Soul Fest, classic opera and more: Here are 5 things to do near Peoria this weekend

Josh Jenke, Journal Star
·2 min read

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

Bus tours of local history

The Peoria Historical Society will offer guided history tours from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Aug. 5, and Saturday, Aug. 6. Friday's tour will be "Roots of the River City," providing an overview of Peoria history from its early days as a French fur trading outpost in the late 1600s to today, including many grand residences in historic districts. Saturday's tour will be "Notable Peoria Women," honoring two dozen women who impacted Peoria, the United States and the world. Tickets are $20 and are available at 309tix.com or by calling the Historical Society at 309-674-1921. Tours depart from outside the Caterpillar Visitors Center, 110 SW Washington St.

Soul music and R&B

The Peoria Park District's River City Soul Fest will be held this weekend on the Peoria Riverfront. Friday will be the second annual Vibe Night, featuring a DJ exhibition, and will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday will be R&B Night, featuring Mýa & RL from NEXT, and will be open from 6 to 11 p.m. Sunday will be the Gospel Fest, featuring several local gospel groups, and will begin at 4 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.soulfestpeoria.com.

Theater in the park

Based on the beloved 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, Corn Stock Theatre kicks off its run of "Freaky Friday" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, in Upper Bradley Park, 1700 N. Park Road. The show will run through Aug. 13, with performances at 7:30 each evening. Tickets are $22 for adults and $17 for students college age and under with an ID.

'Carmen' at the Scottish Rite

"Carmen," the most popular opera of all time, will be presented at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Scottish Rite Theatre, 400 NE Perry Ave. This love story of a mesmerizing, sensual Gypsy will be performed by the central Illinois opera company MIOpera. Tickets start at $20 and are available at www.scottishritepeoria.com.

Traditional German music and picnic

People line up to get food and drinks during the annual Bratfest held by the Peoria German American Society at Hickory Grove Park on Sunday afternoon.
People line up to get food and drinks during the annual Bratfest held by the Peoria German American Society at Hickory Grove Park on Sunday afternoon.

Harmonie-Concordia will present Bratfest, a traditional German picnic, from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at Hickory Grove Park, 12403 Hickory Grove Road, Dunlap. The event will feature Keith Zweifel and his band from Wisconsin performing a wide range of music from polkas to rock 'n' roll. Other special activities include a Muscle Car, Hot Rod and Customized Motorcycle Cruis’n, a playground for the kids, a shooting tent and a German gift tent. Plenty of traditional German food will also be available for purchase. Admission is free.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Things to do in the Peoria, Illinois area the weekend of August 5-7