September is full of activities. Here are five events you might want to check out in the Peoria area this weekend.
Pekin Marigold Festival
The Pekin Marigold Festival will be held from Sept. 3-7 at Mineral Springs Park in Pekin. This year’s theme is “Marigold Pep Rally: Team Spirit” and the event will include a carnival, parade, festival foods, live entertainment and more. For a full schedule of events and more information, visit https://pekinchamber.com/pekin-marigold-festival.
Elmwood Fall Festival
The city of Elmwood will hold its annual Fall Festival on Sept. 4-6 in on the square in Historic Downtown. The event will include carnival rides each night; live music by DJ Dawson from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, CB Radio from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Twisted Whiskey from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Heavy Water from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday; and a Pixar-themed parade at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit the Elmwood Fall Festival Facebook page.
Annual cat show at Expo Gardens
The American Gothic Annual Cat Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at Exposition Gardens, 1601 Northmoor Road. Come see over 100 purebred and household pet cats compete for top cat in different judging rings throughout the day. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and children ages 5-12 and free for children ages 4 and under.
The Dark Fair at the Old State Hospital
The Dark Fair vendor event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, on the grounds of the Old State Hospital, 4400 Industry Drive, Bartonville. Explore over 30 oddity, metaphysical and fall-themed vendor booths and grab some refreshments from Mac Daddy Spuds and The Best Brew Espresso & Coffee. Admission and parking are free.
Big Picture Peoria street festival
The Big Picture Peoria 2025 interactive arts festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, in the 200-300 block of Water Street, behind the Peoria Riverfront Museum. The event will feature community murals, chalk art competition, an open mic contest, interactive art zones, a sports and activity area, food trucks and summer treats and free admission to the museum.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Popular festivals, cat show and more: Here are 5 things to do near Peoria this weekend
Reporting by Josh Jenke, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
