Peoria September 2025 Festivals, Concerts, and Events
PEORIA, Ill. — As summer fades and fall arrives, central Illinois is gearing up for a vibrant September packed with festivals, concerts, comedy shows, and cultural events. From legendary musicians to family-friendly gatherings, Peoria offers something for everyone this month.
Major Music And Performance Highlights
Music lovers will have plenty of reasons to head downtown. The Peoria Symphony Orchestra will present Titanic Live on Sept. 27 at the Peoria Civic Center, featuring the movie on the big screen while the score is performed live. Also at the Civic Center, Dream Theater brings their 40th Anniversary Tour on Sept. 22, joined by Parasomnia and A Change of Season. Country fans can look forward to Randy Travis’ More to Life Tour on Sept. 18, and classic rock icons Three Dog Night and Little River Band will share the stage on Sept. 4.
The Civic Center also welcomes comedian Leanne Morgan for two shows on Sept. 20, and The Thorn, a live stage presentation of God’s love story, will be held Sept. 24–25.
Festivals Across Central Illinois
Festivals are at the heart of September in Peoria. The Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair returns Sept. 27–28 to the riverfront, showcasing national and local artists in ceramics, photography, painting, and more. The 29th annual Peoria Oktoberfest will transform Festival Park Sept. 19–21 with German food, music, and heritage displays.
Elsewhere, Morton celebrates its Pumpkin Festival Sept. 10–13 with carnival rides, pumpkin-flavored treats, and live entertainment. Elmwood’s Fall Festival runs Sept. 4–6, featuring live music, rides, and a Pixar-themed parade. In Pekin, the Marigold Festival takes place Sept. 3–7 at Mineral Springs Park, with the theme “Marigold Pep Rally: Team Spirit.”
Family-Friendly And Pet-Centered Fun
Families and animal lovers can join the Bark in the Park celebration Sept. 27 at Tower Park, hosted by the Peoria Humane Society, or head to Brimfield’s Woofstock on Sept. 21, which combines live entertainment with activities for dogs and their owners.
Children will be amazed at the Jurassic Quest and Brick Fest Live combo event Sept. 19–21 at the Peoria Civic Center, blending dinosaurs with hands-on LEGO play. Meanwhile, Expo Gardens will host the Annual Cat Show Sept. 6–7 and the Horror Fiesta convention Sept. 13, offering everything from purebred cat competitions to meet-and-greets with horror film actors.
Theater, Auctions, And Community Events
Local theater shines this month with Eastlight Theatre’s production of “Guys and Dolls” (Sept. 5–13) and Peoria Players’ staging of “Memphis” (Sept. 5–14). Both shows bring Broadway-level storytelling to central Illinois stages.
The 60th annual Children’s Home Cattle Auction returns Sept. 5 at Venue Chisca, with luxury trips, curated experiences, BBQ dinner, and live country music. Rounding out the month is Taste of the Heights on Sept. 25, where Peoria Heights’ best restaurants showcase signature dishes alongside live music and a beer garden.
September in Peoria is a true showcase of art, music, food, and community spirit. Whether you’re exploring cultural festivals, catching a comedy show, or rocking out to legendary bands, the city offers no shortage of memorable moments. For more updates on concerts and local events, keep visiting ChicagoMusicGuide.com.