm Sunday, to the crucifixion on Golgotha, to the resurrection at the garden tomb. This is a FREE event and a love offering will be taken.
Cost
Free
Sun24Mar1:00 PMSun2:30 PMAerFire's Dance Open House
Time
(Sunday) 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Location
AerFire's Dance Studio
25306 Spring Creek Rd.
Event Details
Come join us for a full weekend of FREE dance classes at AerFire in celebration of our brand new space!!! We will be learning some
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 10-11:30am
Sunday, March 24th 1-2:30pm
Cost
Free
Mon25Mar6:00 PMMon7:00 PMTolkien Talk
Time
(Monday) 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location
Peoria Public Library - Lincoln Branch
1312 W Lincoln Ave
Event Details
We’re celebrating Tolkien Reading Day on March 25. Stop by our Lincoln Branch for some snacks imported from Middle Earth, discuss some Tolkien Lore and check out some Tolkien books
Event Details
We’re celebrating Tolkien Reading Day on March 25. Stop by our Lincoln Branch for some snacks imported from Middle Earth, discuss some Tolkien Lore and check out some Tolkien books from the Library!
Adult hobbits only, please.
Cost
Free
Wed27Mar2:30 PMWed3:30 PMTot Time
Time
(Wednesday) 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Event Details
During this program for children 1 to 4 years of age and their grown-ups, children develop language, small motor skills, and social skills while engaging in hands-on exploration. Each class
Event Details
During this program for children 1 to 4 years of age and their grown-ups, children develop language, small motor skills, and social skills while engaging in hands-on exploration. Each class includes songs and musical instruments, a read-aloud story, time for play, and a visual art activity. Look for a different theme each week!
Cost (children only; no additional cost for adults accompanying children): $5 for members, $7 for non-members. Fee does not include the cost for museum admission.
Program Plus PlayHouse Admission for the Day (non-members only): $17 per child and $10 per adult.
This program has been made possible by a grant from OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois.
Cost
$5 per child for members | $7 per child non-members
Wed27Mar6:00 PMWed8:00 PMPeoria Art Salon
Time
(Wednesday) 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
3601 N North Street
Event Details
Peoria-area artists are invited to this two-hour social event held the 4th Wednesday of every month. Bring your own beverage and come connect with other visual artists. Enter by the
Event Details
Peoria-area artists are invited to this two-hour social event held the 4th Wednesday of every month. Bring your own beverage and come connect with other visual artists. Enter by the door on the east end of the building facing War Memorial Drive.
Cost
free
Thu28Mar10:00 AMThu11:00 AMTot Time
Time
(Thursday) 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Event Details
During this program for children 1 to 4 years of age and their grown-ups, children develop language, small motor skills, and social skills while engaging in hands-on exploration. Each class
Event Details
During this program for children 1 to 4 years of age and their grown-ups, children develop language, small motor skills, and social skills while engaging in hands-on exploration. Each class includes songs and musical instruments, a read-aloud story, time for play, and a visual art activity. Look for a different theme each week!
Cost (children only; no additional cost for adults accompanying children): $5 for members, $7 for non-members. Fee does not include the cost for museum admission.
Program Plus PlayHouse Admission for the Day (non-members only): $17 per child and $10 per adult.
This program has been made possible by a grant from OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois.
Cost
$5 per child for members | $7 per child non-members
Thu28Mar10:00 AMThu2:00 PMPettengill-Morron Museum Open House
Time
(Thursday) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location
Pettengill-Morron House
1212 West Moss Ave
Event Details
Built in 1868, Pettengill-Morron House is listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and owned by the Peoria Historical Society. Join us for the story of one of
Event Details
Built in 1868, Pettengill-Morron House is listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and owned by the Peoria Historical Society. Join us for the story of one of Peoria’s most beloved and historical houses and learn about the fascinating lives of those who once called it their home.
Cost
$10 Adults | $5 Students | $3 Ages 12 & Under
Sun31Mar10:00 AMSun1:00 PMEaster Brunch & Egg Hunt
Time
(Sunday) 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location
Wildlife Prairie Park
3826 N Taylor Rd
Event Details
Easter Brunch Only 250 seats are available for this delicious brunch catered by Childers. Book your reservations before it’s too late! Brunch tickets include tax, gratuity, Park Admission, and the
Event Details
Easter Brunch
Only 250 seats are available for this delicious brunch catered by Childers. Book your reservations before it’s too late! Brunch tickets include tax, gratuity, Park Admission, and the Easter Egg Hunt. Reservations required.
Easter Egg Hunt
There will be separate egg hunts for different age groups. A special prize will be awarded to the child who finds the golden egg during each egg hunt! The Egg Hunt is Free with Park Admission. WPP Members receive Free Park Admission. Reserve your ticket!
Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt
Free with Park admission from Friday, March 29 through Sunday, March 31.