Good morning, Peoria.

After 14,500 tickets sold, winners for the 2026 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway were chosen with Mary Bobell of Towanda winning the house built by Scot Lewis Homes (others won shopping sprees, a spa, an Acura Integra, and a water system).

Peoria is buzzing with 16 diverse events this May.

The lineup includes the Riverfront Market that opens Saturday, May 23 at River Station, concerts at the Civic Center, local art fairs, music festivals, & family events scheduled throughout the month.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up by Adam Chittick to raise $50,000 for the family of East Peoria detective Bob Vester who died on April 22 after a heart attack, with nearly $19,000 raised so far + funeral services scheduled today at 11 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church.

Peoria Public Schools K-5 students will soon use a new literacy curriculum after the school board approved a nearly $2 million plan that returns to phonics and paper.

Teachers will use unified resources (covering grammar, writing, science and social studies) to help boost literacy rates.

Feta, a facility dog, was sworn in at the Peoria County Courthouse Wednesday to bring calm to vulnerable children at the local Children’s Advocacy Center; she is the second dog to join the office following Kiwi.

1st Friday May Celebration

5-9 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — Free entry — Explore diverse art, enjoy an artist talk and catch an avant-garde jazz performance.

5th Annual Nun Run for Cancer

8-11 a.m. — RC Outfitters — Registration fee required — Celebrate community and hope in the fight against cancer at this inspiring race.

Rage With Clay

1-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 — Unleash your creativity and stress in a fun and messy clay experience designed for beginners.

Fused Glass Cross Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Costs vary — Create a stunning fused glass cross with personalized colors and floral details in a fun, beginner-friendly setting.

Flower Clay Hand Building Class for Mother's Day

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Class fee applies — Create everlasting clay flowers as a heartfelt gift for Mom this Mother's Day weekend.

Flower Vase Clay Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 class fee — Celebrate Mom by crafting a unique flower-shaped vase in this hands-on clay class.

Taylor Swift Tribute Experience

7:30 PM — ICC CougarPlex — Check local listings for entry details — Experience the magic of Taylor Swift through captivating performances and great music.

Flower Vase Clay Hand Building Class

4:00 – 5:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $40.00 — Create a unique flower-shaped vase in a fun, hands-on class with no experience necessary.

Silly Goose Canvas Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — All supplies included — Paint a charming springtime goose in this fun, beginner-friendly class.

EAA Flying Start Event

8:30-10:30 a.m. — Mount Hawley Aviation, LLC — Free entry — Discover how to get your pilot's license and take to the skies with a flight.

A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation

Direct from Off-Broadway and starring former World Irish Dance champions from productions like Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, A Taste of Ireland is a high-energy celebration of Irish music, dance, and storytelling that brings Ireland’s history to life with wit and heart. Featuring live singing and dancing, reimagined Irish classics, and electrifying tap battles, the show blends tradition and modern flair into an unforgettable night of Celtic entertainment.