July is full of activities. Here are six events you might want to check out in the Peoria area this weekend.
Mack-A-Fest 2026
The annual Mack-A-Fest will be held July 16-18 at Veterans Park in Mackinaw. This community event will include a carnival, food and beer tent, a parade, live entertainment and more. For a full schedule of events, visit www.facebook.com/mackafest.
Concert on the riverfront
Rising country-pop artist Maddox Batson will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, July 17, at CEFCU Center Stage on the Peoria riverfront. The concert will also feature special guest Elizabeth Nichols. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $48.50 in advance at www.peoriaparks.org or $53.50 at the gate. Admission is free for children ages 6 and under.
Arc Light Productions presents ‘The Little Mermaid’
Arc Light Productions will present their production of “The Little Mermaid” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at Limestone Community High School, 4201 S. Airport Road, Bartonville. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children ages 11 and under. For tickets and more information, visit www.arclightpro.com.
River City Pride Fest
River City Pride Fest 2026, presented by Peoria Proud, will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 18, at Riverfront Festival Park in Downtown Peoria. The event will include performances, food, art installations and community outreach. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.peoriaproud.org.
Bass & Bites auto and food festival
Bass & Bites, the Midwest’s premier automotive and food championship festival, will be held from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at Sommer Farm Park, 6329 N. Koerner Road, Edwards. This event will celebrate car audio culture and will also feature food truck, live entertainment, vendors and more. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/sommer-farm/bass-bites-2026.
Art, Literature & Wine Festival
Local and regional artists and authors will showcase their talents and sell their art and literature at the Art, Literature & Wine Festival from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 19, at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, 33633 IL Route 9, Mackinaw. The event will also include a cruise-in with the BMW Car Club, wine tasting, music from Greg Williams and several food vendors. Admission is free.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Festivals, theater and more: Things to do in the Peoria area this weekend
Reporting by Josh Jenke, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Josh Jenke, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
