Annual festivals, comedy, music and more: 16 September events around Peoria

As summer ends and fall begins in central Illinois, the calendar is packed with special events and popular annual festivals.

Here are 16 things to do in the Peoria area in the month of September.

1. Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair

The 62nd annual Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair will be Sept. 28-29 on the Peoria Riverfront. As one of the oldest art organizations in the country, the art fair is nationally recognized and showcases national, regional and local artists. The Art Fair features original works of art will include jewelry, painting, ceramics, photography, digital art and so much more. This is the Peoria Art Guild's major fundraising event of the year. All proceeds benefit the Art Guild's community outreach and programming. For more information, visit https://www.peoriaartguild.org/fine-art-fair-event-info .

2. Foreigner and Loverboy in concert

Legendary rock & roll bands Foreigner and Loverboy will take the stage at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the Peoria Civic Center Arena. Tickets start at $44.50 and can be purchased online at www.peoriaciviccenter.com .

3. Peoria Promise fundraiser

The Event, a fundraiser benefiting the Peoria Promise Foundation, will be held Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. Doors open and cocktails and hors d'oeuvres begin at 6 p.m. and dinner service, recognitions, presentations, raffles and art auction begin at 7 p.m. KC FLO will perform at 8 p.m. Homecoming style cocktail attire is encouraged. attire is encouraged. Tickets are $225 per person and can be purchased at www.peoriapromise.org .

4. Oktoberfest on the Peoria Riverfront

The German American Central Society and the Peoria Park District are sponsoring the 28th annual Peoria Oktoberfest on Sept. 20-22 to promote German culture and heritage of central Illinois. The events will be held at Peoria Riverfront Festival Park, 200 NE Water Street. For a full schedule of events and to purchase advance tickets, visit www.OktoberfestPeoria.com .

5. Woofstock 2024 in Edwards

Bring your lawn chair and your pooch to enjoy live entertainment at Woofstock 2024. The event will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, at Sommer Park, 6329 N. Koerner Road, Edwards. A $20 admission includes one person and one dog (children ages 12 and under admitted free). A $40 admission includes one person and one dog and includes one T-shirt. All dogs must wear rabies tag, be on a non-retractable leash, have current vaccinations, socialize well, be at least 6 months of age and not be in heat. For more information, visit www.samsrescue.org .

6. An evening of comedy with Ali Siddiq

Stand-up comedian and public speaker Ali Siddiq will bring his "I Got a Story to Tell" tour to the Peoria Civic Center Theater at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased online at www.peoriaciviccenter.com .

7. Horror convention at Expo Gardens

Horror Fiesta, an all ages, family-friendly convention celebrating all things horror, will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Exposition Gardens, 1601 Northmoor Road. Special guests include actors Terri Partyka ("Haunt," "The Woman in the Room"), Candice Rose ("Stranger Things," "Halloween Ends") and Justin Rose ("Haunt," "Double Walker") and author Richard Born ("The Bizarre Events at Hellman Elementary"). Admission is $10 and children ages 6 and under are free. For more information, visit www.horrorfiesta2024.com.

8. 'Impractical Jokers' alum returns to Peoria

Comedian and former co-star of "Impractical Jokers" Joe Gatto will bring his "Let's Get Into It" tour to the Peoria Civic Center Theater at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13. The show will also feature opening act Mark Jigarjian. Tickets start at $39.75 and can be purchased online at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.

9. Hopscotch 2024

Hopscotch, Peoria PlayHouse’s annual grown-ups-only fundraising event, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at the Peoria Playhouse Children's Museum, 2218 N. Prospect, Road. The event will include whiskey-based cocktails, craft beer and wine from local restaurants and vendors, heavy hor d'oeuvres, games, an online auction and raffle. Tickets are $75 for general admission or $115 for VIP and must be purchased in advance at www.peoriaplayhouse.org .

10. 2024 Morton Pumpkin Festival

The 2024 Morton Pumpkin Festival will be held Sept. 11-14 at various locations throughout Morton. This year's theme is "Pumpkins Run for the Roses" and the event will include a large assortment of pumpkin-flavored foods, carnival rides, live entertainment and more. For a full schedule of events and more information, visit www.mortonpumpkinfestival.com .

11. Annual cat show at Expo Gardens

The American Gothic Annual Cat Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at Exposition Gardens, 1601 Northmoor Road. Come see over 100 purebred and household pet cats compete for top cat in different judging rings throughout the day. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and children ages 5-12 and free for children ages 4 and under.

12. Peoria Players presents 'Footloose: The Musical'

Peoria Players will present its run of "Footloose: The Musical," based on the classic film, from Sept. 6-8 and Sept. 12-15 at the theater, 4300 N. University St. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.peoriaplayers.org .

13. Children's Home cattle auction

The 59th annual cattle auction to benefit Children's Home Association of Illinois will be held from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, at Venue Chisca, 1009 SW Washington St. The live auction will feature luxury trips, uniquely curated experiences and signature favorites. There will also be a BBQ dinner and live music by country music entertainer DJ DU. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased online at www.chail.org .

14. Elmwood Fall Festival

The City of Elmwood will hold its annual Fall Festival on Sept. 5-7 in on the square in Historic Downtown. The event will include carnival rides each night; live music by Press Play from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Minivan Morrisey from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Common Ground from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday; and a Medieval Times-themed parade at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit the Elmwood Fall Festival Facebook page.

15. 2024 Pekin Marigold Festival

The Pekin Marigold Festival will be held from Sept. 4-8 at Mineral Springs Park in Pekin. This year's theme is "Marigold Rockin' The Bicentennial" and the event will include a carnival, parade, festival foods, live entertainment and more. For a full schedule of events and more information, visit https://pekinchamber.com/pekin-marigold-festival .

16. Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival

Mackinaw Valley Vineyard's annual Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1, at the vineyard, 33633 Illinois Route 9, Mackinaw. There will be two large stomping bins and participants can stomp alone or with a partner. Wine flights will be available all day and live music will be presented by Shipwreck Kelly. Attendees can also come dressed as Lucille Ball and participate in a Lucy look-alike contest. Admission is $5 per person and free for children ages 12 and under.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Annual festivals, comedy, music and more: 16 September events around Peoria