The Annual Pet Blessing at First United Methodist in East Peoria will be held Sunday October 4th as part of the service at 9 am that day. Our fur babies are always a blessing to us, so let's bless them too. Hope to see you there with your pet!

And in case you're wondering, our church is a very welcoming congregation, inclusive of everyone regardless of gender or identity.

**During the month of September** all citylink buses are free if you show a library card!

From the Peoria Library Facebook page:
“Happy first day of National Library Card Sign-up Month!

Not only do we have a beautiful new library card design for you to choose, but you can use it to ride CityLink for free for the entire month of September!

All you have to do is flash your library card to ride CityLink for free.
In addition to our library cards, you can also show library cards from Peoria Heights, Fondulac (East Peoria) and Pekin libraries. Part of our Fine Free + Fare Free campaign with CityLink Peoria.”

We have a very large old tree in our yard. The tree is healthy so I don't want it taken down. It does have some large limbs growing at some low angles that I know have to be putting stress on it. I'm looking for an arborist to come take a look and tell me what should be done to protect the tree and give me a quote. I don't want "Joe's tree service". I want someone who knows what they're doing because we don't want to lose the tree.

101 THINGS TO DO IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS THIS WEEK
SEPTEMBER 1–6, 2026

It’s a big list but we know we missed some things to do. And we probably got a couple times wrong. Let us know in the comments! Share this list so we can grow it even bigger!

Concerts, festivals, farmers markets, fairs, family activities, nightlife and more—here’s your guide to what’s happening around Central Illinois this week. 📍👇

>> TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 <<

🛍️ 5:00 PM — Village of Carlock Farmers Market — Carlock City Park, Carlock

🚲 6:00 PM — Bike Peoria Monthly Meetup — Lincoln Branch, Peoria Public Library, Peoria

⚾ 6:35 PM — Peoria Chiefs vs. Quad Cities River Bandits — Dozer Park, Peoria

💃 7:00 PM — Tuesday Line Dancing — 103 S. Main Street, Mackinaw

🎤 8:00 PM — Red Barn Open Mic Tuesdays — Red Barn, Peoria

>> WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 <<

🛍️ 4:00 PM — Downs Village Market — Dooley Park, Downs

🛍️ 4:00 PM — West Peoria Farmers Market — Franciscan Recreation Complex, West Peoria

🎵 6:00 PM — Formidable Foe — LIVE @ Uptown Circle — Uptown Circle, Normal

🏍️ 6:00 PM — Wednesday Night Bike Night at The Rail — The Rail, Lincoln

🚲 6:30 PM — Whacky Wednesday Ride — Peoria Heights

⚾ 6:35 PM — Peoria Chiefs vs. Quad Cities River Bandits — Dozer Park, Peoria

💃 7:00 PM — Line Dancing Under the Stars with Mike Kaufmann — Industry Brewing Co., Peoria

⚽ 7:00 PM — Bradley Soccer vs. Western Illinois — Shea Stadium, Peoria

>> THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 <<

🚜 SEPT. 3–7 — 78th Annual Central States Threshermen’s Reunion — Threshermen’s Park, Pontiac

🏛️ 5:00 PM — We Remember: Stories from the National September 11 Memorial & Museum — Opening Reception — Peoria Riverfront Museum, Peoria

⚽ 6:00 PM — Illinois State Soccer vs. Saint Louis — Pride Night — Adelaide Street Field, Normal

🎵 6:00 PM — Rhythm & Ace Acoustics — LIVE @ Uptown Circle — Uptown Circle, Normal

🎵 6:00 PM — Sound Decision Live on the Patio — Baxter’s American Grille, Bloomington

🎤 6:00 PM — All-Ages Family-Friendly Open Mic/Karaoke — Rosati’s Pizza, Normal

🎪 6:30 PM — FLOTSAM! River Circus — Havana — Havana Riverfront Park, Havana

⚾ 6:35 PM — Peoria Chiefs vs. Quad Cities River Bandits — Dozer Park, Peoria

🎤 8:00 PM — Whisper & Shout Poetry Open Mic — Contemporary Art Center, Peoria

>> FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 <<

🛣️ 10:00 AM–9:00 PM — Route 66 Centennial Fall Kick-Off Celebration & Drone Show — Rader Family Farms, Normal

📚 1:00 PM — Grandview Drive Tours — Tower Park, Peoria Heights

🏃 4:00 PM — Ultimate SUCK 2026 — 15 Year Anniversary — Polecat Road, Cuba

🛍️ 4:00 PM — Abingdon Farmers Market — Downtown Abingdon

🚗 4:00 PM — Cruise-In: Classic Cars & Donuts — Rader Family Farms, Normal

🎨 4:00–8:00 PM — Downtown Bloomington First Friday Art Event — Downtown Bloomington

🎨 4:00–8:00 PM — Facing Frida: A Multimedia Exhibition in Three Parts — Downtown Bloomington

🎨 5:00 PM — First Fridays on Seminary Street — Seminary Street, Galesburg

🍺 5:00–8:00 PM — Parks on Tap / Traveling Taphouse featuring The Holdouts — Sommer Park North, Peoria

🎨 5:00–8:00 PM — First Friday at Contemporary Art Center — Contemporary Art Center, Peoria

🌙 5:30–9:00 PM — Wild Nights — Wildlife Prairie Park, Hanna City

🎪 6:30 PM — FLOTSAM! River Circus — Pekin — Pekin Riverfront Spray Park, Pekin

🎵 7:00 PM — Jonny Quest Band — Industry Brewing Co., Peoria

🎵 7:00 PM — Sweetwater — LIVE @ Connie Link Amphitheatre — Connie Link Amphitheatre, Normal

🎵 7:00 PM — Sean Kistler LIVE @ RAA — Galesburg

🎵 7:00 PM — Trip Hazard at TD’s Bar — Labor Day Weekend — Kewanee

⚾ 7:05 PM — Peoria Chiefs vs. Quad Cities River Bandits — Dozer Park, Peoria

🎵 7:30 PM — Whiskey Seven Band — Bloomington VFW, Bloomington

🚲 8:00 PM — First Friday Night Ride — Bike Peoria Co-Op, Peoria

🌳 8:30 PM — Night Hike: Animal Highways — Wildlife Prairie Park, Hanna City

🐷 SEPT. 4–7 — Kewanee Hog Days — Kewanee

🍿 SEPT. 4–6 — Manito Popcorn Festival — Manito

🎡 SEPT. 4–7 — Delavan Fall Festival — Delavan

🎡 SEPT. 4–7 — Annual Toluca Labor Day Festival — Toluca

👨‍👩‍👧 FriYay at Glen Oak Park — Peoria Zoo / Peoria PlayHouse, Peoria

>> SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 <<

🏃 4:00 AM — Temptation 200 — Sand Ridge State Forest, Forest City

🛍️ 7:30 AM — Canton Farmers Market — Downtown Canton

🛍️ 8:00 AM–Noon — Peoria Riverfront Market — Peoria Riverfront

🧘 8:30 AM — FlexZOObility Yoga Class — Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington

🛍️ 9:00 AM — Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market — Downtown Bloomington

🌾 10:00 AM–3:00 PM — Pioneer Day — Wildlife Prairie Park, Hanna City

🦋 10:00 AM–2:00 PM — Monarch Day — Peoria Zoo, Peoria

🏆 10:00 AM–4:00 PM — Retro City Card Show — 75+ Tables — Five Points Washington, Washington

👨‍👩‍👧 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM — Bluey’s Big Play — Peoria Civic Center, Peoria

🍷 Noon — Cave Tastings at August Hill Winery — August Hill Winery, Peru

🚗 Noon–4:00 PM — Manito Popcorn Festival Car Show — Downtown Manito

🤼 2:00–4:00 PM — Iron Spirit Pro Wrestling at Manito Popcorn Festival — Manito

🎨 5:00–6:00 PM — America 250 Mural Unveiling — Downtown Pontiac

👨‍👩‍👧 5:30 PM — Kids Night Out — Iron Coyote Challenge Park, Bloomington

🎵 5:30–9:00 PM — Party at the PAV: Taylor Bruninga & The Bandits — Mineral Springs Park, Pekin

🎵 6:00 PM — Aaron Newsome — LIVE @ Uptown Circle — Uptown Circle, Normal

🎪 6:00 PM — FLOTSAM! River Circus — Peoria #1 — Peoria Riverfront

🎵 6:00 PM — Shuga Beatz — Gill Street Sports Bar & Restaurant, Bloomington

🛣️ 6:00–9:00 PM — Route 66 Centennial Parking Lot Party with Union Avenue — Ryburn Place / Sprague’s Super Service, Normal

🎬 6:00–9:00 PM — Route 66: The Main Street of America — Documentary — Eagle Performing Arts Center, Pontiac

🎵 7:00 PM — Brushville Concert — Psycho Silo Saloon

🎵 7:00 PM — Code 415 Live at Kewanee Hog Days — Kewanee

🎵 7:00 PM — Decade of Decadence — ’80s Hair Night — Hanna City Sportsman’s Club, Hanna City

🎵 7:00 PM — Full Circle — The Getaway Tavern, Peoria

🎵 7:00 PM — The Blo-No Boogie Band — Connie Link Amphitheatre, Normal

🎵 7:00–11:00 PM — Revel in Red — Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, Mackinaw

⚾ 7:05 PM — Peoria Chiefs vs. Quad Cities River Bandits — Dozer Park, Peoria

🎵 7:30 PM — T Minus 3 — Martini’s on Water Street, Peoria

🎵 8:00 PM — Jon Langston Live — Crusens Farmington Road, Peoria

🎵 8:00 PM — BUTTA’ — Oliver’s in the Heights, Peoria Heights

🎵 8:00 PM — Rewind at Havana Riverfront — Havana Riverfront, Havana

🎵 8:00 PM — RIPLOCK — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom, Peoria Heights

🏃 Morning — Manito Popcorn Festival 5K + Popcorn/Inflatable Dash — Veterans Park, Manito

🚜 SEPT. 5–6 — Tri-County Antique Tractor Pull — Farmer City

>> SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 <<

🍇 All Day — Grape Stomp & Harvest Festival — Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, Mackinaw

🏆 8:30 AM — Chuck Rolinski Memorial Bocce Tournament — South Main Street, Toluca

🛍️ 10:00 AM–3:00 PM — First Sunday Market — Avanti’s Event Center, Pekin

👨‍👩‍👧 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM — Bluey’s Big Play — Peoria Civic Center, Peoria

🚣 Noon — Cardboard Boat Race — IVY Club, Peoria Heights

🎵 11:00 AM — Tango in the Night at the Delavan Fall Festival — Delavan

⚽ 1:00 PM — Illinois State Soccer vs. Purdue Fort Wayne — Military Appreciation — Adelaide Street Field, Normal

🎵 2:00 PM — Music on the Lawn: Luke Fox — Olathea Creek Vineyard & Winery

⚾ 2:05 PM — Peoria Chiefs vs. Quad Cities River Bandits — Dozer Park, Peoria

💛 3:00 PM — Zeschke Fest Fundraiser for HOOAH — Hickory Hill Campground

🎻 4:00–6:00 PM — Dixon’s Violin — Eagle Performing Arts Center, Pontiac

🎪 6:00 PM — FLOTSAM! River Circus — Peoria #2 — Peoria Riverfront

💃 7:00 PM — Argentine Tango Practica — Contemporary Art Center, Peoria

🎬 7:00–9:00 PM — Route 66: The Main Street of America — Documentary — Normal Theater, Normal

🚜 Sunday — Delavan Labor Day Truck & Tractor Pull — Delavan

I’ve been thinking lately about how food can be such an easy way to experience another culture.

Sometimes there are dishes we grow up eating that feel completely ordinary to us, but to someone else they’re a totally new experience. And sometimes you try something you’ve never heard of and wonder where it’s been all your life. 😂

For those of you around Peoria, what international dish did you try for the first time and absolutely love? And where did you try it?

I’m especially curious about foods that surprised you or that you initially weren’t sure you would like.

Coming from EP into Peoria. Road work? I saw some red and blues too.

Hi All,

We have an 11 year old Pomeranian with all records that needs a barrel cut or a short puppy cut along with a nail grind. She's a good girl - my mother-in-law just brought her from Colorado. We heard of a groomer in Creve Coeur, but we couldn't reach her. We live in Pekin. Any suggestions or info most appreciated!

Thanks!

Hello Peoria! Seeing a lot of inquiries of people looking for barber recommendations on here lately so I’m going to take the opportunity to introduce myself!

My name is Chris and I cut hair over at Snyders Barbershop on N University. Been a licensed barber for a little over 2 years and truly love what I do. I take a lot of pride in every haircut that leaves my chair and won’t let anyone leave dissatisfied. Haircuts, beard trims, straight razor shaves, I do it all!

If you haven’t been to me yet, I’d love the opportunity to show you what I can do and see what makes Snyders so heavily trafficked each and every day

I work Tuesday thru Fridays 9-5:30

You can call the shop to set something up with me or hit this link below to book directly! Looking forward to meeting you!

Book here:

https://getsqr.co/chris-b-58

Hi guys! I have a question. Tbh I dont actually live in Peoria, but I have an online friend who does. My friend up there keeps posting in our group chat with some other friends bragging about driving around her new car but going excessively fast. Im talking 100+mph. So if any of you see a bright orange jeep SUV tearing up your streets, please report it for me. I tried calling your local police/ highway patrol department and they said they couldnt do anything unless I went up there (which is 7 hours away).

I do not have a good record of people in my life suriving from that kind of stuff and am understandably concerned for her safety as well as all of yours. She also doesnt have a license either. And my friend, if you see this, do know im doing this out of concern and not out of malice.

I’m wondering what the city decided regarding giving the Towers money for much needed renovations.

I got a call from a 309 area code Saturday night, don’t know what made me pick up, but I’m glad I did!

At first I thought it was a non-partisan survey but later realized that it was actually a “push poll” that LaHood had hired. Towards the end, the “questions” were very slanted in LaHood’s favor and the last “questions” contained outright lies about Paul Nolley.

Among the comments about Nolley stated were that he wanted to raid senior’s savings, was not a friend of Israel and even suggested he would be using tax payer’s money to mutilate children.

I was disgusted by the end, however, each time I answered that I was strongly in favor of Paul Nolley. I apologized to the gal who was hired, for her being put in that position! She had a hard time understanding and speaking English, so I’m pretty sure LaHood didn’t even use a U.S. calling service 😳

Your Water Bill Could Be Going Up — Have Your Say!
Illinois American Water is asking the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to approve a significant rate increase that could mean higher water and wastewater bills for customers.
The company says the request is tied to hundreds of millions of dollars in planned investments. But as customers, we have every right to ask:

Are these rate increases justified? Are customers getting the service, infrastructure improvements, reliability and water quality we deserve for what we’re already paying?

The Illinois Commerce Commission is the agency responsible for reviewing the request — and your voice matters in that process.
📣 You can submit a public comment to the ICC about Illinois American Water’s proposed rate increase.
You don’t have to attend a hearing to make your voice heard. The ICC accepts written comments, and customers can also contact the ICC Consumer Services Division at [1-800-524-0795](tel:1-800-524-0795).
🗣️ Tell the ICC what this rate increase would mean for you and your family.
Ask questions. Share your experiences. Speak up about affordability, service, infrastructure, water quality and what you expect from your utility.
Don’t assume someone else will speak up. Your water bill. Your voice. Your community.
Illinois Commerce Commission⁠
#Illinois #IllinoisAmericanWater #WaterRates #Peoria #PeoriaCounty #PublicComment #RateIncrease

Looking for an affordable full body waxing. Any suggestions?

The public is encouraged to submit their questions for the candidates through the following form: https://form.wtvp.org/forum/

Is it a law or something here that if you encounter me on the road and are in front of me you have to drive like a coward, and if you are behind me you have to drive like a psychopath?

Is it me? I guess I am the common factor here.

Google map of ICE Business Contractors/Law Enforcement Agency Partners. I was surprised to see we've got one right in Peoria, especially since Illinois has a lot fewer organizations partnering with ICE than most states.

to people who currently living at Versailles Apartments, village on university and Timber brook Apartments how do you guys feel about them?

Two officers. Not conducting any activity inside but wanted to let the community know they were here.

Why is their inspection so out of date? I’m surprised the elevator mafia hasn’t paid a visit. Also why are the stairs closed? Do they make the elevator intentionally slow to build anticipation?

As an animal lover at heart, I'd like to share about something that means a lot to me. Over the past 3 years, I've been working with friends and their families to help clean up the East Peoria Riverfront, which helps the wildlife that inhabit our area, and reduces visible litter from floating ashore.

This year, we are back at it again - we will be cleaning up the East Peoria Riverfront and Levee District areas on Sunday, September 20th.

We will meet at the Target East Peoria parking lot at noon, handing out donated supplies (a special thanks to our community partners, along with the City of East Peoria, Chamber of Commerce, and environmental groups who have sponsored us... along with Mayor John Kahl and the East Peoria Public Works department).

Any able bodied individuals, donors of supplies (trash pickers, gloves, and recycling totes), and volunteers to sort plastic bottles and aluminum cans would be greatly appreciated. In return, Panera Bread has been kind enough to serve us lunch and snacks, which will be available midway through the clean-up event.

All are welcome - we've had volunteers from all walks of life join us, and many local organizations give us support. We are hoping to make this the biggest East Peoria Riverfront clean-up yet, and can use your help!

More information will be posted on the City of East Peoria's Facebook page in the coming weeks, and you are welcome to contact me at (309) 868-4208 if there are any questions.

Alexander Chan

And your co pilot just shotgunned a beer with me in front of my house you guys made my night lmao life sucks for most people lately and that shit was fun. Be safe!