Join us on Sunday afternoons for Family Climb Time, when local families can experience indoor rock climbing alongside one of our experienced youth instructors!

Cost: Free for Members | $15 per climber (includes rental gear) | Free for adult spectators

Adults can spectate for free but are expected to stay and supervise kids under 14 at all times during Family Climb Time.

All new climbers and supervising adults will receive a thorough facility orientation and learn the basics of safety before climbing.

Please register online or by calling us at 309-966-0831. Advanced reservation is encouraged.

We look forward to climbing with you!

To book or for more info: https://faclimbing.portal.approach.app/event/4998/booking/550528

 

Booking Requirements

This class requires a Annual All Access Family Membership, Annual All Access Student Membership, Annual All Access Membership, Annual Peoria Family Add On Membership, Annual Peoria Family Membership, Annual Peoria Membership, Annual Peoria Student Membership, Daytime Membership DO NOT SELL, Founder Membership, Industry Membership, Monthly All Access Child Add On Membership, Monthly All Access Family Membership, Monthly All Access Membership, Monthly All Access Student Membership, Monthly Peoria Child Add On Membership, Monthly Peoria Family Add On Membership, Monthly Peoria Family Membership, Monthly Peoria Membership, Monthly Peoria Student Membership, One Month All Access Membership, One Month Peoria Membership, Rise Membership A, Rise Membership B, Rise Membership C, Staff Add-on Membership, Staff Membership, Annual All Access Family Add On Membership or $15 Family Climb Time

Max # of Participants: 45

Old meets new at the Bar at Black Band with River City DJs. Their eclectic mix of music is the perfect soundtrack for sipping hand-crafted cocktails and enjoying our carefully curated food menu (including our smash burger, which has made its comeback).

Mondays
6 - 9 pm

For more info: https://www.thebaratblackband.com/events

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Beginners Bachata Dance Class
Tuesdays, March 25-April 22, 6:30-7:30
Instructor: Spanky Fernando
Non-Member: $45, CAC Member: $40 
(price is per person for 5 lessons)
Registration deadline: March 18

Students may register for the class at https://peoriacac.org/events/beginners-bachata-dance/

For more information about each class, call 309-674-6822, email to cac@peoriacac.org

Since Bachata is a partner dance, registering with a partner is strongly suggested. This is an introduction to Bachata dancing for complete beginners. No prior dance experience is expected or required. The classes are held on the 2nd floor of the facility in the Preston Jackson Gallery. Press 2R in the elevator upon arrival.

We recommend wearing clothing that is light and cool. Since you will be spinning, wear something tighter fitting, especially around the torso and waist area. Wear simple flat shoes with smooth bottoms. Plan to practice at 'Salsa at CAC' every third Friday of the month.

About Bachata: 
The Contemporary Art Center (CAC) offers a partner dance class in Bachata, a dance style that originated in Dominican Republic. It is danced around the world as well as at Contemporary Art Center’s monthly dance, Salsa at CAC. The basic 8-count dance sequence is performed within a square format, consisting of three steps and then a tap or various forms of step syncopations. Danced to specific Bachata music, it features side stepping accompanied by an exaggerated "pop” of the hips. The form continues to evolve, influenced by various Latin and ballroom dance moves. After the lesson, students are invited to remain to practice what they learned in class. Bachata is a featured dance form at Salsa at CAC, Contemporary Art Center’s monthly dance, and another opportunity to improve your Bachata skills.

About Spanky Fernando: 
Spanky Fernando is a Peoria native and chief curator of Whiskey City Entertainment. He learned to dance salsa, bachata, and Chicago Steppin’ in Nashville and hosted Blackchata Thursdays. He won the Music City Top Performers and performed at the Rumba Room in Memphis. Since returning to Peoria, Senior Fernando has taught bachata at the following Peoria locations: Contemporary Art Center’s Salsa at CAC, the Mackinaw Valley Winery, Carver Community Center and Cafe Rosa Santa Rosa.

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/9483814638327889/9483814658327887?event_time_id=9483814658327887

Grab your friends and join us for THE BEST weekly trivia around!

Each week we have 7 rounds of Trivia designed to challenge you and ensure it's your best night of the week.

See you there!

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/451250454723514/451252734723286/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A%5B%7B%22surface%22%3A%22search%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D%5D%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, April 3, 2025 ~ 8:00 - 10:00 pm

When checking in at the door, be prepared to share your table and seat number.

Tickets in Advance Online: $5-members, $8-nonmembers, $3-poets + fees (till 6pm day of event)
If an event is not sold out, tickets will also be sold at the door.
Tickets at the door*: $9-members, $12-nonmembers, $5-poets
(*No money will be taken at the door unless we don’t reach our max capacity)
*Please Note that purchasing a Poet Ticket is a commitment to share your poetry on stage.
If you don't plan to read, then don't purchase a poet level ticket.

Water and Pop for $1.00 is offered at the bar.
Attendees may bring their own food and drink or bring in food and drink from the Rhythm Kitchen.

Experience a diverse open mic with artists from all backgrounds in a positive and inspiring atmosphere.
Peoria’s Open Mic for Poetry is held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.
Hosts: Ryan Lowry and Whitney Jensen with DJ YV

For tickets: Tickets309tix.com/events/whisper-shout-open-mic-for-poetry-190539

First Friday is a national movement among artists in many cities across the United States. Artists open their studios to present their work to the public.

First Friday events keep the arts in the forefront of a community.

 

Checkout Peoria's First Friday website for gallery openings and all the businesses who participate!

https://hellopeoria.co/first-friday

First Friday is a national movement among artists in many cities across the United States. Artists open their studios to present their work to the public.

First Friday events keep the arts in the forefront of a community.

 

Checkout Peoria's First Friday website for gallery openings and all the businesses who participate!

https://hellopeoria.co/first-friday

On the First Friday of the month, we are open from 6-9pm where you can come in to look around and purchase pottery.

At 7pm, if you are interested in trying the wheel out during our First Friday events, we schedule 45 minute sessions to take part in this opportunity.  A quick demonstration of throwing a pot is given.  Then everyone gets a chance to try throwing clay on their own wheel.  During this time, an instructor will be available to give hand-over-hand instruction to assist you in making a pot of your choice. 

Everybody keeps one piece (within the scale of a cereal bowl or coffee mug) which stays at the studio for finish work and firing.  When finished we notify you for pickup and, they are food-safe, dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe. 

Cost is $25/participant.  

Ages 5+ (children younger than 18 need be accompanied by an adult)

For upcoming dates, please refer to our Events Calendar (underneath).

We require pre-registration and pre-payment.  Please fill out the form underneath.  You will then receive an invoice which you can pay online.

Please show up no later than 6:45 if you will be throwing on the pottery wheels at the 7:00pm class.

Register here: https://www.wheelartpottery.studio/events/first-fridays-wheel-throwing

FRIDAY, APRIL 4

Game Highlight (3): Opening Night!

Peoria Chiefs are back in action for the 2025 season!

Game Highlight: Magnet Schedule Giveaway

The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a Peoria Chiefs 2025 magnet schedule! 

Game Highlight: Family Fridays

4 tickets for $50

 

SATURDAY APRIL 5

Game time 7:05

 

SUNDAY APRIL 6

Game Highlight: Sunday Funday

$5 Kids Tickets | Postgame Kids Run the Bases, On Field Catch & Autographs Presented by OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois

For tickets: www.milb.com/peoria/schedule/2025-04

Learn the basics of setting up a pottery wheel to throw, the proper tools needed, how to prepare the clay through a process called "wedging," centering, throwing on the wheel and how to clean up.

We give a demonstration of how to throw a pot. Next, we let you try by yourself for a short period of time. Then we give assistance, as needed, to create your own piece which can literally exist forever (unless it is heated to 2500 Fahrenheit:). You get to choose the glaze color of your piece.

Materials and firing is covered in the cost for one piece (approximate maximum size-up to 6" tall x 6" width x 6" length).
Everyone keeps one piece. Prices start at $25 for basic forms. 

Additional pieces of equivalent size are $5 (covers material and firing costs). These are paid for after the pottery session, if you create more than 1 piece you wish to keep.

Specialty Items are also available for additional cost. These require additional time, material, and firing.

Pieces are kept at the studio for finish work, glazing and two kiln firings, and are picked up at a later date. When finished, everything is food-safe, dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe.

Ages 5+
No experience necessary
Pre-registration and pre-payment required.

To register, please fill out and return this form: https://www.wheelartpottery.studio/events/wheel-101-class

Please don't forget to like and share our page, as we have recently had to start a new page from scratch due to hackers.

Thanks and hope Wheel see you soon!

Enjoy a tour and tasting with a BLACK BAND team member in our restored historic space in Peoria’s Warehouse District.

As you explore the distilling process from grain to glass, you will learn about mash bills, still technology, distillate selection, barrel aging and more. Please bring your photo ID and plan to arrive 15 minutes before your tour begins.

Private Events

If you are interested in learning more about our offerings, please fill out the request form and we will contact you to discuss details.

To book a tour: https://www.exploretock.com/blackbanddistillery/event/526145?date=2025-02-01&size=1&time=20%3A00

FRIDAY, APRIL 4

Game Highlight (3): Opening Night!

Peoria Chiefs are back in action for the 2025 season!

Game Highlight: Magnet Schedule Giveaway

The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a Peoria Chiefs 2025 magnet schedule! 

Game Highlight: Family Fridays

4 tickets for $50

 

SATURDAY APRIL 5

Game time 7:05

 

SUNDAY APRIL 6

Game Highlight: Sunday Funday

$5 Kids Tickets | Postgame Kids Run the Bases, On Field Catch & Autographs Presented by OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois

For tickets: www.milb.com/peoria/schedule/2025-04

Every Saturday night, join us for some great music along with drink & food specials! 

Like our Facebook page to see who's playing each week!

https://www.facebook.com/TheNeonBison

Live music every Saturday night! Check out our website to see who is playing! Bring your friends and come unwind on the weekend. Martini specials all week!

 

http://www.martinisonwater.com/?page_id=27