Good morning, Peoria.

There are five local events to enjoy around Peoria this weekend.

The Morton Pumpkin Festival runs Sept. 10—13 in Morton with themed foods and rides, the family-friendly Horror Fiesta Convention will be held Saturday at Expo Gardens from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Hanna City Park Jam in Hanna City offers live music and food trucks, and both the Armed Forces Day Celebration and YMCA Summer Soiree occur Saturday with live music and auctions.

Peoria-area U.S. representatives condemned political violence after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at an outdoor speaking event at Utah Valley University on September 10th—urging that justice be served and safety ensured for all.

Dr. Mae Gilliland from ArtsPartners of Central Illinois spoke with conductor David Commanday about Heartland Festival Orchestra’s upcoming performance 'Sitar and Symphony' which blends Western orchestral music with Indian classical music.

The concert — featuring sitar virtuoso Arjun Verma, tabla master William Rossel, and Kathak dancer Chetna Maini — will take place Sunday, September 14 at the Chisca Grand Ballroom.

Central Illinois farmers are working to prepare for harvest amid uncertainty as crop prices stay low due to tariffs and rising labor costs—corn is at $3.85 a bushel and soybeans at $9.90 while farmers plan to monitor prices closely during the season.

Peoria city council signed a letter of intent with the Hengst Foundation to build a 5,000-seat amphitheater on Riverfront Park—this $11 million donation will help pay part of the $26 million redevelopment plan honoring Jim Hengst’s late wife.

City Manager Patrick Urich said the design will address potential flooding and the donation agreement is expected for council approval in a couple of months.

Today the Peoria County Board for the Care and Treatment of Persons with a Developmental Disability announced its grant funding award recipients for fiscal year 2025-26 — the funds will support services for people with developmental disabilities.

The Illinois Secretary of State website now offers clear steps for scheduling DMV appointments and renewing driver's licenses—listing required items like proof of identity and residency.

The guide explains how to use online services or visit local offices—ensuring drivers know what to bring.

Illinois American Water imposed a boil order for parts of Northwest Peoria after a water main break occurred at about 10:30 a.m. along West War Memorial Drive on Wednesday—repairs are expected to take up to 10 hours and residents must boil water for drinking and cooking until the order is lifted.

The 2025 Kevin Brown Memorial Tournament of Champions—hosted at Washington Community High School outside Peoria from Nov.

25 to Nov. 29—features 24 high school basketball teams from 12 states and a schedule that includes a returning girls game at Washington along with other key matchups.

Thirty-three Peoria-area students will compete at the 2025 IESA golf state finals at Metamora Fields Golf Course today and tomorrow—girls tee off at 8 a.m. today and boys at 8 a.m. tomorrow—with free admission for spectators.

Fused Glass Flower Dish Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $45 for flat flower, $52 for slumped flower — Create a stunning fused glass sunflower piece with guidance and all materials included.

Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Oil Painting: Majestic Mountains

9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — Supplies included — Unleash your inner artist while painting serene mountains and trees in a calming atmosphere.

Textured Clay Mug Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 for one mug, $60 for two — Craft your own unique textured mug in this fun, hands-on pottery workshop.

6 Week Wheel Throwing Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $275 — Explore pottery fundamentals and create beautiful pieces in a hands-on wheel-throwing course.

Clay Hand Built Halloween Votives

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials provided — Create spooky votives in a fun Halloween-themed clay class.

Jurassic Quest

7 PM - 1:29 AM — Peoria Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience life-sized dinosaur exhibits and immersive activities for all ages.

Woofstock 2025

12-4 p.m. — Kickapoo Sportsman's Club — $20/ticket (Kids 12 and under free) — Enjoy a groovy outdoor concert with food trucks and live music while supporting animal rescue.

Faux Stained Glass Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $50 — Create your own shimmering faux stained glass masterpiece using colorful crushed glass and resin.

Contemporary Art Center Evening

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — Free entry — Explore contemporary art in a vibrant community setting.

Peoria Symphony Orchestra: Titanic Score Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Peoria Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the emotional depth of Titanic's iconic score performed live by an orchestra.