Fair, fireworks, tribute acts and more: Here are 15 fun things to do in Peoria in July

As we get ready to celebrate Independence Day in central Illinois, it's also time to enjoy local festival, check out a variety of concerts, enjoy the HOI Fair and more.

Here are 15 things to do in the Peoria area in the month of July.

1. Queen tribute concert

Killer Queen will present their "A Tribute to Queen" show at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 28, at the Peoria Civic Center Theater. The concert will feature Patrick Myers as Freddie Mercury and will include hits from the band's entire history. Tickets start at $29.50 and can be purchased online at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.

2. Fiesta en el Rio

Fiesta en el Rio, a music festival that celebrates Hispanic and Latino culture, will be held from 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at CEFCU Center Stage on the Peoria riverfront. The event will include authentic Latin American food and drink, a children’s area, entertaining and upbeat bands, salsa dancing lessons and more. Tickets are $7 in advance, $10 at the door, free for children 12 and younger. For tickets and more information, visit https://peoriaparks.org/events/festivals/fiesta-en-el-rio/.

3. Plant Based Peoria Expo 2024

The 2nd Annual Plant-Based Peoria Expo, created by Riley's Vegan Sweets & Eats, will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at the Peoria Civic Center. The event will feature food and retail vendors, service organizations and live music, along with speakers who will talk about the benefits of a plant-based diet. There will also be activities for the children. Admission is free.

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4. Whitney's Walk for Suicide Prevention & Awareness

Whitney's Walk For Life 2024 will be held Saturday, July 27, at Jubilee State Park in Brimfield. The event will feature both a 5K run and 5K walk. The run will start at 7:55 a.m. and the walk will begin at 8 a.m. Registration is $30 for adults and $15 for youth ages 12 and under. Registration can be made online at https://raceroster.com/events/2024/84640/whitneys-walk-for-suicide-prevention-and-awareness.

5. River City Pride Fest

River City Pride Fest 2024, presented by Peoria Proud, will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 20, at Riverfront Park in Downtown Peoria. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children ages 17 and under. The event will include activities for the whole family. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.peoriaproud.org.

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6. A.J. Croce in concert

Singer/songwriter A.J. Croce will bring his "Croce Plays Croce" tour to the Peoria Civic Center Theater at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 19. A.J. will perform many of his father Jim Croce's hits, as well as his original work. Tickets start at $44.50 and can be purchased online at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.

7. Heart of Illinois Fair

The HOI Fair will be July 16-20 at Exposition Gardens. The fair will features a carnival, various agricultural events, a demolition derby, a high-flying trapeze show and more. For tickets and a full schedule of events, visit www.heartofillinoisfair.com.

8. Way Down Wanderers in concert

The Way Down Wanderers will perform their annual homecoming show on Saturday, July 13, at CEFCU Center Stage on the Peoria riverfront. The show will also feature special guest T Biscuit. Doors open at 7 p.m. and performances begin at 8:15 p.m. Admission is $14.99 and prices will increase on the day of the event. For tickets and more information, visit peoriaparks.org.

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9. Quad Con at Peoria Civic Center

Celebrate all things pop culture at Quad Con, taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 13, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at the Peoria Civic Center. The event will feature over 200 vendors, artists, panels, cosplay contests, video game tournaments and more. Featured guests, WWE Hall of Famer Jake "The Snake" Roberts and voice actor Jim Cummings (Winnie the Pooh, Darkwing Duck), will be in attendance for autographs and photos. Admission is $20 for a weekend pass, $15 for Saturday only or $10 for Sunday only.

10. Theater in the park

Corn Stock Theatre kicks off its run of Lionel Bart's "Oliver!" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 12, in Upper Bradley Park, 1700 N. Park Road. The show will run through July 20, with performances at 7:30 each evening. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students ages 18 and under.

11. Children's Theatre presents Disney's 'The Little Mermaid'

The Community Children's Theatre will perform its presentation of Disney's "The Little Mermaid" at 7 p.m. July 10-12, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. July 13, and 1 p.m. July 14, at the Peoria Players Theatre, 4300 N. University St. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for children ages 12 and under and can be purchased at www.cctpeoria.org.

12. German-American Society presents Volksfest

The Peoria German-American Society will be hosting its annual Volksfest from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 7, at Hickory Grove Park, 12403 Hickory Grove Road, Dunlap. Live entertainment will be provided by Eddie Korosa, Ratskellar Brummers and Lindenhof Echoes. A German gift tent will be open, offering a number of imported items from Germany for sale. There will also be a Volkswagen Family of Car Cruis’n, which includes Audi and Porche, and runs from noon to 5 p.m.  German food and beer will also be available. Admission is free.

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13. Pekin Park Foundation Bicentennial Bash

The Pekin Park Foundation’s Bicentennial Bash will take place from 3 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 6, at the Mineral Springs Park Pavilion in Pekin. The event will feature inflatable from Fun on the Run, live music from Mixtape Mayhem, food trucks, a bar serving beer, seltzer and wine, hot air balloon rides and more. Fireworks will begin at about 9 p.m. Admission is free.

14. Pink Floyd tribute concert

"The World's Greatest Live Pink Floyd Show," Brit Floyd, will bring their 2024 World Tour to the Peoria Civic Center Theater at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 5. The concert will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Division Bell album. Tickets start at $30.25 and can be purchased online at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.

15. Fireworks galore

Several fireworks shows are planned throughout the Peoria area this month to celebrate Independence Day. These presentations include the Fourth of July celebration on Wednesday, July 3, at McClallen Park in Morton; Red, White and Boom on Thursday, July 4, on the Peoria/East Peoria riverfront; the Honor America Celebration on Thursday, July 4, at Pekin Memorial Stadium; the Chillicothe fireworks on Thursday, July 4, at Three Sisters Park; the Elmwood fireworks on Thursday, July 4, at Streetwater Park in Elmwood; and Food Truck Frenzy and fireworks on Thursday, July 4, at Eureka Lake in Eureka.

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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Fireworks, fairs and festivals among things to do in Peoria in July