The RiverFront Market features local produce, meats, cheeses, breads, flowers and much more!  Plus local art, live music and demonstrations each week.

Every Saturday morning, June - September, 8 a.m. - noon, in Liberty Park.

Don't miss our Chef Demonstrations the first and 3rd Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m.  For more information, entertainment schedule and great recipes, click here!

 

Columbus Ships Pinta and Nina to Land in Peoria

 

On Saturday September 24th, the 'Pinta and the Nina', replicas of Culumbus' ships will open in Peoria.  The ships will be docked in front of Joe's Crab Shack and Retro Ameican Tap, 110 SW Water St., until their departure early Wednesday morning, September 28th.

The Nina was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools.  Archaeology magazine called the ship "the most historically correct Columbus replica every built".  The Pinta was recently built in Brazil to accompany the Nina on all of her travels.  She is a larger version of the archetypal caravel.  Historians consider the caravel the Space Shuttle of the fifteenth century.

Both ships tour together as a new and enhanced "sailing museum" for the purpose of educating the public and school children on the 'caravel', a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers used to discover the world.

While in port, the general public are invited to visit the ships for a walk-aboard, self-guided tour.  Admission charges are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for students 5 - 16.  Children 4 and under are Free.  The ships are open every day from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.  No reservations necessary.

Teachers or organizations wishing to schedule a 30 minute guided tour with a crew member should call 1-787-672-2152.  Minimum of 15.  $4 per person.  No Maximum.  Visit our website at www.thenina.com or email columfnd@surfbvi.com. 

 

It’s like having a national art collection right in your own backyard as the Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair brings the works of over 150 national artists to the Peoria Riverfront the last weekend in September. As one of the oldest outdoor juried art fairs in the country, the Fine Art Fair gives everyone the rare opportunity to meet and talk with nationally-recognized artists, sample some of city’s finest cuisine, and listen to some of Peoria’s best musical performers. And for the kids, they can have their own art adventure at the Kids Art Fair. It’s central Illinois’ signature cultural event and the experience can be yours!  For more information, please call 309-637-2787 or go to www.peoriafineartfair.com or email info@peoriaartguild.org.

Cruise along the picturesque Illinois River and relive the adventures of Mark Twain as the sounds of the calliope drift through the valley.

Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the boat’s tall fluted stacks and gigantic candy-apple red paddlewheel churning through the water. It’s great entertainment for all ages. Trip includes Captain’s Commentary. Gift shop and concessions are available. No reservations required.

These cruises are an hour and a half-long. They begin and end at the riverfront dock in downtown Peoria.

For more information, visit www.spiritofpeoria.com