Pride Fest, blues + BBQ and laughs: Here are 5 things to do near Peoria this weekend

Josh Jenke, Journal Star
·2 min read

July is full of activities. Here are five events you might want to check out in the Peoria area.

Theater in the park

Based on the adventure novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, Corn Stock Theatre kicks off its run of "Treasure Island" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 15, in Upper Bradley Park, 1700 N. Park Road. The show will run through July 23 with performances at 7:30 each evening. Tickets are $22 for adults and $17 for students college age and under with an ID.

River City Pride Fest

River City Pride Fest 2022, presented by Peoria Proud, will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 16, at CEFCU Center Stage on the Peoria Riverfront. Admission is free and the event will include activities for the whole family. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the Peoria Proud Facebook page.

Pairing blues + BBQ

Enjoy music and food at Blues and BBQ from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at the Betty Jayne Brimmer Center for the Performing Arts, 1327 E. Kelly Ave., Peoria Heights. The evening will be led by local indie jam band the Smokers Blues Band, and Que 4 You will be selling barbecue hot off the smoker. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance at www.thebettyjayne.com or $15 at the door.

Barbecue, tacos, ice cream and more: Try these 20 Peoria food trucks

Mackinaw Valley Art and Wine Festival

An Art and Wine Festival will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 17, at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, 33633 Illinois Route 9, Mackinaw. Local and regional artists will be showcasing their talents and selling their art at this free event. The festival will also include a cruise-in, wine tasting, live music and concessions.

An evening of comedy

Brian Quinn, left, Joe Gatto, Sal Vulcano and James Murray of "Impractical Jokers."
Brian Quinn, left, Joe Gatto, Sal Vulcano and James Murray of "Impractical Jokers."

Joe Gatto, comedian, actor and producer, best known for the hit TV show “Impractical Jokers," will be performing at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 17, at the Peoria Civic Center Theater. Tickets start at $21 and are available at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Things to do in Peoria, Illinois the weekend of July 15-17, 2022