There aren’t many places to get a great meal on a Monday night in Peoria … and there’s exactly one place to do it while listening to a curated playlist of jazz, funk, soul, rock, hip hop, & world music from the past 60+ years. River City DJs bring the vinyl and The Bar at BLACK BAND provides the rest: great beer & cocktail specials paired with a fantastic food menu. The vibes on this night are just right! Join us 6-9pm every Monday.

Choose Greater Peoria is partnering with the Ledgestone Open to bring a unique experience to the Peoria Riverfront on Tuesday, July 30. Travel around the Peoria Riverfront Museum, the Caterpillar Visitor's Center and several other landmarks as you play a short 18-hole disc golf course.

Pick your tee time during registration to help us plan ahead, but you can begin your round whenever at least two players are ready to play. Tee times are available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and the full course will take about an hour to play. A $5 registration fee gets you a custom-designed, soft-blend disc — not to mention a great experience.

On the day of the event, check in at the welcome table in the southwest corner of Eckwood Park, near Blue Duck and Martini's, to pick up your disc and a course map. Walk-ins are welcome to play the course as time and space allow.

Not quite ready to play a full course? Come on down to the free demo area located near the welcome table to get a few tips and practice throwing a few discs. Oh, and we'll also be giving away VIP tickets to the Ledgestone Open, the largest disc golf tournament in the world that happens in the Greater Peoria region August 1-4.

Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play disc golf on the Peoria Riverfront!

For tickets: Ticketswww.discgolfscene.com/tournaments/Choose_Greater_Peorias_Downtown_Disc_Golf_Experience_2024

Figure Drawing / Open Studio 
Tuesday Afternoons, July 23-September 10
2:00-4:00 pm 
(eight 2-hour sessions) 
Ages 18 & up
minimum students: 4, maximum: 12 
CAC Member: $75, nonmember: $90 
or drop-in with $15.00 fee per class

Artists are invited to draw or paint the figure from a live nude or clothed model. A monitor will direct the model to change poses and provide guidance, if desired. There is no instruction, but students are encouraged to seek advice from others in the class. Students must bring their own supplies and materials. Easels for sitting and standing will be provided, but artists may bring their own supports also. 

To confirm that the class will proceed as planned, a minimum of 4 member students must register by July 16. Once we have received the minimum required students, we will seek payment. Space may be limited and drop ins may not be a possibility. 

Class location: Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, 305 SW Water St., Peoria, IL 61602 in the new 3rd floor classroom.

All students (those planning to drop in also) must register at Class Schedule - Contemporary Art Center of Peoria (peoriacac.org) If there is an obstacle to registering electronically, over the phone 309-674-6822 or in person during an event or business hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11-5:00. 

For more information, contact: William Butler or Darlene Jones, 309-674-6822 or cac@peoriacac.org

Come out and support the Peoria Chiefs. Don't forget to check out our website for giveaways, fireworks and other specials!

 

For tickets: https://www.milb.com/peoria/tickets/single-game-tickets

BEGINNERS SALSA DANCE (LEVEL 1)
Tuesdays, July 23 – August 20, 6:30-7:25 pm (five 55-minute sessions)
Instructors: Ed & Beverly Caballero
CAC Member: $40, Non-Member: $45
Registration deadline: July 16
This is an introduction to Salsa dancing. No prior dance experience is expected. As Salsa is a partner dance style, joining with a partner is strongly encouraged.

Classes are held on the 2nd floor of the Contemporary Art Center. Press 2R in the elevator.

Students are encouraged to register via Beginners Salsa (level 1) - Contemporary Art Center of Peoria (peoriacac.org). If this is not possible, they may register over the phone or come in during an event or during business hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11-5:00. 

Once we have received the minimum number of students required, we will seek payment. For more information about each class, contact: William Butler or Darlene Jones, 309.674.6822 or cac@peoriacac.org

About the instructors: Eduardo & Beverly Caballero have been teaching Latin dancing in Peoria Illinois since 2007. Besides at Contemporary Art Center, they have taught at Peoria Park District, Bradley University, District 150 public schools, RiverPlex, Common Place, ICC, Carver Center, Friendship House and the Clarion Hotel. They have also performed as a couple, with a group and with their students. The Caballeros have been featured in El Numero and Peoria Magazine.

TO REGISTER: https://peoriacac.org/events/beginning-salsa/

Grab your smartest friends and head to Jack's on Adams for you chance to win prizes every Tuesday night! 

https://jacksonadamspeoria.com/events/

BEGINNERS SALSA DANCE (LEVEL 2)
Tuesdays, July 23 – August 20, 7:30-8:25 pm (five 55-minute sessions)
Instructors: Ed & Beverly Caballero
CAC Member: $40, Non-Member: $45
Registration deadline: July 16

Take the next step to becoming a great dancer. Learn more complex moves quickly in five lessons. Master the skills of a leader or follower. Joining with a partner is strongly encouraged. Prerequisite: Salsa I or instructor’s permission.

Classes are held on the 2nd floor of the Contemporary Art Center. Press 2R in the elevator.

Students are encouraged to register via www.peoriacac.org. If this is not possible, they may register over the phone or come in during an event or during business hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11-5:00. 

Once we have received the minimum number of students required, we will seek payment. For more information about each class, contact: William Butler or Darlene Jones, 309.674.6822 or cac@peoriacac.org

About the instructors: Eduardo & Beverly Caballero have been teaching Latin dancing in Peoria Illinois since 2007. Besides at Contemporary Art Center, They have taught at Peoria Park District, Bradley University, District 150 public schools, RiverPlex, Common Place, ICC, Carver Center, Friendship House and the Clarion Hotel. They have also performed as a couple, with a group and with their students. The Caballeros have been featured in El Numero and Peoria Magazine.

TO REGISTER: https://peoriacac.org/events/beginning-salsa-2/

Come out and support the Peoria Chiefs. Don't forget to check out our website for giveaways, fireworks and other specials!

 

For tickets: https://www.milb.com/peoria/tickets/single-game-tickets

Every Thursday Open House from 10AM - 2PM. Private Tours are available for small groups by appointments. For questions, private tours and special event rentals contact the Peoria Historical Society Office 309-674-1921.

The Pettengill-Morron House has celebrated 150 years! When you visit lean about all of the owners, stories of abolitionists and the underground railroad, what famous actor was married in the home and other stories of Peoria's past along with unique collection of pieces. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned by the Peoria Historical Society.

 

For more info: https://www.peoriahistoricalsociety.com/events

Come out and support the Peoria Chiefs. Don't forget to check out our website for giveaways, fireworks and other specials!

 

For tickets: https://www.milb.com/peoria/tickets/single-game-tickets

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, August 1~ 8:00 - 10:00 pm

When checking in at the door, be prepared to share your table and seat number.

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)

*Please Note that purchasing a Poet Ticket is a commitment to share your poetry on stage. If you don't plan to read, then don't purchase a poet level ticket.

Water and Pop for $1.00 is offered at the bar.
Attendees may bring their own food and drink or bring in food and drink from the Rhythm Kitchen.

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. 
Hosts: Ryan Lowry and Whitney Jensen with DJ YV

For tickets: Tickets309tix.com/events/whisper-shout-open-mic-for-poetry-6-6-2024

The Peoria Park District is pleased to bring you Peoria’s original celebration of soul and R & B music as River City Soul Fest returns for its 25th year on the Peoria RiverFront! This weekend of fun wouldn’t be complete without the amazing showcase of talents at Gospel Fest!

Immerse yourself in the smooth vibes of R&B, the timeless melodies of Soul, and the powerful resonance of Gospel. Our carefully curated lineup features both acclaimed artists and local gems, promising a night of pure musical magic. Indulge in a feast for your taste buds with a variety of food vendors offering delectable treats. From soul food classics to modern culinary delights, satisfy your cravings while enjoying the soulful tunes.

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON! https://www.facebook.com/events/413423761275719

First Friday is a national movement among artists in many cities across the United States. Artists open their studios to present their work to the public.

First Friday events keep the arts in the forefront of a community.

 

Checkout Peoria's First Friday website for gallery openings and all the businesses who participate!

https://hellopeoria.co/first-friday

Come out and support the Peoria Chiefs. Don't forget to check out our website for giveaways, fireworks and other specials!

 

For tickets: https://www.milb.com/peoria/tickets/single-game-tickets

On the First Friday of the month, we are open from 6-9pm where you can come in to look around and purchase pottery.

At 7pm, if you are interested in trying the wheel out during our First Friday events, we schedule 45 minute sessions to take part in this opportunity.  A quick demonstration of throwing a pot is given.  Then everyone gets a chance to try throwing clay on their own wheel.  During this time, an instructor will be available to give hand-over-hand instruction to assist you in making a pot of your choice. 

Everybody keeps one piece (within the scale of a cereal bowl or coffee mug) which stays at the studio for finish work and firing.  When finished we notify you for pickup and, they are food-safe, dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe. 

Cost is $25/participant.  

Ages 5+ (children younger than 18 need be accompanied by an adult)

For upcoming dates, please refer to our Events Calendar (underneath).

We require pre-registration and pre-payment.  Please fill out the form underneath.  You will then receive an invoice which you can pay online.

Please show up no later than 6:45 if you will be throwing on the pottery wheels at the 7:00pm class.

Register here: https://www.wheelartpottery.studio/events/first-fridays-wheel-throwing

Shawn "Smitty" Smith is back in the beer garden for more great music and good times!

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/3674827936178486/3674827942845152?event_time_id=3674827946178485

Peoria's biggest and best farmers market!  Featuring over 100 local vendors selling fresh produce, local meats, eggs, cheeses, breads, flowers, and baked goods!  Local artists, musicians and demonstrations each week!

Join us every Saturday morning 8 am - noon in the 200 block of Water Street.

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/PeoriaRiverFrontMarket

Looking for something fun and interesting to do? Join us the first Saturday of every month at 10:00am for Beer School 101!

Learn about the brewing process, take a tour of our facilities & sample our brews!

Class is limited to 20 students, so sign up today. This is a FREE event, but you MUST REGISTER on eventbrite to attend. Don't miss out!

*To clarify, Beer School does not include an actual brewing day which takes 8+ hours. This is a brief introduction to beer making, a tour through our working brewery, a discussion about styles and techniques, and comparative sampling of our styles.

Attendees must be 21+ and attend under the explicit acknowledgement that they will be touring an operating brewery, where wet surfaces and other moving equipment may be present. As a condition of the working environment, all visitors to the brewery agree to hold Obed & Isaac's harmless upon entrance.

For tickets: Ticketswww.eventbrite.com/e/peoria-beer-school-101-tickets-57042639069

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/3049959138476375/3049959145143041

Learn the basics of setting up a pottery wheel to throw, the proper tools needed, how to prepare the clay through a process called "wedging," centering, throwing on the wheel and how to clean up.

We give a demonstration of how to throw a pot.  Next, we let you try by yourself for a short period of time.  Then we give assistance, as needed, to create your own piece which can literally exist forever (unless it is heated to 2500 fahrenheit:). You get to choose the glaze color of your piece.

This class qualifies a person to attend open studios and work independently. 

Materials and firing is covered in the cost for one piece (approximate maximum size-up to 6" tall x 6" width x 6" length).

Everyone keeps one piece. Additional pieces of equivalent size are $5 (covers material and firing costs).  These are paid for after the pottery session, if you create more than 1 piece you wish to keep.

Specialty Items are also available for additional cost.  These require additional time, material, and firing.

Pieces are kept at the studio for finish work, glazing and two kiln firings, and are picked up at a later date. When finished, everything is food-safe, dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe.

Ages 5+

No experience necessary

Pre-registration and pre-payment required.

Please Fill out the form and submit to register for a Wheel 101 class.  If you have a group of people, all paying together, please use one form.  If you are coming with others, but paying separately, please fill out separate forms.  After you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation email and invoice within a day.  When the invoice is paid, your spot will be reserved.

To register: https://www.wheelartpottery.studio/events/wheel-101-class

Enjoy a tour and tasting with a BLACK BAND team member in our restored historic space in Peoria’s Warehouse District.

As you explore the distilling process from grain to glass, you will learn about mash bills, still technology, distillate selection, barrel aging and more. Please bring your photo ID and plan to arrive 15 minutes before your tour begins.

For more info & to register: https://www.exploretock.com/blackbanddistillery/event/483954?date=2024-07-27&size=1&time=20%3A00

The Peoria Park District is pleased to bring you Peoria’s original celebration of soul and R & B music as River City Soul Fest returns for its 25th year on the Peoria RiverFront! This weekend of fun wouldn’t be complete without the amazing showcase of talents at Gospel Fest!

Immerse yourself in the smooth vibes of R&B, the timeless melodies of Soul, and the powerful resonance of Gospel. Our carefully curated lineup features both acclaimed artists and local gems, promising a night of pure musical magic. Indulge in a feast for your taste buds with a variety of food vendors offering delectable treats. From soul food classics to modern culinary delights, satisfy your cravings while enjoying the soulful tunes.

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON! https://www.facebook.com/events/413423761275719

Come out and support the Peoria Chiefs. Don't forget to check out our website for giveaways, fireworks and other specials!

 

For tickets: https://www.milb.com/peoria/tickets/single-game-tickets