Good morning, Peoria.

The Peoria Area Water Wizards swim club will leave Central Park Pool on August 23 as its four-year lease ends and it moves to Bradley University and Pekin High School, with a farewell event planned on that day.

Peoria Park District—working with Peoria Public Schools—is now reviewing plans for needed pool repairs and its future role in the community.

Comedian John Crist, known for his viral YouTube videos, will perform his Jokes for Humans tour at Prairie Home Alliance Theater in Peoria on October 4 at 7 p.m.—he has sold out previous shows and attracts a wide online following.

Dr. Mae Gilliland and Kristan McKinsey discussed an upcoming lecture on how graphic novels became an art form at the Peoria Riverfront Museum — the event is set for August 20 at 6:30 p.m. and will feature comic scholar Dr. Randy Duncan explaining the evolution of the medium.

Peoria city leaders met yesterday to talk about using tiny homes as temporary shelter for unsheltered residents and asked staff to get more details before changing city rules.

Council members worry about where to put the tiny homes and if they will work well—officials plan to review more information before any decisions are made.

Illinois lawmakers are considering HB4039 which would end abstinence rules in emergency homeless shelters so that nearly 150 Peoria residents can more easily access stable housing—advocates also say the HOPE Act would require naloxone for jail staff to help reduce fatal overdoses.

Peoria City Council is preparing a $14 million project to convert the vacant International Harvester buildings in the Warehouse District into a five story building with 25 residences and a renovated single story commercial space, both on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tax increment financing will pay for restoration costs — and the council will review the redevelopment agreement after a county court dispute is resolved.

The 2025 Ledgestone Open disc golf tournament begins today and will run through Sunday on courses around Peoria—over 2,400 players will compete for a $150,000 prize pool while fans enjoy live streaming and special events.

Mushroom Fairy House Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Craft your own whimsical mushroom fairy house with step-by-step guidance and decorative flair.

Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Oil Painting: Enchanted Falls

9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — Supplies included — Learn Bob Ross techniques while creating your own serene masterpiece in a calming atmosphere.

Popcorn Dish Clay Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Check online for fees — Craft your personal popcorn dish using fun clay hand-building techniques.

Anime & Manga Club

4-5 p.m. — Peoria Heights Public Library — Free entry — Discuss manga and enjoy your favorite anime shows after school.

6 Week Wheel Throwing Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $275 — Unleash your creativity in this engaging pottery course designed for all skill levels.

Peoria Irish Fest

All day — Peoria Riverfront Park — $12 Single Day Tickets / $30 Weekend Passes — Celebrate Celtic culture with music, dance, and whiskey tastings along the scenic riverfront.

Alpacas and Clay Connection

12-2 p.m. — The Clay Den — $40 per person — Create a clay masterpiece while enjoying time with adorable live alpacas.

Fruitful Fun – Watermelon Pottery Party

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 reservation fee plus piece cost — Enjoy a family-friendly watermelon-themed pottery painting experience with fresh treats.

South Bend Cubs at Peoria Chiefs

6:35-8:05 p.m. — Dozer Park — Cost info not specified — Watch a thrilling Minor League Baseball matchup between local rivals.

6 Week Wheel Throwing Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $275 — Unleash your creativity with hands-on pottery techniques in this engaging course for all skill levels.