Good morning, Peoria.

Schnucks will host food drives at all stores to support local food banks and pantries as SNAP benefits remain paused during the government shutdown.

The grocery chain will work with long-time partners including United Way + Urban League + The Salvation Army to help get food to those in need.

Dream Center Peoria is launching an emergency relief effort to help families struggling with higher costs for food, utilities and housing as more calls for help have come in.

Starting Nov. 4, local churches will serve as donation drop-off sites + collect non-perishable food and toiletries for weekly distribution.

Families in Peoria and Peoria Heights can visit the 14th Spooktacular at Soderstrom Castle on Grandview Drive tonight from 5 to 8 p.m.—Estate Manager Thea Hartzler said visitors should come early due to long lines and limited parking while Peoria Park Police direct traffic.

Federal food assistance may pause because of the government shutdown, which could force pet owners to choose between feeding their families and their pets.

The Peoria Humane Society is stepping in to help by offering pet food assistance + discounted spay+neuter services and pet supplies.

Peoria will publicly open the 1897 time capsule from City Hall this weekend at the Gateway Building near the Riverfront at 2 p.m. Sunday—local officials and historical experts will review its contents—and the city will seal a new capsule next year.

Governor JB Pritzker signed an executive order yesterday that allocated $20 million to food banks to cushion the gap as SNAP benefits are paused and set to resume on Saturday November 1 (impacting 1.9 million Illinois SNAP households), though advocates say the state funding is far short of the need.

The IHSA football playoffs begin today and continue Saturday with high school teams playing in Peoria and other areas — tickets for many games are available online for $7.30 and some games can be watched on the NFHS Network or via local school streams.

Nine Peoria-area high school volleyball teams won their regional championships on Thursday and will compete in IHSA sectionals on Tuesday at either 6 p.m. or 7 p.m.—with teams including Tremont, Brimfield, ROWVA/Williamsfield, Peoria Notre Dame, Princeton, Eureka, Washington, Morton, and LaSalle-Peru set to face sectional semifinal matchups.

Halloween Wheel Throwing Party

6:30-8 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Spin spooky magic on the pottery wheel and create your own Halloween-themed masterpiece.

Thanksgiving Turkey Clay Hand-Building Class

1-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45.00 – $90.00 — Celebrate the season by sculpting your own clay turkey masterpiece for a unique holiday keepsake.

High Profile Athletes & Midwest Bucks 2026 7v7 Tryouts

5:30-7 p.m. — Peoria Stadium — Free entry — Showcase your skills in a competitive 7v7 football tryout event.

Foster Family Information Session

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Central Illinois Friends Community Center — Free entry — Discover the process of becoming a licensed foster family and support youth in need.

Textured Pumpkin Clay Hand Building Class

4-6 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 — Get into the fall spirit while hand-building your own unique ceramic pumpkin.

Quad City Storm vs. Peoria Rivermen

7:15-9:15 p.m. — Peoria Civic Center — Enjoy a competitive ice hockey matchup between local favorites.

Spilled Tea Bookmark Crafting

1-2:30 p.m. — Fondulac District Library — Free entry — Create whimsical bookmarks that express your love of reading with a fun spilled tea design.

Fused Glass Ornaments Workshop

1-3:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Varies by ticket — Create a beautiful fused glass Christmas ornament while enjoying a festive atmosphere and refreshments.

Board Game Night

6-9 p.m. — Border Brewing Co. — Free entry — Enjoy a night of social gaming and meet fellow enthusiasts in the community.

Park District Bubble Bowls

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Cost info not specified — Create colorful bubble bowls in a fun, creative setting.