June is full of activities. Here are six events you might want to check out in the Peoria area this weekend.
Old Settlers Days in Metamora
Old Settlers Days, running from June 24-27, is one of the oldest festivals in central Illinois. It is held in the historic village square in Metamora. The event will include a carnival, live entertainment, craft and food vendors, parade and more. For a full schedule of events, visit the Old Settlers Metamora Facebook page.
Dragon’s Fire Balloon Fest in Pekin
The Dragon’s Fire Balloon Fest will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, June 26, and 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at the Avanti’s Event Center, 3401 Griffin Ave., Pekin. Marvel at nearly a dozen hot air balloons as they float into the sky before gently returning to the ground. This community event will also feature food trucks and beverages.
Peoria Pops presents ‘Songs of the Heartland’
The Peoria Pops Orchestra will perform “Songs of the Heartland” on the Peoria Park District Noble Center’s lawn (located in Lakeview Park, 1125 W. Lake Ave.) at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 27. The concert will feature uplifting tunes and nostalgic favorites. Bring a lawn chair or blankets for seating. Senior seating will also be available. Admission is free.
Marquette Heights Fireworks Extravaganza 2026
Marquette Heights will hold its fireworks show at dusk on Saturday, June 27, at Independence Park, 600 Lasalle Blvd. The rain date will be Sunday, June 28. More details can be found at http://cityofmhgov.org/.
Itoo Society Shish-Ka-Bob
The Itoo Society will holds its 59th annual Shish-Ka-Bob from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at the Itoo Hall, 4909 W. Farmington Road. The traditional menu of beef or chicken kebabs, cabbage rolls and salad will be served. Indoor and outdoor dining and carryout and drive-thru meals will be available. For more information and preorders, visit www.itoosociety.org.
Buckcherry in concert
The Peoria Park District and 105.7 The X welcome hard rock favorites Buckcherry to the CEFCU Center Stage at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 28. The show will also feature opening act Cole Hollow. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $29 in advance at www.peoriaparks.org or $34 at the gate. Children ages 6 and under are free with a paid adult.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Fireworks, riverfront concert and hot air balloons: 6 things to do in the Peoria area
Reporting by Josh Jenke, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Josh Jenke, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
