HOI Fair, Pride Fest and more: Here are 5 things to do in Peoria this weekend

July is full of activities. Here are five events you might want to check out in the Peoria area this weekend.

Heart of Illinois Fair

The HOI Fair will conclude its 75th year this weekend at Exposition Gardens. The fair will run through Saturday, July 20, and features an animatronic dinosaur expedition, various agricultural events, a demolition derby, a high-flying trapeze show and more. For tickets and a full schedule of events, visit www.heartofillinoisfair.com.

A.J. Croce in concert

Singer/songwriter A.J. Croce will bring his "Croce Plays Croce" tour to the Peoria Civic Center Theater at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 19. A.J. will perform many of his father Jim Croce's hits, as well as his original work. Tickets start at $44.50 and can be purchased online at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.

River City Pride Fest

River City Pride Fest 2024, presented by Peoria Proud, will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 20, at Riverfront Park in Downtown Peoria. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children ages 17 and under. The event will include activities for the whole family. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.peoriaproud.org.

43rd Annual St. Jude Runs

Spectators can cheer on St. Jude runners from all over the Midwest as they converge on the Peoria Civic Center beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20. Runners will arrive from about 2 to 4 p.m. from locations as far away as Memphis, TN. Food will be available from vendor trucks from 2 to 7 p.m. and the St. Jude Store will open inside the Civic Center at 2 p.m. A runners parade will begin at 5 p.m. and the annual St. Jude Telethon will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Mackinaw Valley Art & Wine Festival

The Annual Mackinaw Valley Vineyard Art & Wine Festival will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard and Winery, 33633 IL Route 9, Mackinaw. The event will feature local artists specializing in ceramics, glass, wood, metal work, jewelry, oil painting and fiber. Wine tasting will be featured in the Pavilion and the tasting room, and the outdoor deck bar will have domestic and specialty beers available. There will also be live entertainment by Greg Williams throughout the day. Admission is free.