Ring in the new year early with an afternoon full of family fun at the 2025 PNC New Year’s Eve Kids Countdown! From 3–5:45 PM, enjoy hands-on activities, interactive booths, and live entertainment at the Peoria Civic Center.

Kids can meet their favorite princesses and superheroes, get a caricature drawing by Joe the Art Guy, and enjoy balloon twisting with Unique Twist, and face painting, hair tinsel, and henna tattoos with Wild Style. Explore even more fun with Fun on the Run inflatables, GameOn, the Peoria Playhouse Imagination Playground, rock painting with First Ascent, and so much more!

The stage will feature exciting performances by Safari Joe, Flynn School of Irish Dance, Communication Junction, The Penguin Project, magician Joel Shoemaker, and Coach Bre Cottage’s cheerleading group.

As the countdown approaches, Coach Bre Cottage’s cheerleaders will lead everyone outside to the Sonar Tide Patio for a 6 PM ball drop and fireworks to celebrate the start of 2025—kid-style!

Admission to the event is free!

A big thank-you to all of our incredible sponsors and partners for helping make this year’s celebration possible! Your support brings the magic to life, and we couldn’t do it without you.

PNC Bank

BetterBuilt

OSF Children's Hospital

Caterpillar

Toyota

i3 Broadband

Prairie Home Alliance

PIP Printing

Macaroni Kids

101.1 Sports Radio, 99.9 WWCT, & 98.5 Kiss FM

For more info: https://www.peoriaciviccenter.com/event/2025-pnc-new-years-eve-kids-countdown/59/

New Year’s Eve Salsa at CAC
Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Welcome in the New Year at Contemporary Art Center with complementary party favors and a champagne toast. Bring in the New Year with us!

Dance lesson 8:30-9:30 pm
Open dancing 9:30-1:00 am
to music of DJ Ed Caballero

$12.00 nonmembers
$8.00 CAC Members

Thinking about attending a dance? Below are answers to common questions:

What are the dances like?
In addition to this special event, we offer a Salsa dance on the 3rd Friday of each month. Everyone is here to enjoy the dance and improve their skills in partner dancing. The dance appeals to all ages and cultures. Chairs and small tables are placed along the walls while the middle of the 2600 sq. ft. room is open for dancing.

Do you serve food or drinks?
Bottles of water, soda and ice are offered for $1.00 each. Bottle openers are available. Guests may also bring their own drinks and food. Another option is to order food and drink as carry out from the Rhythm Kitchen, the restaurant/bar on the 1st floor, and bring it up the dance.

Should I come to a dance considering I have no dance experience?
At the beginning of every dance, we offer a complimentary dance lesson to teach the basics of Salsa, Merengue and Bachata. The dance lesson is designed for those with no dance experience. Don’t worry about being embarrassed or standing out! Most everyone will be dancing for the first time. 

Do I need a partner?
Partners are not required to attend a dance. For the lesson, we divide the students into leaders and followers facing each other. The person across from you will be your partner for the lesson. Of course, if you come with a partner, you can dance with them. Throughout the night, ask others to dance or stand at the edge of the dance floor watching the action. This signals to others you want to dance.

What kinds of music does the DJ play?
Mostly Salsa is played but also Cha Cha, Bachata, Merengue, Tango, Reggaeton, R&B, Cumbia. Occasionally popular tunes with a Latin twist and R&B are thrown into the mix.

What do people usually wear to the dances?
There is a variety of attire. Some people come in jeans and t-shirts. Some come dressed up; in pretty dresses with high heels and dress pants and shirts. Inexperienced dancers should wear simple, flat, dress shoes with smooth bottoms that fit tightly to the foot. Carrying in the shoes you will wear to dance is a good idea, especially in the winter. In general, we recommend wearing clothing that is light and cool, even if it is cold outside. Since you will be spinning, wear something tighter around the torso and waist area. 

Questions:
William Butler 
CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER
305 SW Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602 • 309-674-6822 • cac@peoriacac.org • www.peoriacac.org

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1266047555562252