ExplorePeoria

08/11/2026

Our most recent Entertainment Report features Les Misérables which will run at Eastlight Theatre Friday – Sunday, August 14 – 16 and Wednesday – Saturday, August 19 – 22. Les Misérables is the world’s longest-running musical – a true modern classic based on Victor Hugo’s novel and featuring one of the most memorable scores of all time. In nineteenth-century France, Jean Valjean is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a lifelong struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe that Valjean can change his ways. Tickets are available by calling 309-699-7469 or online at https://tickets.eastlighttheatre.com

08/07/2026

Our latest Entertainment Report features Upstage Theatre Company's production of Bon Voyage: Murder on the High Seas taking the stage at the Barn III Dinner Theatre (located at 1451 Timberline Road in Goodfield) August 14 - 30. A part of the Barn's Supper Club series, the ticket price includes performance and your meal in one all-inclusive price. This show is an interactive dinner theatre experience where you’ll visit tropical destinations, enjoy onboard entertainment, meet colorful new “shipmates,” and maybe even witness a little murder on the high seas and featuring appetizers, an island-inspired dinner, the show and a cash bar. Tickets are available at https://ci.ovationtix.com/37056/production/1280251?performanceId=11829195

08/01/2026

Our newest Entertainment Report features the Summer Youth Theatre performances of The Addams Family Musical at Peoria Players Theatre Wednesday, August 5 through Sunday, August 9. The plot features an original story and a dilemma that’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family - a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before - keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. Tickets are available by calling 309-688-4473 or online at www.peoriaplayers.org

08/01/2026

Register to win 2 tickets to this year's Peoria Irish Fest at

Simply read the rules & complete the form below to register! Contest Rules: 1) One entry per person (not email address). Entrants must 21 years old or older to enter. 2) By registering for the contest, you will begin to receive the ExplorePeoria.com weekly e-newsletter featuring events & entertainme...

07/11/2026

https://explorepeoria.com/win-a-vacation Have you registered yet to Win a Free Vacation Stay at one of 40 US destinations? Registration is now open!

See the registration page for full details.

Swing Dance will take place at the Contemporary Art Center (located at 305 Southwest Water Street in Peoria). A beginners lesson starts at 7 pm followed by social dance at

07/09/2026

This latest Entertainment Report features the 2026 Illinois Shakespeare Festival and their production of the iconic American play, Our Town written by Thornton Wilder. The Festival produces 3 shows each season performed in repretoire which runs through August 2 in 2026 at the Ewing Cultural Center in Bloomington. The other two shows include Two Gentlemen of Verona and Romeo & Juliet. The Festival also produces a Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) throughout the season. This year’s show is Get, Set, Romeo and Juliet! written by local author Nancy Steele Brokaw which is performed most Thursdays and Saturdays at 10 am on the Ewing Cultural Center grounds. Admission for the TYA performances is free. Tickets for the Festival shows are available now online at https://illinoisshakes.com/tickets

07/06/2026

Our latest Entertainment Report features Community Children’s Theatre's production of Seussical the Musical at Peoria Players Theatre running Wednesday, July 8 through Sunday, July 12/ A fantastical musical adventure that brings the beloved world of Dr. Seuss to life on stage. Featuring Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird, JoJo, and many other favorite characters, Seussical weaves together some of Dr. Seuss’s most cherished stories into a heartwarming tale about friendship, loyalty, imagination, and believing in yourself. Filled with colorful characters, memorable songs, and plenty of laughs, this family-friendly musical is perfect for audiences of all ages. Tickets are available at https://cctil.booktix.com

07/04/2026

Have a happy & safe 250th Independence Day!

06/19/2026

This latest Entertainment Report features the 2026 Illinois Shakespeare Festival and their production of Romeo & Juliet which is one of 3 shows that will be performed in repretoire during the Festival which runs June 24 through August 2 at the Ewing Cultural Center in Bloomington. The other two shows include Two Gentlemen of Verona and the classic play, Our Town, written by Thornton Wilder. The Festival also produces a Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) throughout the season. This year's show is Get, Set, Romeo and Juliet! written by local author Nancy Steele Brokaw which is performed most Thursdays and Saturdays at 10 am on the Ewing Cultural Center grounds. Admission for the TYA performances is free. Tickets for the Festival shows are available now online at https://illinoisshakes.com/tickets

06/18/2026

Our most recent Entertainment Report features the Chillicothe Players production of Mean Girls High School Edition at IVC High School running Thursday, June 25 through Saturday, June 27. This production includes updates to the story for a modern audience, incorporating new songs with a blend of pop, hip-hop, and rock. Tickets are available at https://www.chillicotheplayers.org/events