Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, June 4th, 2026 ~ 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

Feature Poet: 2Kidd
2Kidd is a proud St. Louis native whose lyrical ability sets her apart as a skilled storyteller and expressionist. Her way with words has earned her two sold-out features at City Winery St. Louis, while audiences in Houston, Chicago, and Detroit have raved about her emotional performances, assisting those recorded performances in garnering millions of online views. Dedicated to the craft of lyricism and determined to be heard, 2Kidd continues to rise as one of the Midwest’s most powerful voices. Learn More

Steamboat Classic PreParty with Backseat Radio & DJ Birds of Paradise

Kick off race weekend at the Steamboat Classic Pre-Party on the Peoria Riverfront with Backseat Radio and DJ Birds of Paradise!

Start the celebration early on June 5, 2026, with a high-energy night of music, dancing, and riverfront vibes as we gear up for one of Peoria’s favorite traditions. DJ Birds of Paradise will get the party started with a live DJ set featuring dance favorites and crowd-pleasing hits to set the tone for the night.

Following the DJ set, Backseat Radio will take the stage performing a wide variety of popular songs that keep the energy high and the crowd moving.

Join us on at the CEFCU Center Stage for a fun-filled evening of music, food trucks, and celebration! The perfect kickoff to Steamboat Classic weekend.

Gates: 4 PM Show: 4:30 PM

Tickets: $6 in advance

Children 12 and under receive free admission unless otherwise noted.

All tickets are general admission. Ticket prices will increase on the day of the event.

All shows are rain or shine, tickets are non-refundable.  
TICKETS INCREASE $5 ON THE DAY OF SHOW  More info

First Fridays Artist Studio Tours

 

Visit studios, cultural organizations, and galleries the First Friday of every month! Visit our new First Friday landing page and map for information on venues.  Artful Journey Gallery ArtsPartners of Central Illinois Casa de Arte Contemporary Art Center Foster Gallery at First United Methodist Church Lit. on Fire Books My Writing Shed Peoria Art Guild Peoria Public Library Main Branch Peoria Riverfront Museum Studios on Sheridan

Bright and early every Saturday morning all summer long, downtown Peoria comes alive at the Peoria RiverFront Market! Stroll along Peoria’s beautiful Riverfront and discover fresh, locally grown produce, mouth‑watering foods, beautiful handcrafted art, and whimsical creations you won’t find anywhere else. Lively music, friendly faces, and unique entertainment make the market a favorite place to gather with friends and family.

Open every Saturday from May 23 through September 26, the market takes over the 200 block of Water Street from 8:00 a.m. to noon, welcoming more than 100 vendors each week. As a producers‑only market, everything you see is grown, made, or created by the vendors themselves—so you know you’re truly supporting local. Nonprofit organizations and generous sponsors add even more variety and community spirit to the experience.

No two weeks are the same.  Early in the season, you’ll find strawberries, asparagus, lettuce, onions and plant starts.  As summer unfolds, the selection grows to include tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, cucumbers, peaches, melons, sweetcorn and much, much more.  Rain or shine, the Peoria RiverFront Market is open each week (only severe weather can stop us), so make it a summer tradition.  Stop by often and see what’s fresh – you never know what delicious surprises await!  For the latest information, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @Peoria Riverfront Market.