Good morning, Peoria.

Peoria County Bicentennial Block Party is set for this Saturday and will feature bison sculptures, local food, live music, Lincoln displays — and more to mark 200 years of our county.

Author David Sedaris will perform at the Peoria Civic Center at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater on Sunday, April 26 at 7 p.m. — ticket pre-sales begin October 6 and general sales start October 17.

A national gaming, Esports and tech festival called Future Play in Peoria will take place next September at the Peoria Civic Center and downtown, with competitions, tech exhibits and an outdoor music festival planned to draw tens of thousands of guests.

The event is partially funded by a $370,000 state tourism grant that is expected to boost local business.

More than 4,000 eighth grade students from 60 schools are exploring careers at Career Spark at the Peoria Civic Center this week—students used surgical tools on pumpkins, operated an airplane simulator, and visited police exhibits as part of hands-on activities led by Junior Achievement of Central Illinois and the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council.

COEP Water and Sewer announced it is transitioning to a new billing system with key dates set from today through October—customers should prepare for changes.

The government partially shut down at midnight Oct 1 due to a funding disagreement—affecting many federal workers in Illinois while essential services such as the USPS and TSA continue today.

Federal agencies plan to manage reduced operations and delayed pay for some employees in the coming days.

Peoria City Council approved the 2026 budget that keeps the tax rate the same at $1.3483 per $100 even though a $3 million deficit remains—some members call for spending cuts.

Finance director Kyle Cratty explained that the plan has a $34.4 million tax levy and higher costs for benefits and pensions, adding to the challenge.

Illinois Gov. Pritzker today introduced a $50B plan to invest in road and bridge projects in Peoria as part of a six-year statewide initiative; the plan allocates $87.2M for rebuilding Route 29, $42.7M for work on Lincoln and Howett Streets, and $10M for Sheridan Road—funds that will improve local transportation over the coming years.

At a special city council meeting Tuesday night, Peoria leaders accepted a proposal from staff to raise the property tax levy from $36.8 million to $39 million in 2026 — a change that could lead to higher bills for homeowners if their home values increase.

Bradley University’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity will hold a silent auction on October 23rd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bradley student center as part of philanthropy week starting October 20th—raising funds for signet-ring colon cancer research after a fraternity member lost his father. The group is asking local businesses and individuals for donations to support the Michael P. Brown Foundation.

Poison Apple Mug Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost information not provided — Create a spooky Poison Apple Mug in this fun Halloween clay class.

Clay Hand Built Halloween Votives

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Craft spooky votives and embrace the Halloween spirit with creative clay fun.

Oynx the Sloth and Friends at the Bodega

12:30-3:00 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $45 — An EPIC adventure to create a sloth-themed mug while meeting various exotic animals including a real-life sloth.

Fused Glass Spider Dish Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Class fee not listed — Create a durable 6-inch spider dish perfect for Halloween décor.

Haunted Hill & a Glass to Fill

6:00-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Drink included — Create a spooky Halloween painting while enjoying a glass of wine.

Swifties Night – New Album Release

6-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 event fee — Create art inspired by Taylor Swift while enjoying her greatest hits in a fun, creative atmosphere.

Textured Pumpkin Clay Hand Building Class

1-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create your unique ceramic pumpkin with fun textures for the fall season.

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

8-10 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — $5-$12 — Experience a vibrant evening of poetry and community with diverse artists performing live.

K-pop Pottery Painting Night

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 entry — Create your own K-Pop inspired pottery while jamming to epic tunes and enjoying themed swag.

Moonlight Mischief Canvas Painting

6-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Wine purchase available — Enjoy a fun-filled evening painting a spooky cat under the harvest moon.