Good morning, Peoria.

On Monday, August 25, W.

Fredonia Avenue and N. Institute Place will be closed from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. for Bradley University's block party — drivers are advised to use alternate routes as parking restrictions will affect these roads.

A teenager was sentenced to five years in prison on August 7 for his role in a January shooting in East Bluff — he admitted firing a weapon near Frye and Wisconsin where a vehicle was hit but no one was injured.

World-renowned violinist Lindsey Stirling performed at the Peoria Civic Center on December 23, 2024 as part of her Snow Waltz tour that supported her album releases.

Presale tickets were offered on August 20 and general tickets on August 22 — she last performed in Peoria in 2021.

The Dirksen Congressional Center in Pekin is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an open house reception today from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.—it marks the 1975 dedication by President Gerald Ford and features rare documents and artifacts, with future group tours and a pop-up museum planned during the Pekin Marigold Festival in September.

Bradley University in Peoria was named one of the Princeton Review's Best 391 Colleges for 2026 and earned special recognition as Best Value, Best Midwest, and Best Green Colleges based on student surveys covering academics and campus life.

Peoria readers are invited to vote in the Journal Star poll for the preseason high school volleyball player of the year—votes close at noon Friday and the fan choice does not affect the official awards announced after the season.

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.

Peoria Blues & Heritage Music Festival

Aug 29-30 — Peoria Riverfront Park — Tickets available — Celebrate blues music with notable artists like Gov't Mule and Ruthie Foster at this 35-year tradition.

Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Oil Painting: Blue River

9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — Supplies included — Learn Bob Ross techniques and create a serene masterpiece while enjoying a calming atmosphere.

Teacup and Saucer Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create your whimsical teacup and saucer with step-by-step guidance at this enchanting clay workshop.

Tic-Tac-Toe Ceramic Art Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Unleash creativity in a fun hand-building class to design your own tic-tac-toe board and pieces.