IGNITE PEORIA RETURNS AUGUST 8 WITH GLOBAL FEST, CULTURAL FOOD TRUCK COURT, AND HUNDREDS OF INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES
Free, family-friendly festival brings artists, makers, performers, innovators, and cultures from across Greater Peoria together under one roof
PEORIA, IL – ArtsPartners of Central Illinois is excited to announce the return of Ignite Peoria, the region’s premier free festival of creativity, innovation, and community, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, August 8, at the Peoria Civic Center. The one-of-a-kind festival will bring together hundreds of local artists, makers, musicians, innovators, dancers, actors, cultural organizations, and educators for a full day of hands-on exploration and live entertainment.
New this year, GlobalFest joins Ignite Peoria, bringing an even greater celebration of the international cultures that have made Central Illinois home. GlobalFest will feature cultural displays, artistic performances, educational activities, and traditional fashion. Attendees can also explore a new food truck court exclusive to Ignite Peoria, featuring cultural foods from participating vendors.
“This year is particularly exciting as we build on the momentum of new partnerships while celebrating all that we have right here in our region,” said Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright, Executive Director of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois. “Greater Peoria is filled with rich cultural heritage, people finding new and exciting ways to express their creativity, and artists who make our lives brighter. Ignite Peoria is the place to be if you want to discover something new. Every station has an interactive element, so you can try something for yourself and perhaps find your next favorite hobby or activity!”
Ignite Peoria is designed for participation by all. Throughout the Civic Center, attendees can sing, write, dance, build, act, paint, draw, code, experiment with 3D printing and robotics, and much more. Free workshops offered throughout the day include opportunities to build and race a robot racer, create an anti-scroll journal, explore creative movement and jazz dance, learn how to start a FIRST Tech Challenge team, practice Java programming and sensors, and discover 3D CAD modeling and mechanical design.
The festival is the proud home of Midwest Makerfest, Sensory Ignite, Fashion Ignite, the PNC Arts Corridor, the Ignite Peoria Main Stage, and the Launchpad. Midwest Makerfest encourages hands-on exploration of STEAM through demonstrations and activities led by local hobbyists, professionals, engineers, and innovators. The PNC Arts Corridor showcases regional artists, with every booth offering a creation station where visitors can learn directly from artists and make something of their own.
Sensory Ignite helps ensure that visitors with disabilities or additional needs can fully participate in the day. The welcoming area includes craft and sensory activities, games, a calm room, and an adapted restroom equipped with an adult-sized changing table. Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association organizes the experience with support from the Picket Fence Foundation. Sensory Ignite is open 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Fashion Ignite, presented by Haus of Runway Models and brought to Ignite by the creators of Peoria Fashion Week, will offer runway shows every hour featuring local designers, innovative looks, and live performance. Two live performance stages will highlight music, dance, theatre, spoken word, and other performing arts. The Launchpad offers a smaller, open mic platform where individuals can step up and share poetry, hip-hop, music, or other talent without advance registration.
Attendees should plan for the Peoria Civic Center’s Clear Bag Policy. Each guest may bring one approved bag: either a clear bag measuring no more than 12 x 6 x 12 inches or a clutch purse no larger than 5 x 8 inches. Diaper bags accompanying a young child and medical bags are permitted following inspection. Clear bags may not contain additional bags, purses, or pouches, and all guests and their belongings are subject to search. The venue does not provide storage for prohibited or confiscated items.
ArtsPartners extends sincere gratitude to the sponsors who make Ignite Peoria possible and free to the public. Ignite Sponsors include the City of Peoria, Peoria Civic Center, Community Foundation of Central Illinois, GlobalFest, and PNC Bank. Flame Sponsors include CEFCU, which provides free parking for all attendees, and Morton Industries, which will provide branded Ignite Peoria bags to attendees while supplies last. Illuminate Sponsors include Arts at ICC, Mary Jo Papich, River City Labs, OSF STEAM, Troxell Insurance, Victoria High Point Holdings, LLC., and Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association with the Picket Fence Foundation. Davis & Campbell LLC is the Spirit Level sponsor. Additional support is provided by the Illinois Arts Council.
Ignite Peoria Event Details:
Saturday, August 8, 2026
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL
Free admission and free parking, courtesy of CEFCU
More information: ignitepeoria.com
Since its inception, Ignite Peoria has celebrated the creativity and innovation that make Central Illinois unique. By bringing together artists, performers, educators, and makers from across the region, Ignite continues to inspire curiosity and connection while highlighting the power of the arts to bring communities together.
