Events

  • Wine & Cheese Under the Stars | Top Space Stories of 2025

    (General - Friday, November 14, 2025)

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    Wine and Cheese Under the Stars

    Top Space Stories of 2025

    Friday, November 14 | 7-9 PM 

    Dome Planetarium 

    Enjoy and evening out in the Dome Planetarium where we will review the top space stories from 2025. Planetarium Director Renae Kerrigan will share gorgeous new images from space, review milestones in spaceflight, and top discoveries from missions exploring the Solar System. We will end the evening with a flight to the edge of space and back.

    Each ticket includes up to three glasses of wine or other drinks and a charcuterie box from Bella’s Charcuterie.

    Doors open at 6:50 PM

    The program will be in two parts, allowing time to socialize and refill your wine glass between the shows.

    Ages 21+

    $45 members | $55 public

    Tickets can be purchased here.


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  • Movie Mixer: Finding Nemo

    (General - Saturday, November 15, 2025)

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    MOVIE MIXER: FINDING NEMO

    Saturday, November 15, 2025 

    Doors open at 5 p.m. | Crafts 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Tour of Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission at 5:30 p.m. | Movie Screening at 6:30 p.m. 

    Join us at the Peoria Riverfront Museum for a special Movie Mixer event!

    Go on an undersea adventure with a tour of Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission presented by CEFCU, then journey into the ocean with Nemo and friends with a screening of Pixar's Finding Nemo on the largest Film Society screen in the nation! Crafts will be available up until the start of the movie. 

    Schedule:

    Doors open | 5 p.m. 

    Crafts | 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

    Tour of Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission | 5:30 p.m. 

    Screening of Finding Nemo | 6:30 p.m. 

    Get tickets HERE

    Sponsored by Visionary Society, Film Society, Family Fun Club

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  • Member Appreciation Day 2025

    (General - Friday, November 28, 2025)

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    MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY

    Friday, November 28, 2025  |  10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

    ONE DAY ONLY! 

    $10 OFF ALL MEMBERSHIPS!* 30% OFF MUSEUM STORE!**

    Use code 10OFF for online sales!

    Our Peoria Riverfront Museum team of staff, volunteers and board members want to say “Thank you!” for your support as a member of the Museum family. Please join us Friday, November 28, 2025 for Member Appreciation Day. Take advantage of these members-only perks!

    • $10 OFF NEW, RENEWAL and GIFT Memberships*
    • 30% OFF** Museum Store merchandise 
    • Family fun activities from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
    • Free holiday films in the Giant Screen Theater
    • Free Holiday Laser Light show in the DOME Planetarium 
    • Member-exclusive lounge with complimentary refreshments! 

    *New, Renewal or Gift Memberships. Offer valid November 28, 2025 only.

    **Consignment items not included.

    MUSEUM ACTIVITIES

    10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Planetarium activity with Nick Rae on the Sun Plaza

    12 p.m.  3 p.m. - Crafts and sensory cart in the lobby and galleries 

    12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.- A tour of Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission , presented by CEFCU. 

    DOME PLANETARIUM SCHEDULE

    Free for members

    • 11:30 a.m. - Perfect Little Planet
    • 1 p.m.- Laser Holiday Magic
    • 2 p.m.- Sky Tonight
    • 3 p.m.- Ocean Worlds: Tour the Solar System
    • 4 p.m.-  Laser Holiday Magic

    GIANT SCREEN THEATER SCHEDULE

    Free for members

    • 10 a.m. - Frosty the Snowman (1969)
    • 11 a.m. - How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
    • 12 p.m.  - Frosty the Snowman (1969)
    • 1 p.m. - How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
    • 2 p.m. - Frosty the Snowman (1969)
    • 3 p.m. - How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
    • 4 p.m. - Frosty the Snowman (1969)
    • 5 p.m. - How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

    Members get more at the Peoria Riverfront Museum!
    Not a member? Join on our website today , get details at the ticket counter, or call (309) 686-7000.

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  • Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

    (General - Tuesday, December 2, 2025)

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    CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE: TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

    Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 6:30 p.m. | Outside on Water Street

    Join us on December 2, 2025 as we light up Peoria's Community Christmas Tree! 

    This 60-ft tree will stand tall on the Peoria Riverfront Museum's beautiful riverside campus, bringing cheer and holiday spirit to our community! This event is FREE to the general public, and will include a live brass quartet and more magical holiday cheer!

    See the tree in all it's fully lit Christmas glory at Christmas in the Village , December 5, 2025 and December 6, 2025. 

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  • Christmas in the Village 2025

    (General - From Friday, December 5, 2025 until Saturday, December 6, 2025)

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    Presented by Doug and Diane Oberhelman and Cullinan Properties
        

    CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE

    Friday, December 5, 2025 and Saturday, December 6, 2025 | Museumwide Event!

    Village open Friday from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Village open Saturday from 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

    Tickets:
    Members: Family $50 | Individual $20
    General public: Family $60 | Individual $25

    Family tickets allow for two adults and up to four children. Children under the age of two get in free. More information on what your ticket includes HERE

    Get tickets at either link below. One ticket covers Village admission both Friday and Saturday!

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    One ticket will admit you to both days of Christmas In The Village, Friday and Saturday. 

    Xmas Lights

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    Join us for Christmas in the Village at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, in support of the Every Student Initiative

    Alison Unkovich, who worked as an educator in Chicago for a decade, has returned to her hometown of Peoria, IL. Her vision of Christmas in the Village is to create a magical Christmas event that will provide an opportunity to bring our community together during the holiday season, as well as raise resources for the Museum’s Every Student Initiative. Alison is grateful for the amazing community and sponsors whose support helps raise up this village and bring this wonderful event to life on the Peoria Riverfront.

    Xmas Lights

    We are excited to present the fourth annual Christmas in the Village in Peoria, IL! This special event continues to grow each year, featuring an exciting line up of local food trucks and vendors, hot chocolate and holiday cocktails, horse-drawn carriage rides, a holiday laser light show, carolers, live animals, the Peoria Ballet Nutcracker ballerinas, holidays movies in the Giant Screen Theater, museum exhibitions, some special exciting surprises, and Peoria’s LARGEST live Christmas tree!

    A one stop shop for all your holiday decor and gift giving for the special people in your life! We can’t wait to once again enjoy the magic of the Christmas season with our community! All proceeds from the Village will go towards the Museum's Every Student Initiative.

    • Peoria's largest LIVE Christmas tree!
    • Local vendors
    • Food trucks
    • Santa
    • Hot Chocolate
    • Holiday Cocktails
    • Body Art
    • Carriage rides
    • All Museum exhibitions open
    • Holiday laser light show
    • Carolers
    • Caricatures
    • Live animals
    • Merry Makers Tables
    • Peoria Ballet Nutcracker ballerinas
    • Holiday themed movies in the Giant Screen Theater
    • A picture with Santa
    • Santa's Workshop Area
    • And so much more! 

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    IT TAKES A VILLAGE...THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS!

    Christmas Angel Presenting Sponsor

    • Doug and Diane Oberhelman and Cullinan Properties

    Christmas Village Sponsor

    • Alison and Matthew Unkovich
    • Green View

    Snow Globe Sponsor

    • Altorfer CAT
    • Caterpillar
    • The Chambers Family
    • City of Peoria
    • Federal Companies
    • Muir Omni Graphics
    • Prairie Home Alliance
    • Vonachen Group

    Snowman Sponsor

    • American Crane and Aerial
    • Artemis Esthetics and Wellness
    • Centre State International Trucks
    • JIMAX
    • Kathy and Dan Becker
    • Laura and Allen Cullinan
    • Polly Barton
    • Rammos Plastic Surgery and medSPA
    • R. Gingerich Crane
    • Sally Snyder

    Candy Cane Sponsor

    • Big Picture Social Media
    • CBI Bank and Trust
    • CXT Roasting Company
    • Matt and Kris Coulter
    • Nellie Photography
    • Oberlander Electric
    • Pyles Trucking
    • Rachel and Nathan Kress
    • Sid Paul Ruckriegel and Andrew Rand
    • Laurie and Dave Williams

    Neighborhood Sponsor

    • Farnsworth Group
    • Grandview Capital Group at Morgan Stanley
    • PIPCO
    • Preckshot Compounding Pharmacy
    • Rob and Kathleen Temple

    Jingle Bell Sponsor

    • Andrew and Amanda Chambers
    • Country Financial
    • INB
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  • Laser Light Night | Holiday Magic, Journey, Stranger Things

    (General - Friday, December 19, 2025)
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    Laser Light Nights are back at the DOME featuring an all new experience!

    Sit back, relax and rock out with our new laser light system from "the worldwide leader in planetarium laser light shows," Laser Fantasy! Experience the full 3D excitement! The system features a graphics laser projector with special effects, a haze machine & a new beam projector, plus a fresh playlist of 20+ performances, from Beyoncé to The Beatles! Pick up show-enhancing spectrum glasses and refreshments at concessions!

    SHOW SCHEDULE

    December 19 
    6:00 – Laser Holiday Magic
    7:15 – Laser Journey (new show!)
    8:30 – Laser Stranger Things

    $5 Visionary Society Members | $7 Members | $10 Public

    Buy tickets online now click here.
    Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone at 309.686.7000.

    (Note: These shows contain lyrics to popular songs and some may not be suitable for all ages.)

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  • Yoga Under the Stars | Winter Solstice

    (General - Saturday, December 20, 2025)

    Yoga Under the Stars 

    Join us for a one-of-a-kind winter yoga experience beneath the stars at the Dome Planetarium. This guided flow will invite you to slow down, ground deeply, and reconnect to yourself as the year comes to a close. Under the glow of the night sky, we’ll move through intentional poses that restore balance, release tension, and create space for renewal as we step into a new season. Whether you’re a regular on the mat or brand new to yoga, this evening offers a peaceful reset, a moment to breathe, reflect, and realign beneath the celestial canopy.

    Participants are asked to bring their own mats.

    Each session will be an hour and 15 minutes long.

    Saturday, December 20 
    Doors open at 5:45, Event starts at 6 PM

    Tickets here.

    $20 Members | $25 Public

    All sessions are an hour and 15 minutes in length.

    Limited mats are available, please bring a mat and a light blanket. Doors open at 5:45 pm. All supplies provided for programs unless otherwise noted. All paid programs require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required.

  • Laser Light Night: ABBA, 90s, KISS

    (General - Friday, January 23, 2026)

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    Laser Light Nights are back at the DOME featuring an all new experience!

    Sit back, relax and rock out with our new laser light system from "the worldwide leader in planetarium laser light shows," Laser Fantasy! Experience the full 3D excitement! The system features a graphics laser projector with special effects, a haze machine & a new beam projector, plus a fresh playlist of 20+ performances, from Beyoncé to The Beatles! Pick up show-enhancing spectrum glasses and refreshments at concessions!

    SHOW SCHEDULE


    January 23
    6:00 – Laser ABBA
    7:15 – That 90s Laser Show (new show!)
    8:30 – Laser KISS

    February 27
    6:00 – That 90s Laser Show (new show!)
    7:15 – Laser Daft Punk
    8:30 – Laser Lady Gaga

    March 13
    6:00 – Laser Movie Magic (family friendly, 30 minutes)
    7:15 – Laser Beatles
    8:30 – Laser Lizzo

    $5 Visionary Society Members | $7 Members | $10 Public

    Buy tickets online now click here.
    Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone at 309.686.7000.

    (Note: These shows contain lyrics to popular songs and some may not be suitable for all ages.)

  • Laser Light Night | 90's, Daft Punk, Lady Gaga

    (General - Friday, February 27, 2026)

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    Laser Light Nights are back at the DOME featuring an all new experience!

    Sit back, relax and rock out with our new laser light system from "the worldwide leader in planetarium laser light shows," Laser Fantasy! Experience the full 3D excitement! The system features a graphics laser projector with special effects, a haze machine & a new beam projector, plus a fresh playlist of 20+ performances, from Beyoncé to The Beatles! Pick up show-enhancing spectrum glasses and refreshments at concessions!

    SHOW SCHEDULE


    February 27
    6:00 – That 90s Laser Show (new show!)
    7:15 – Laser Daft Punk
    8:30 – Laser Lady Gaga

    March 13
    6:00 – Laser Movie Magic (family friendly, 30 minutes)
    7:15 – Laser Beatles
    8:30 – Laser Lizzo

    $5 Visionary Society Members | $7 Members | $10 Public

    Buy tickets online now click here.
    Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone at 309.686.7000.

    (Note: These shows contain lyrics to popular songs and some may not be suitable for all ages.)

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  • Laser Light Night: Movie Magic, Beatles, Lizzo

    (General - Friday, March 13, 2026)

    Dome Laser Lights Generic Wb (4)

    Laser Light Nights are back at the DOME featuring an all new experience!

    Sit back, relax and rock out with our new laser light system from "the worldwide leader in planetarium laser light shows," Laser Fantasy! Experience the full 3D excitement! The system features a graphics laser projector with special effects, a haze machine & a new beam projector, plus a fresh playlist of 20+ performances, from Beyoncé to The Beatles! Pick up show-enhancing spectrum glasses and refreshments at concessions!

    SHOW SCHEDULE

    March 13
    6:00 – Laser Movie Magic (family friendly, 30 minutes)
    7:15 – Laser Beatles
    8:30 – Laser Lizzo

    $5 Visionary Society Members | $7 Members | $10 Public

    Buy tickets online now click here.
    Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone at 309.686.7000.

    (Note: These shows contain lyrics to popular songs and some may not be suitable for all ages.)

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