Good morning, Peoria.

Bradley University’s Gratus Choral Ensemble will perform The Lost Birds (a 12-movement choral work by Grammy-nominated Christopher Tin) at First Federated Church in Peoria on Sunday, July 26 at 4 p.m.; a pre-concert lecture starts at 3:30 p.m. and admission is free.

River City Pride Fest returns to the Peoria Riverfront this weekend with over 7,500 expected as new safety protocols require only clear bags (sold at check in) and include 130 vendors, food trucks, plus family-friendly entertainment.

The event runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Peoria County 4-H participants displayed projects they worked on all year at Cedar Hills Baptist Church on Wednesday and at Stark County Fairgrounds until today — entries included cakes and bug dioramas, with livestock showings on Thursday and Friday morning.

In 1941, after two Oxford scientists visited Peoria’s Ag Lab, penicillin was mass-produced following a discovery of mold on a downtown cantaloupe — a breakthrough that saved millions of soldiers during WWII and laid the foundation for modern medicine.

Paws to Read Session 2

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Fondulac District Library — Free entry — Kids can read with friendly therapy dogs from the Peoria Humane Society to enhance their reading experience.

Ice Cream Social and Ceramic Bowl Painting

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 includes ice cream — Enjoy a creative afternoon painting your own bowl while savoring local ice cream.

Beginner 6 Week Wheel Throwing Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $285 — Dive into pottery and learn wheel throwing while creating functional art pieces.

3-Day Summer Camp: Week 6 - Summer Vibes

9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — $185 per week — Explore creative projects in glass fusing, ceramic painting, and more with the Summer Vibes theme.

Under the Sea Pottery Summer Camp

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — The Clay Den — Check event page for costs — Dive into ocean-themed pottery creations designed for young artists aged 7 and up.

2026 River and Rails Festival - Thursday

Festival Hours — Three Sisters Park — Tickets support local non-profit — Enjoy live music, carnival rides, and food vendors in a vibrant summer celebration.

Clay Hand-Built Garden House Workshop

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Build a charming miniature garden house using creative hand-building techniques.

Christmas in July Hand Building Event

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost varies — Get creative with festive clay projects in the sunshine and prepare for the holidays early.

Mini Mushroom Fairy House Clay Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 — Create a whimsical mini mushroom fairy house in this all-ages clay hand-building workshop.

Kids Wheel Pottery Summer Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — Cost info not specified — Creative 3-day camp where kids sculpt outer space wonders with clay and learn pottery basics.