Ignite Peoria

Ignite Peoria Returns to the Peoria Civic Center Saturday, August 8th, 2026!

Perfect for the whole family, Ignite Peoria showcases hundreds of local makers, musicians, artists, innovators, dancers, and actors, all in one STEAM inspired interactive FREE day of fun and learning! The proud home of Midwest Makerfest, Sensory Ignite, and Fashion Ignite, this one of a kind festival boasts hands-on creation stations booths where attendees can learn about singing, writing, dancing, building, acting, painting, drawing, coding, 3D printing, robotics, and so much more! Additionally, the event showcases theatre, dance, spoken word, literary arts; and includes two live performance stages.

And it’s free! So mark your calendars and join us for Ignite Peoria 2026 from 9 AM – 5 PM.

Vendor registration is now open for 2026 including registration for Sensory Ignite, Globalfest, MakerFest, Mainstage performances, and the Arts Corridor!

Sensory Ignite is an integral part of Ignite Peoria, a celebration of creativity that goes above and beyond to accommodate visitors with disabilities or additional needs. Inspired by the vision of ArtsPartners, Sensory Ignite ensures that everyone can fully immerse themselves in the excitement of Ignite Peoria. Committed to fostering inclusivity and accessibility, Sensory Ignite offers a diverse range of thoughtful accommodations, including craft and sensory activities, engaging games, a calm room, and an adapted restroom equipped with an adult-sized changing table. Join us in celebrating creativity and having fun in a welcoming environment for all in our community!

Experience a dynamic and multi-faceted runway show featuring captivating performances and innovative, stylish designs from exceptionally talented designers, all presented by the renowned Haus of Runway Models. (Brought to you by the creators of Peoria Fashion Week.) Prepare to be inspired and delighted by multiple shows throughout the day at Peoria Ignite. We are proud and excited to bring the world of fashion to Ignite!

Midwest Makerfest, featured within Ignite Peoria, is a free, annual, large-scale STEAM-inspired festival in central Illinois. The event features numerous hands-on creation stations and booths focusing on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), and robotics. Local hobbyists and professionals display creations ranging from tech innovations to handmade crafts, including River City Labs demonstrations. Midwest Makerfest encourages hands-on exploration of new technologies and creative arts for all ages.

The Lauchpad is a smaller stage for individual performers to showcase their abilities whether through poetry, hip-hop, or musical instruments! There’s no sign-up necessary and anyone can try it out. The perfect opportunity to perform for an audience at a much smaller scale.

The PNC Arts Corridor features some of the Greater Peoria region’s best artists. Each booth is a creation station — so expect to dive in, learn, and create something unique! From printmaking and paper crafts, to an instrument “petting zoo,” card and bracelet making, colorful window hangings, and even the creation of short stories, the opportunities are as vast as your imagination. This is the only creative festival of its kind in the region, and it is happening on August 8th.

Celebrating diversity through exposure to the amazing
international cultures who have made their home in Central Illinois! Featuring ethnic food, display booths, artistic performances, fashion show in ethnic clothing, educational activities, music, and so much more!

The Ignite Peoria Main Stage features local performers and performing arts organizations. There’s something for everyone to see and experience and just like everything else in Ignite Peoria, it’s FREE!

2026 Vendors and Performers

Workshop Schedule

Floor	Room #	Time	Vendor	Workshop Title
1st Floor	Room 135	10 AM - 10:45 AM	Lux Blox	Build and Race a Robot Racer
1st Floor	Room 135	11 AM - 11:45 AM	My Writing Shed	Make & Take Anti-Scroll Journal
1st Floor	Room 135	2 PM - 2:45 PM	Affinity Illinois Dance Center	Creative Movement and Jazz & Jive
2nd Floor	Room 221	11 AM - 11:45 AM	FTC Tech Challenge	FTC 101: How to Start a Team
2nd Floor	Room 221	12 PM - 12:45 PM	FTC Tech Challenge	Java Programing, Sensors, and Robotics
2nd Floor	Room 221	1 PM - 1:45 PM	FTC Tech Challenge	3D CAD Modeling and Mechanical Design

About our Workshops

1st Floor (Room 135)

Lux Blox: Build and Race a Robot Racer (10 AM - 10:45 AM)

Build. Code. Drive. Race. Participants build their own remote-controlled racer using Lux Blox structural parts, powered by Kitronik motor driver boards and BBC micro:bit controllers. Each racer is assembled, coded, and tested on site, then driven through a hands-on obstacle course designed to test speed, maneuverability, and control. Participants don’t just watch robotics—they design it, debug it, and drive it. At the end: Race it. Tweak it. Run it again. Take it home (optional purchase). No instructions. No kits to memorize. Just structure, motion, and feedback. Ages 5-8 with adult supervision – 9- adult

My Writing Shed: Make & Take Anti-Scroll Journal (11 AM - 11:45 AM)

In this workshop, we’ll gift you a small journal, help you decorate the cover, and teach you seven ways to mindfully fill it. Anti-scroll journaling gives you an analog break from the digital world.

Affinity Illinois Dance Center: Creative Movement and Jazz & Jive (2 PM - 2:45 PM)

Creative Movement: A creative dance workshop where kids ages 3-6 can discover the magic of movement, expression, and creativity! Kids will use different props to learn dance fundamentals and explore their balance and creativity!

Jazz & Jive: A beginning jazz dance workshop for kids ages 7+ to explore basic jazz dance steps and put them together in a fun mini dance!

2nd Floor (Room 221)

FTC Tech Challenge: FTC 101 - How to Start a Team (11 AM - 11:45 AM)

Learn how to start a team with FTC!

FTC Tech challenge: java programming, sensors, and robotics (12 PM - 12:45 PM)

Learn about Java Programing, sensors and robots electronics

FTC Tech Challenge: 3D CAD modeling and Mechanical Design (1 PM - 1:45 PM)

3D CAD modeling and Mechanical Design

Help us make ignite peoria come to life!

Interested in learning more about becoming a sponsor for Ignite Peoria? Click here to see our sponsorship levels and find out how you can help support Ignite Peoria 2026!