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Welcome to Peoria Buzz! Your Guide for Things to Do in Peoria IL

Welcome to Peoria IL's ultimate guide to things to do! Whether you're a local resident or just visiting, Peoria IL has a wealth of activities and attractions to offer. From outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to shopping, dining, and entertainment, this website is your one-stop-shop for discovering the best things to do in Peoria IL. We've handpicked the most popular and unique experiences to bring you an extensive list of activities to suit every interest, age group, and budget. Whether you're looking to have a family day out, a romantic getaway, or an exciting solo adventure, you'll find it all right here. Get ready to discover Peoria IL like never before, and make your next trip to this amazing city unforgettable!

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Today's Events & Things to Do | Peoria IL Region

Welcome to Peoria IL's one-stop-shop for today's events! This website is your go-to source for finding the latest and greatest happenings in Peoria IL. Whether you're looking for a fun family activity, a night out with friends, or a unique cultural experience, you'll find it all right here. We've handpicked a variety of events to suit every interest and budget, so you can easily plan your day and make the most of your time in Peoria IL. From festivals and concerts to exhibitions and workshops, there's always something exciting happening in this vibrant city. So check out our calendar of events and get ready to experience Peoria IL like never before!

Full Events Calendar

Today's Lunch, Dinner, & Drink Specials | Peoria IL Region

Welcome to Peoria IL's guide to today's lunch, dinner, and drink specials! If you're looking for the best food and drinks in town, you've come to the right place. Here, you'll find a comprehensive list of the latest specials and promotions offered by Peoria IL's top restaurants and bars. Whether you're in the mood for a delicious lunch, a romantic dinner, or a night out with friends, you'll find the perfect meal or drink to suit your taste and budget. From classic comfort food to gourmet cuisine, and from refreshing cocktails to local brews, Peoria IL has something for everyone. So check out our list of specials and get ready to indulge in the best that Peoria IL has to offer!

All Things Food

Deals, Sales, & Shopping | Peoria IL Region

Welcome to Peoria IL's ultimate shopping guide! We're your one-stop-shop for the latest deals, sales, and shopping experiences in Peoria IL. Whether you're looking for a unique gift, a stylish outfit, or just a great deal, you'll find it all right here. From trendy fashion and home goods to electronics and toys, Peoria IL has something for every shopper. So check out our list of deals and get ready to hit the shops in Peoria IL!

All Shopping Deals & Sales

Local Businesses & Cool Places | Peoria IL Region

Welcome to Peoria IL's Random Adventure Generator! Every time you refresh the page, you'll be presented with a new set of four randomly selected destinations, each offering its own unique experience. Whether you're a local resident or just visiting, these random draws will inspire you to explore Peoria IL in new and exciting ways. From outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to shopping, dining, and entertainment, there's always something new to discover. So join us on this journey and get ready to explore Peoria IL like never before!

The 33 Room

The 33 Room

The 33 Room

Today: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

PBR Brewery Taproom turned craft cocktail lounge. Check Google for the most accurate hours!

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Jar d'Ann

Jar d'Ann

Jar d'Ann

Today: 6:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Real Food, Real Easy. Jar d'Ann offers organic ready-to-make-at-home products like soups, chili, desserts, overnight oats, veggie burgers. And more!

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Fade Art Studio

Fade Art Studio

Fade Art Studio

Today: 6:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Fade art studio, a hair studio on the Peoria Riverfront. Offering A family friendly environment.

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Upgrade Mindsetz

Upgrade Mindsetz

Upgrade Mindsetz

Today: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Award-Winning Life/Business CoachMindset TransformationalistMotivational Speaker2x Podcaster 🎙Amazon Best Selling Author📚Serial Entrepreneur📈

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Current Poll & Positive Peoria IL News

Our goal is to shed light on the Peoria IL's rich history, vibrant culture, and bright future. From local events and attractions to restaurant reviews and positive movements, this website has got you covered. Take part in our polls and have your voice heard, and stay informed with our articles written by us. Join us in celebrating everything that makes Peoria IL the incredible place that it is.

Best Peoria Boutique!!!

Best Peoria Boutique!!!

Vote for your favorite Peoria Boutique!!!

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From the Riverboats to the Caterpillar Era: How Peoria Transformed Through Time

From the Riverboats to the Caterpillar Era: How Peoria Transformed Through Time

As someone who grew up in Peoria, I’ve always been fascinated by how our city has reinvented itself time and again. What started as a rough-and-tumble river town on the Illinois River became a symbol of American industry, resilience, and change. Peoria’s story isn’t just history, it’s our identity, written in the hum of the riverboats and the roar of factory engines.In the 1800s, Peoria’s location made it a natural hub for trade and travel. Steamboats glided up and down the Illinois River, carrying goods, whiskey, and opportunity. We were a river city through and through, known for our breweries, distilleries, and lively entertainment scene. Downtown Peoria pulsed with energy, and the riverfront was the beating heart of it all.Then came Caterpillar, the company that reshaped not just our skyline, but our sense of self. By the mid-1900s, Peoria had traded riverboats for bulldozers, and the city grew alongside one of the world’s most powerful manufacturing giants. Generations of families found stability and pride working for Cat, and the bright yellow machines became part of Peoria’s DNA.But the city didn’t stop there. Even after Caterpillar’s headquarters moved, Peoria adapted. We leaned into our arts scene, revived the riverfront, and kept pushing forward, just like we always have.When I walk along Water Street today, I can still feel echoes of both eras, the steamboat whistles and the factory hums. Peoria’s strength has always been its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. From the river to the machines, this city tells a story of hard work, heart, and home.

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“Will It Play in Peoria?”: How Our Hometown Became America’s Test Market

“Will It Play in Peoria?”: How Our Hometown Became America’s Test Market

Growing up in Peoria, I always heard the phrase, “Will it play in Peoria?” It wasn’t until I got older that I realized just how deep those words run. Our city, tucked along the Illinois River, once stood as the ultimate testing ground for what America might buy, eat, watch, or believe. From breakfast cereals to sitcom pilots, if it worked here, it was bound to work everywhere.Peoria’s reputation as the “Test Market Capital of America” wasn’t just luck. In the mid-20th century, companies saw Peoria as a perfect microcosm of the U.S. We had a balanced mix of blue-collar and white-collar workers, diverse income levels, and a good blend of urban and rural values. In many ways, we were “average America,” but that ordinariness made us powerful. National brands like Procter & Gamble, McDonald’s, and even Ford used Peoria to gauge how the rest of the country might respond to their products and advertising.For us locals, it sometimes felt normal, seeing a new soda flavor hit our grocery shelves before anyone else, or catching a TV show that hadn’t aired nationally yet. We didn’t always realize we were shaping trends. But in hindsight, Peoria’s voice mattered. We were the quiet pulse check for the American middle class.Today, the phrase still pops up, even if the testing happens more online than on Main Street. Still, there’s pride in knowing that our hometown once had the ear of the nation. “Will it play in Peoria?” isn’t just a marketing question, it’s a nod to the spirit of a community that has always reflected the heart of America.

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Detweiller Park: Peoria’s Natural Playground

Detweiller Park: Peoria’s Natural Playground

As a Peoria native, Detweiller Park has always stood out as one of the city’s most beautiful escapes. Nestled along the Illinois River, this massive park feels like a world away from downtown, yet it’s just minutes from the heart of Peoria. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a casual walker, or someone who just loves a bit of peace and quiet, Detweiller has something for everyone.Covering nearly 800 acres, Detweiller Park is best known for its scenic hiking and biking trails that wind through rolling hills, shaded forests, and open meadows. In the fall, the trees burst into brilliant colors, making it one of the most picturesque spots in central Illinois. Growing up here, I remember countless weekends spent exploring those trails with friends, always finding a new view or hidden corner to enjoy.It’s also home to one of the best cross-country courses in the Midwest. Every year, runners from across Illinois gather for competitions and invitationals, filling the park with energy and excitement. Even if you’re not a runner, it’s hard not to get caught up in the community spirit that surrounds those events.Beyond athletics, Detweiller offers plenty of places for relaxation, from picnic shelters and playgrounds to peaceful river overlooks. It’s where families gather, couples take long walks, and kids make memories that stick with them.What I love most about Detweiller Park is how it captures Peoria’s balance between nature and community. It’s wild yet welcoming, quiet yet alive with activity. For locals, it’s not just a park, it’s part of who we are.

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Latest Peoria Buzz Videos

Whether you're a local resident or just visiting, our videos will inspire you to explore Peoria IL like never before. From outdoor adventures and scenic drives to shopping and dining experiences, we've got it all covered. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the latest videos about Peoria IL. Get ready to experience the city in a whole new way!

Lets Grab a Drink at Bust'd Brewing!!!

Lets Grab a Drink at Bust'd Brewing!!!

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Lets See What We Can Find at Urban Artifacts!!!

Lets See What We Can Find at Urban Artifacts!!!

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Lets Get Some Fresh Air at Oxygen Party!!!

Lets Get Some Fresh Air at Oxygen Party!!!

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Lets Grab a Drink at W Down Under!!!

Lets Grab a Drink at W Down Under!!!

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