As winter comes to an end and we prepare for spring, the calendar is packed with performances and popular annual events.
Here are 15 things to do in the Peoria area in the month of March.
1. Symphony orchestra presents ‘A Little Night Music’
The Peoria Symphony Orchestra will present “A Little Night Music” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 27, at Grace Presbyterian Church, 8607 State Route 91. The concert will feature selections from history’s favorite classical composers, Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Tickets start at $41 and can be purchased at www.peoriasymphony.org.
2. An evening of comedy with Daniel Tosh
Comedian, television host, writer and producer Daniel Tosh will bring his “My First Farewell Tour” to the Prairie Home Alliance Theater at the Peoria Civic Center at 7 p.m. Friday, March 27. Tickets start at $63 and can be purchased at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.
3. Rodeo and country music extravaganza
Bulls, Bands & Barrels, the premier western sports competition and live entertainment experience, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Peoria Civic Center Arena. The event will include competitive bullriding, barrel racing and bullfighting, followed by a concert featuring Sam Barber and Tyler Nance. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.
4. An evening of comedy with Chris Kattan
Actor, comedian and Saturday Night Live legend Chris Kattan will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, March 20, at the Avanti’s Event Center, 3401 Griffin Ave., Pekin. The show will also feature special guest Edgar Sandoval. Tickets are $45 each and can be purchased at eventim.us/event/chris-kattan/678725.
5. Illinois Deer Classic and Fishing Expo
The Illinois Deer Classic and Fishing Expo will be held from March 20-22 at the Peoria Civic Center Convention Center. This one-stop event for all your hunting and fishing needs will feature great exhibitors, info-packed seminars, big buck contest, kids activities, great prizes and more. For show hours, tickets and more information, visit www.illinoisdeerclassic.com.
6. EP!C Bon Appetit 2026
EP!C will host its 15th Annual Bon Appétit from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at the Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino in East Peoria. The evening will include live cooking demonstrations by Food Network Chef Leah Cohen, as well as live and silent auctions. Proceeds will support EP!C’s mission of enriching lives and fostering empowerment of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased at www.epicci.org.
7. Downtown St. Patrick’s Day parade
The 43rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, at the corner of Monroe Street and Hancock Street in downtown Peoria, following Monroe to Main Street, Main Street to Adams and ending at Adams and Hamilton. To be involved in the parade, visit https://stpatpeoria.com/online-parade-application by March 7.
8. St. Patrick’s Day street party
Kelleher’s Irish Pub, 619 SW Water St., is hosting its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Tuesday, March 17. Turas will perform during the day, and breakfast will be served beginning at 8 a.m. Lunch, featuring corned beef and cabbage and other Irish favorites, will be served beginning at 11 a.m. There will be a live DJ outside, and the street will be blocked off for a street party.
9. TOTO in concert
“An Evening with TOTO” will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater at the Peoria Civic Center. The classic rockers will perform over two hours of their greatest hits. Tickets start at $38 and can be purchased at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.
10. Broadway in Peoria presents ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’
The Ameren Illinois Broadway in Peoria 2026 season will continue with performances of the hit musical “Mrs. Doubtfire” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, and Wednesday, March 11, at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater at the Peoria Civic Center. Tickets start at $57 and can be purchased at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.
11. Katt Williams stand-up tour
Comedy legend and Emmy Award-winning actor Katt Williams will bring his “The Golden Age Tour” to the Peoria Civic Center Arena at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 7. Tickets start at $95 and can be purchased at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.
12. Colter Wall in concert
Country singer-songwriter Colter Wall will bring his “Memories and Empties Tour” to the Prairie Home Alliance Theater at the Peoria Civic Center at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7. Tickets start at $63 and can be purchased at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.
13. Celebrate pop culture at PeoriaCon
Peoria Con, a celebration of comic books, gaming, cosplay and more, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 7, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 8, at the Peoria Civic Center. This year’s show will include special guests, comics, games and collectibles and a cosplay contest. Admission is $20 at the door.
14. West Side St. Patrick’s Day parade
The 4th Annual West Side St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, in West Peoria. The parade route will be along Farmington Road, beginning at Park Road and ending at Raber Packing Co. just before Swords Avenue hill. For more information, visit www.cityofwestpeoria.org.
15. Peoria Players presents ‘Bright Star’
Peoria Players will present its run of “Bright Star” from March 6-8 and March 12-15 at the theater, 4300 N. University St. The musical tells the story of Alice Murphy, a literary editor, and her journey of self-discovery and healing after a tragic loss. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.peoriaplayers.org.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: St. Patrick’s Day, shows and more: 15 things to do around Peoria in March
Reporting by Josh Jenke, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
