We’ve set the standard for excellence in facilities with the state-of-the-art O’Brien Field, home to the Chicago Cubs minor league Peoria Chiefs. O’Brien Field has all the bells and whistles as proved to the more than quarter-million fans who came through its turnstiles in the first season after its opening on May 24, 2002, to cheer the 2002 Midwest League champion Chiefs. Home plate and beyond also served as a perfect setting for hometown concerts and a stirring 9-11 tribute in its debut year.

Just down the road stands the impressive Peoria Civic Center complete with an arena that seats more than 12,000 to cheer the Peoria Pirates indoor football and Peoria Rivermen hockey professional teams, both of which give new meaning to the term rough and ready. 

In addition to that is the non-stop excitement of Bradley University basketball. This hometown team has fans far and wide. All the eyes of Illinois are on Carver Arena every March for the Illinois High School Association boys’ state basketball finals, when Peoria rolls out an invigorating and interactive welcome mat for thousands of high school sports devotees. And that’s not counting all the other sporting events that compete in Peoria throughout the year.  

 

Festivals and special events in Peoria just never end! Mark your calendar now for the fun and familiar Steamboat Days along the riverfront, the oldest Santa parade in the country, the lip-smacking Taste of Peoria, the traditional Heart of Illinois Fair, Erin Fest for the Irish in all of us, a rousing celebration of fall at the Oktoberfest, the inspiring River City Soul Fest, the jousting of the Olde English Faire at Jubilee College State Historic Site, and the sizzle of the ribfest and barbecue along the riverfront.

Ah, but we’re just warming up! Don’t forget the colorful fireworks displays over Glen Oak Park on July 3 and high above the riverfront on the Fourth of July. Take in the Labor Day parade or jump aboard the Peoria history trolley tours that offer fascinating tidbits of our colorful past.

When it’s nippy, warm up to the annual East Peoria Festival of Lights parade and displays, enjoy seasonal favorites downtown during Yule Like Peoria, or the traditional candlelight walks and tours at the George L. Luthy Botanical Garden and the Peoria Historical Society’s Pettengill-Morron House.

 

The Peoria Park District, multiple winner of national honors for excellence, offers an exhaustive list of things to do year-round. It serves as steward of more than 9,000 acres of open space, including more than 60 parks of all sizes, several public golf courses for every talent and pace, two fun-filled aquatic parks, the multi-purpose Owens Center, the majestic wooded hills and spacious soccer fields of Detweiller Park. 

 

Want to get fit? The RiverPlex Recreation and Wellness Center, operated by the Peoria Park District and OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, has an abundance of fitness opportunities, from weights to pools and everything in-between. 

 

Add to that Landmark Racquet and Health Club, the Clubs at River City, and a unique aquatic program at the YWCA of Peoria at Lakeview Park, and the list of healthy options goes on and on. Or just let loose at Splashdown Family Waterpark in East Peoria.

 

Don’t forget the Illinois River Valley Territory Heritage Tourism Program, promoting the rich history of this region of the state north and south of Peoria. Catch a calm and colorful glimpse of the river valley on the Spirit of Peoria steamboat as it journeys the mighty Illinois.