On this week's episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks to Director Jake Van Hoorn about Dracula, on stage Oct. 9-11 and 15-18 at Peoria Players Theatre. In this Steven Dietz adaptation, the play stays close to Bram Stoker’s original novel. Dracula is presented as a charismatic but terrifying predator, embracing some of the darker material often omitted from other versions.

A capital campaign seeks to raise $3 million to enable the Five Points Washington community center to bolster its aquatics, performing arts and gathering spaces.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Kathryn McBride of Peoria Public Library about the 25th anniversary of Peoria Reads and its Oct. 10 Block Party at Columbia Park. Inspired by this year’s selection, Angeline Boulley’s book "Warrior Girl Unearthed," the free and family-friendly celebration brings the book’s exploration of Indigenous history, identity, and culture into the community through speakers, food demonstrations and tastings, artists, vendors, food trucks and activities for all ages.

The organization leading development plans for an outdoor amphitheater along the Peoria side of the Illinois River says it is forging ahead despite the death of its founder late last year.

As additions and improvements emerge throughout the Bradley University campus, the institution looks to place a renewed emphasis on homecoming weekend. The inaugural yard party Saturday on the Alumni Quad stands as the centerpiece for three days of homecoming festivities.

New general manager Beau Sutherland presented the entertainment and convention complex’s latest annual report at the most recent Peoria City Council meeting, showing an adjusted gross income of $7.8 million.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Elizabeth Klise, executive director of the Peoria Historical Society, about a new exhibition entitled "Joseph Petarde: Maestro of Stone," on view Oct. 1-28 at Peoria Public Library’s Main Library.

ART Inc. is looking to expand with new creative maker space in south Peoria.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Megan Scott, executive director of the Peoria Art Guild, about the 64th annual Fine Art Fair, returning Sept. 26 and 27 to the Peoria Riverfront. More than 100 artists from 13 states and three countries will showcase painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, printmaking, glass, and more, alongside local emerging artists.

An estimated crowd of around 400 first responders, elected officials, civic leaders and community members attended the 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Friday at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Amy McCoy, executive director of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, about the 2026 Pekin Marigold Festival, taking place Sept. 9 through the 13. The event began as an art show over half a century ago, and today Art in the Park continues that creative tradition with more than 230 vendors offering handmade and homemade work ranging from painting and writing to woodworking and other crafts.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Mengrong Taylor, chair of the Peoria Chinese Association, about the Peoria Dragon Boat Race on Sept. 13 at the Peoria Riverfront. The celebration offers visitors a chance to experience Chinese traditions while exploring the connections between art, culture, teamwork and community.