05/30/2026
Join ArtsPartners of Central Illinois and Peoria County for a First Fridays Amplified pop-up lunchtime celebration on Friday, June 5 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. outside in the new Bicentennial Park at the Courthouse. Bring your lunch or purchase food from one of the food trucks on site. A ribbon-cutting to open Bicentennial Park in the Courthouse plaza will take place at 1 p.m.
“Peoria County is excited to officially open Bicentennial Park and show off the extensive renovations to this area,” said James C. Dillon, Peoria County Board Chairperson. “We previewed the park during our Bicentennial Block Party last year, which celebrated our 200th anniversary, and we’re looking forward to the public being able to now fully utilize this new and updated space.”
The newly renovated area includes new stone pavers, bronze bison statues within a new water feature, updated lighting, landscaping, and seating areas.
Hosting the inaugural First Fridays Amplified event in this space allows the community to experience the new plaza as a hub of art, music, and creativity. Peoria County is grateful to ArtsPartners of Central Illinois for selecting Bicentennial Park for their June 5 daytime event.
Some of the participating artists and performers include:
🎵 Live music by Goodnight Gracie
🎨 LNOR LLC, freelance illustrator and Studios on Sheridan artist, creating live paintings
💍 Sarah Leman of Sarah Sonder Design, featuring handcrafted sterling silver and bronze jewelry
🖌️ Sarahi Munoz of Cloudgaze, presenting watercolor illustrations inspired by fantasy and everyday beauty
🎈 Doug Smith and The Unique Twist & Twisting Crew with live balloon art entertainment
Food will be available to purchase from Tony's on Wheels (Haddad's Restaurant) and Chuy Blonos Tacos on Hamilton/Adams, plus attendees can get a free ice cream scoop from The Daily Scoop - Peoria Heights while supplies last until 1:30 p.m. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
