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.
Time
April 22, 2024 11:00 AM - May 15, 2024 1:00 PM
Location
Peoria County Courthouse
324 Main St
Event Details
Welcome to the 38th annual Gerald M. Brookhart Arts in Education Series Spring Celebration! This year, each weekday from April 22nd, 2024 to May 15th, 2024, the talents of students
Event Details
Welcome to the 38th annual Gerald M. Brookhart Arts in Education Series Spring Celebration! This year, each weekday from April 22nd, 2024 to May 15th, 2024, the talents of students from local schools across central Illinois will resonate across the Peoria County Courthouse! Starting at 11:00AM through 1:00PM each weekday, arts in education will come alive and we hope you will join us!
The first day, April 22nd, the program kicks off at the Peoria Riverfront museum, featuring jazz performances from three local schools in recognition of International Jazz Month at 11:00AM.
Then, Tuesday April 23rd through May 15th, the program moves to the grounds of the Peoria County Courthouse. Lunchtime will mean so much more if you come out to support the arts in education! The attached flyer explains it all!
For updated and detailed information, please go to www.springcelebration.org and we will see you downtown in April!
Cost
Free
Fri26Apr5:00 PMPeoria Sister Cities International Night
Time
April 26, 2024 5:00 PM
Location
Itoo Hall
4909 W. Farmington Rd. Peoria, IL
Event Details
PEORIA SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL NIGHT. Friday April 26th at Itoo Hall. Doors open at 5:00 Tastings of variety of ethnic foods : German, Chinese, Irish & Lebanese foods Cultural Entertainment,
Event Details
PEORIA SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL NIGHT. Friday April 26th at Itoo Hall. Doors open at 5:00
Tastings of variety of ethnic foods : German, Chinese, Irish & Lebanese foods
Cultural Entertainment, Beer Flights, Raffles
Hosted by Friends of Friedrichshafen, Friends of Clonmel, and Friends of Aytou
Cost
$5.00
Organizer
Fri26Apr6:30 PMFri8:30 PMLive at the Five Spot: Pippi & Daniel
Time
April 26, 2024 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Location
Contemporary Art Center of Peoria
305 SW Water St
Event Details
Live music at the CAC – Pippi Ardennia & Daniel L Leahy are eclectic, stylistic composers & performers that will share their favorite original compositions and the standards they most
Event Details
Live music at the CAC – Pippi Ardennia & Daniel L Leahy are eclectic, stylistic composers & performers that will share their favorite original compositions and the standards they most love. Their eight-piece band produces the perfect blend of Jazz, Soul, Blues, Gospel and R&B with thought provoking lyrics. Learn more at www.pndmusic.com
Cost
Tickets in Advance Online: $8-members, $12-nonmembers fees (until 5pm day of event). Tickets at the door*: $12-Members, $16-nonmembers
Fri26Apr7:00 PMSat27(Apr 27)8:00 PMSeven Circles Native American Smoke Lodge Workshop
Time
April 26, 2024 7:00 PM - April 27, 2024 8:00 PM
Location
Seven Circles Heritage Center
8817 W. Southport Rd., Edwards, IL 61528
Event Details
Native American Sweat Lodge Workshop will be a hands on educational event spanning over a weekend.
Event Details
Native American Sweat Lodge Workshop will be a hands on educational event spanning over a weekend.
Cost
Donation Based
Fri26Apr7:00 PMFri8:45 PMPeoria Ballet Presents - Sleeping Beauty
Time
April 26, 2024 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Event Details
Peoria Ballet presents this magical story of a beautiful princess brought to life through dance. Be enchanted by elaborate costumes, lively music, and full cast of fairytale characters! Perfect for
Event Details
Peoria Ballet presents this magical story of a beautiful princess brought to life through dance. Be enchanted by elaborate costumes, lively music, and full cast of fairytale characters! Perfect for children and adults of all ages!
Friday, April 26 at 7pm
Saturday, April 27 at Noon & 4pm
Plus – Meet & Greet following both shows on April 27: $10/child. Come up on stage to meet the dancers and take photos.
Cost
Adults: $25 Child/Student: $10 (including full-time college students with ID)
Organizer
Fri26Apr7:00 PMFri9:00 PMBallet to Broadway!
Time
April 26, 2024 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location
Central Illinois Ballet
5201 W War Memorial Drive Suite 440
Event Details
This new, mixed repertoire production celebrates all things Broadway, paying homage to beloved classics such as Cats, West Side Story, Chicago, and more! With all-new, original works including Ballet, Tap,
Event Details
This new, mixed repertoire production celebrates all things Broadway, paying homage to beloved classics such as Cats, West Side Story, Chicago, and more! With all-new, original works including Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Contemporary, this show will have audiences singing and dancing in their seats!
Cost
$25 Adults; $20 Children (13 and under) and Seniors (65 and older)
Organizer
Fri26Apr7:30 PMFri9:00 PMBradley Groove Project and The Bradley Jazz Singers
Time
April 26, 2024 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Location
Dingeldine Music Center
1417 W Barker Ave
Event Details
The Bradley University Groove Project, under the direction of Dr. Todd Kelly, and the Bradley Jazz Singers, directed by Spencer Rockford will present a concert on Friday April 26 at
Event Details
The Bradley University Groove Project, under the direction of Dr. Todd Kelly, and the
Bradley Jazz Singers, directed by Spencer Rockford will present a concert on Friday
April 26 at 7:30 pm in the Dingeldine Music Center. The concert will also be live
streamed from the Bradley Music Department web page.
The Groove Project is a New Orleans style brass band that performs all music by ear.
Bradley Jazz Singers is the newest addition to Bradley’s jazz offerings.
Under the direction of Dr. Kelly, the jazz program at Bradley includes a big band, New
Orleans brass band, jazz combo, vocal jazz group, and courses in American Music
History, Jazz Improvisation, and Jazz Arranging. Bradley students can minor in Jazz
Studies.
Admission is $10.00, and free for students.
Cost
$10/students free
Organizer
Sat27Apr12:00 PMSat1:45 PMPeoria Ballet Presents - Sleeping Beauty
Time
April 27, 2024 12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Event Details
Peoria Ballet presents this magical story of a beautiful princess brought to life through dance. Be enchanted by elaborate costumes, lively music, and full cast of fairytale characters! Perfect for
Event Details
Peoria Ballet presents this magical story of a beautiful princess brought to life through dance. Be enchanted by elaborate costumes, lively music, and full cast of fairytale characters! Perfect for children and adults of all ages!
Friday, April 26 at 7pm
Saturday, April 27 at Noon & 4pm
Plus – Meet & Greet following both shows on April 27: $10/child. Come up on stage to meet the dancers and take photos.
Cost
Adults: $25 Child/Student: $10 (including full-time college students with ID)
Organizer
Sat27Apr12:00 PMSat3:00 PMBIOBLITZ
Time
April 27, 2024 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location
Wildlife Prairie Park
3826 N Taylor Rd
Event Details
Help us record the plants, animals, and fungi species on 1800-acres of Wildlife Prairie Park from 12 – 3pm on April 27. Let’s celebrate Earth Day by making as many
Event Details
Help us record the plants, animals, and fungi species on 1800-acres of Wildlife Prairie Park from 12 – 3pm on April 27. Let’s celebrate Earth Day by making as many observations as we can and catalog the biodiversity of WPP.
Anyone can be a naturalist with iNaturalist. Just download the app and upload a picture of the wildlife you observe at the Park. The app will even help you identify what you see!
Come to the Park and learn about iNaturalist and put it into action by making observations.
Start at Forest Hall Education Center for an introductory presentation at 12pm and hike with us over to floodplain trail to make some observations. Check out the Spring Bioblitz Project Page (https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/wpp-bioblitz-2-4-27-24), that will post real time updates during the Bioblitz.
This event is FREE with paid admission. Admission is FREE for WPP Members.
Cost
This event is FREE with paid admission. Admission is FREE for WPP Members
Organizer
Sat27Apr2:00 PMSat4:00 PMBallet to Broadway!
Time
April 27, 2024 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location
Central Illinois Ballet
5201 W War Memorial Drive Suite 440
Event Details
This new, mixed repertoire production celebrates all things Broadway, paying homage to beloved classics such as Cats, West Side Story, Chicago, and more! With all-new, original works including Ballet, Tap,
Event Details
This new, mixed repertoire production celebrates all things Broadway, paying homage to beloved classics such as Cats, West Side Story, Chicago, and more! With all-new, original works including Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Contemporary, this show will have audiences singing and dancing in their seats!
Cost
$25 Adults; $20 Children (13 and under) and Seniors (65 and older)
Organizer
Sat27Apr4:00 PMSat5:45 PMPeoria Ballet Presents - Sleeping Beauty
Time
April 27, 2024 4:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Event Details
Peoria Ballet presents this magical story of a beautiful princess brought to life through dance. Be enchanted by elaborate costumes, lively music, and full cast of fairytale characters! Perfect for
Event Details
Peoria Ballet presents this magical story of a beautiful princess brought to life through dance. Be enchanted by elaborate costumes, lively music, and full cast of fairytale characters! Perfect for children and adults of all ages!
Friday, April 26 at 7pm
Saturday, April 27 at Noon & 4pm
Plus – Meet & Greet following both shows on April 27: $10/child. Come up on stage to meet the dancers and take photos.
Cost
Adults: $25 Child/Student: $10 (including full-time college students with ID)
Organizer
Sat27Apr5:00 PMNo More Happy Days at the Neighborhood BBQ
Time
April 27, 2024 5:00 PM
Location
Barracks Hospitality Banquet Center
1224 W Pioneer Pkwy Peoria, IL
Event Details
Welcome to the annual neighborhood BBQ! The year is 1955 and what a great year it’s been… so far! Everyone always looks forward to the annual BBQ; it’s a time
Event Details
Welcome to the annual neighborhood BBQ! The year is 1955 and what a great year it’s been… so far! Everyone always looks forward to the annual BBQ; it’s a time to relax, meet new neighbors, and catch up with old friends. No matter what the occasion, there is always bound to be a little neighborly gossip and drama. A storm is brewing at this neighborly gathering, and there may not be any more “Happy Days” in this neighborhood! This is a fundraising event for Chillicothe Players Theatre. Please show your support.
Cost
50
Organizer
Sat27Apr5:00 PMSat8:00 PMNo More Happy Days at the Neighborhood BBQ
Time
April 27, 2024 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location
Barracks Banquet Center & Catering
1224 W Pioneer Prkwy
Event Details
Welcome to the annual neighborhood BBQ! The year is 1955 and what a great year it’s been… so far! Everyone always looks forward to the annual BBQ; it’s a time
Event Details
Welcome to the annual neighborhood BBQ! The year is 1955 and what a great year it’s been… so far! Everyone always looks forward to the annual BBQ; it’s a time to relax, meet new neighbors, and catch up with old friends. No matter what the occasion, there is always bound to be a little neighborly gossip and drama. A storm is brewing at this neighborly gathering, and there may not be any more “Happy Days” in this neighborhood!
FUNDRAISER FOR CHILLICOTHE PLAYERS THEATRE
Cost
$50
Sat27Apr7:00 PMSat9:00 PMBallet to Broadway!
Time
April 27, 2024 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location
Central Illinois Ballet
5201 W War Memorial Drive Suite 440
Event Details
This new, mixed repertoire production celebrates all things Broadway, paying homage to beloved classics such as Cats, West Side Story, Chicago, and more! With all-new, original works including Ballet, Tap,
Event Details
This new, mixed repertoire production celebrates all things Broadway, paying homage to beloved classics such as Cats, West Side Story, Chicago, and more! With all-new, original works including Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Contemporary, this show will have audiences singing and dancing in their seats!
Cost
$25 Adults; $20 Children (13 and under) and Seniors (65 and older)
Organizer
Sat27Apr7:00 PMSat9:30 PMSpring Magic Show
Time
April 27, 2024 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Location
Expo Gardens Opera House
1601 W Northmoor Rd. Peoria, IL
Event Details
Family friendly magic show featuring national, regional, and local acts.
Event Details
Family friendly magic show featuring national, regional, and local acts.
Cost
$20. (kids under 12 free)
Organizer
Sat27Apr7:30 PMSat9:00 PMBradley Jazz Ensembles to present their Spring Concert
Time
April 27, 2024 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Location
Dingeldine Music Center
1417 W Barker Ave
Event Details
The Bradley University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Todd Kelly, will present their Spring Concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 pm in the Dingeldine Music Center. They have
Event Details
The Bradley University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Todd Kelly, will present
their Spring Concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 pm in the Dingeldine Music Center.
They have brought many world-renowned jazz clinicians and soloists to the Bradley campus,
including Mike Lee, The Mike Vax Big Band, Matt Wilson, Rachael Lee, Allen Vizzutti, Ron
Jones, Tom Garling, Byron Stripling, Chris Vadala, the Jeff Hamilton Trio, Wayne Bergeron,
Denis DiBlasio, Michael Davis, Wycliffe Gordon, Bobby Shew, Dennis Mackrel, Ray
Anderson, and Tamir Hendelman Each spring, the Bradley Jazz Festival is held on campus.
They also perform a yearly tribute concert – past tributes have included Duke Ellington,
Count Basie, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Frank Sinatra, and “A Tribute to
the Golden Age of Swing.”
Dr. Todd Kelly, Professor of Music, directs the Bradley Jazz Ensemble and Groove Project
and he is the Chair of the Department of Music. He is in demand throughout the Midwest as
a soloist and clinician.
Admission for this concert is $10.00 for adults and free for students.
Cost
$10/students free
Organizer
Sat27Apr8:00 PMSat9:30 PMComedy @ The Waterhouse: Jack Baker
Time
April 27, 2024 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Location
The Waterhouse
316 SW Washington St
Event Details
RATING: R (language, adult themes) Presented by Playing In Peoria, COMEDY @ The Waterhouse continues with Chicago’s JACK BAKER! The show will be hosted by Playing in Peoria owner ANDREW
Event Details
RATING: R (language, adult themes)
Presented by Playing In Peoria, COMEDY @ The Waterhouse continues with Chicago’s JACK BAKER!
The show will be hosted by Playing in Peoria owner ANDREW FARRAHER with opening act(s) announced soon!
A staple of comedy in and around Chicago, JACK BAKER has built a reputation for himself as a heavyweight with his unique blend of intimate stories and subversive observations. A regular at The Comedy Vault, The Improv, and CG’s Comedy Club, JACK has delighted audiences for more than 13 years, sharing the stage with such comedic powerhouses as Bobcat Goldthwait, Dan Gould, and Liza Treyger. His debut special, |Jack Baker’s Disease” just passed 60,000 views on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYaU1ApQZoA
Admission is $25pp and seating is reserved. The bar will open and seating will begin 1 hour before the show at 7p with the show starting at 8p. The show will last approximately 90 minutes.
Cost
$25
Organizer
Sun28Apr2:00 PMSun4:00 PMBallet to Broadway!
Time
April 28, 2024 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location
Central Illinois Ballet
5201 W War Memorial Drive Suite 440
Event Details
This new, mixed repertoire production celebrates all things Broadway, paying homage to beloved classics such as Cats, West Side Story, Chicago, and more! With all-new, original works including Ballet, Tap,
Event Details
This new, mixed repertoire production celebrates all things Broadway, paying homage to beloved classics such as Cats, West Side Story, Chicago, and more! With all-new, original works including Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Contemporary, this show will have audiences singing and dancing in their seats!
Cost
$25 Adults; $20 Children (13 and under) and Seniors (65 and older)
Organizer
Sun28Apr3:00 PMSun4:30 PMBradley Chamber Music Concert
Time
April 28, 2024 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Location
Dingeldine Music Center
1417 W Barker Ave
Event Details
A concert featuring student chamber music ensembles from the Bradley Department of Music will be presented Sunday, April 28 at 3:00 pm in Dingeldine Music Center, 1417 W. Barker Avenue.
Event Details
A concert featuring student chamber music ensembles from the Bradley Department of Music will be presented Sunday, April 28 at 3:00 pm in Dingeldine Music Center, 1417 W. Barker Avenue. This concert is free and open to the public.
The ensembles performing are a string quintet, brass quintet, cello duo, piano trio, and a woodwind quintet. The compositions are by W. A. Mozart, Astor Piazzolla, Jean-Baptiste Barriere, Robert Muczynski and Eric Ewazen, plus a trio composed by Bradley senior pianist Seth Metcalfe.
The chamber music ensembles are coached by Marcia Henry Liebenow, Research Assistant Professor of Violin, Viola, and Chamber Music at Bradley and Concertmaster of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. Please call 677-2602 for more information.
Cost
Free Admission
Organizer
Time
April 28, 2024 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Event Details
You are invited to our Spring Opera Recital on Sunday, April 28 at 4:00 p.m. at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. We are pleased to offer a full recital presented by
Event Details
You are invited to our Spring Opera Recital on Sunday, April 28 at 4:00 p.m. at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. We are pleased to offer a full recital presented by Miracle Amah, soprano and John Orfe, piano. You won’t want to miss it!
Join us for an afternoon of beautiful music, engaging performance, friendships, and a small reception.
Adults: $30; Students: $10
Purchase tickets at the door on the day of the recital, or use this link: https://square.link/u/q27whjMv
If you purchase online, you will check in at the door – no ticket is needed.
Miracle Amah Bio
A native of Nigeria, Miracle Amah is a librettist and a soprano presently based in the United States. She performs various genres of music which includes opera, art songs, oratorios, popular music, contemporary music, negro spirituals, jazz music etc. Dr. Amah has played major roles in several opera productions. Her staged performances include recitals, masterclasses, scenes and full opera productions in Nigeria, Canada, Russia, Germany, Dubai and the United States.
Cost
$30.00 Adult/ $10.00 Student