June is full of activities. Here are five events you might want to check out in the Peoria area this weekend.
Steamboat Classic pre-party and race
Central Illinois’ premier running experience, the Steamboat Classic, will be held Saturday, June 6, on the streets of Downtown Peoria. The event includes both a 4-mile course, ranked among the world’s fastest, and a 15K, considered Illinois’ toughest 15K. For more information and to register, visit www.steamboatclassic.com. A pre-race party will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 5, on the Peoria riverfront and will include a concert featuring Backseat Radio and DJ Birds of Paradise at 4:30 p.m. at CEFCU Center Stage. For tickets and more information, visit www.peoriapark.org
Elmwood Strawberry Festival
The annual Strawberry Festival will be held Saturday, June 6, in downtown Elmwood. Central Park at the corner of Main and Magnolia will be filled with crafters and vendors, as well as food, including lots of strawberry desserts, and local entertainers. For a full schedule of events, visit https://www.facebook.com/elmwoodstrawberryfest. Admission is free.
Celebrate summer German-style
Peoria Sport Verein’s annual Sommerfest will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Hickory Grove Park, 12403 Hickory Grove Road, Dunlap. This event features German food, soccer, a German car and bike cruise-in, arts and crafts and entertainment. This is a family-friendly event. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.peoriagermans.net.
Block Party for St. Jude
The eleventh annual Block Party to benefit St. Jude will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 6, in the streets of downtown Bartonville. The event will include food and drinks from Peacock’s Pub, along with music from Revel in Red at 7 p.m.
Swing into Summer
Kick off summer with a night of classic fun at Fon du Lac Park District’s Swing Into Summer event at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at 305 Springfield Road, East Peoria. The event will include free inflatables and caricature drawings; food from Nate Dawg’s Chili Dogs, Kona Ice and All Shook Up Lemonade; and a showing of “The Sandlot” at dusk. Admission is free. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Five events to check out in 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
