Good morning, Peoria.

Peoria food pantry Sophia’s Kitchen serves nearly 700 meals daily as summer break begins, with 100 to 150 children relying on its support and donations of healthy foods welcomed (every Friday, 1 to 3 p.m.) to help families facing rising costs.

The East Peoria Farmer’s Market will launch its 2026 season at a new location at Levee Park on June 5, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., featuring local produce + handcrafted goods under new coordinator Cassie Schurter.

Analytical Brewing opened its taproom and restaurant at 832 SW Adams St in February in the Warehouse District.

The venue serves elevated craft food and brews while building on its Lexington roots.

Morton Public Library is hosting its free Groove in the Garden Concert Series from June 5 to July 31 at Hannah’s Reading Garden.

The series offers live music, food trucks starting at 6 p.m. & community space for families.

Peoria home care workers rallied at the IDHS Family Community Resource Center on Thursday morning, asking state legislators for a $2 hourly raise to reach $20-$22 an hour before the spring session ends next weekend (they also proposed closing tax loopholes and taxing digital ads to fund the raise).

Kaeden White-Doucoure (a middle school student with autism) celebrated his graduation at Lincoln K-8 with laughter and cheers after receiving his diploma, and he will attend East Peoria High School next year.

Peoria boaters planning Memorial Day outings should note Illinois law bars operating boats while under the influence (0.08% BAC or higher) and allows drug testing on public waters.

First-time offenders face fines and up to one year in jail, with tougher penalties if injuries occur or licenses are suspended.

A mosquito sample testing positive for West Nile virus was found in Peoria County today, prompting the Health Department to advise residents to reduce outdoor exposure & use recommended insect repellent to lower transmission risks.

Peoria City Home Opener against Des Moines Menace

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Shea Stadium — Enjoy thrilling soccer action as Peoria City faces off against perennial league power Des Moines Menace in their home opener.

Ice Cream Social & Bowl Painting

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 — Create memories by painting your own ceramic bowl while enjoying delicious local ice cream.

Juicer Clay Hand Building Class

4:00–5:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Creative clay crafting — Squeeze creativity into your kitchen with a hands-on clay juicer class.

Kids’ Night Out: Mario Madness

5:30-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Check the website for costs — Drop off the kids for a night of Mario movie fun and a creative paint party.

Halloween in May Clay Hand-Building Party

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Celebrate Halloween early by sculpting your own spooky creation in this fun clay party.

Mosaic Pollinator Watering Dish

1-3 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Cost for the class not mentioned — Create a beautiful glass and pottery mosaic watering dish to attract butterflies and bees to your garden.

Mythical and Magical Creatures Kids Pottery Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — Cost TBA — Discover the art of pottery by sculpting fantastical beasts and magical vessels.

Fun with Slime Workshop

1-2 p.m. — Fondulac District Library — Registration required — Get messy and create your own slime in this hands-on class for kids aged 5 to 14.

Gnome Clay Hand Building Class

4-6 p.m. — The Clay Den — Includes materials and guidance — Bring your imagination to craft your unique gnome from clay.

Fused Glass Cactus Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Studio credit policy applies — Create a unique fused glass cactus in this beginner-friendly workshop.

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.