Fair, fireworks, Ted Nugent and more: Here are 14 fun things to do in Peoria in July

As we get ready to celebrate Independence Day in central Illinois, it's also time to enjoy a baseball game, check out a big rock concert, enjoy the HOI Fair and more.

Here are 14 things to do in the Peoria area in the month of July.

1. Ted Nugent in concert

Rock & Roll showman Ted Nugent will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 29, at the Peoria Civic Center Theater. Tickets start at $43 and can be purchased at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.

2. Sports memorabilia auction

The Greater Peoria Area Crime Stoppers will be hosting their 16th Annual Sports Memorabilia Auction from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 28, at the Par-A-Dice Hotel, 21 Blackjack Blvd., East Peoria. Ferguson Jenkins, Chicago Cubs’ 1991 Major League Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher, will be attending as featured speaker. He will also be available to sign sports items throughout the evening. Admission is $50 before July 14, and $75 after that. For more information and to purchase tickets, email Info@PeoriaSportsAuction.com.

3. Steve Vai in concert

Legendary guitarist Steve Vai will present his "Inviolate Tour 2023" at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 27, at the Peoria Civic Center Theater. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.

4. Heart of Illinois Fair

The 2023 Heart of Illinois Fair will be held July 18-22 at Expo Gardens in Peoria. The fair includes a variety of events and activities for the whole family. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and under. For a full schedule of events and more information, visit www.heartofillinoisfair.com.

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5. John Lodge in concert

John Lodge, legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues, will present his "Performs Days of Future Passed" show at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 16, at the Peoria Civic Center Theater. Tickets start at $29 and can be purchased at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.

6. Theater in the park

Corn Stock Theatre kicks off its run of "The Drowsy Chaperone," a Jazz Age musical full of fun, clichés, and dancing from the Roaring 20s, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 15, in Upper Bradley Park, 1700 N. Park Road. The show will run through July 22 with performances at 7:30 each evening. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students college-age and under with an ID.

7. River City Pride Fest

River City Pride Fest 2023, presented by Peoria Proud, will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 15, at Riverfront Park in Downtown Peoria. Admission is free and the event will include activities for the whole family. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the www.peoriaproud.org.

8. Pavilion Porch Party

The Pavilion Porch Party will be held from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 14, at the Mineral Springs Park Pavilion in Pekin. The event will feature live music from The Brothers & Friends Band, food trucks, and a bar serving beer and wine. Admission is free. Drinks start at $5. Bring your own lawn chairs.

9. The Cult in concert

English Rock legends, The Cult, will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 13, at the Peoria Civic Center Theater. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.

10. Peoria City soccer

Peoria’s own USL League 2 pre-professional soccer team, Peoria City, will be in action against Springfield Athletic SC at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 9, at Shea Stadium, 1523 W. Nebraska Ave. Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased at www.peoriacitysoccer.com.

11. Falling in Reverse in concert

Platinum-selling rock band, Falling In Reverse, will present their "Popular Monstour" at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 9, at the Peoria Civic Center. The concert will also feature special guests, Ice Nine Kills, Underoath and Catch Your Breath. Tickets start at $41 and can be purchased at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.

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12. Fireworks galore

Several fireworks shows are planned throughout the Peoria area this month to celebrate Independence Day. These presentations include the Glen Oak Park fireworks on Sunday, July 3, at Glen Oak Park in Peoria; the Fourth of July celebration on Sunday, July 3, at McClallen Park in Morton; Red, White and Boom on Monday, July 4, on the Peoria/East Peoria riverfront; the Honor America Celebration on Tuesday, July 4, at Pekin Memorial Stadium; the Chillicothe fireworks on Tuesday, July 4, at Three Sisters Park; the Elmwood fireworks on Tuesday, July 4, at Streetwater Park in Elmwood; and Food Truck Frenzy and fireworks on Monday, July 4, at Eureka Lake in Eureka.

13. German-American Society presents Volksfest

The Peoria German-American Society will be hosting its annual Volksfest from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 2, at Hickory Grove Park, 12403 Hickory Grove Road, Dunlap. Live entertainment will be provided by Eddie Korosa, Al’s Pals and Lindenhof Echoes. A German gift tent will be open, offering a number of imported items from Germany for sale. There will also be a Volkswagen Family of Car Cruis’n, which includes Audi and Porche, and runs from noon to 5:00 pm. German food and beer will also be available. Admission is free.

14. Chiefs baseball at Dozer Park

The Peoria Chiefs will be in action for several home games at Dozer Park this month. They will take on the on the Cedar Rapids Kernels on July 1-3, the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on July 14-16, and the South Bend Cubs on July 25-30. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.milb.com/peoria/tickets/promotions.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: HOI Fair, fireworks, Ted Nugent highlight July things to do in Peoria