The Peoria Art Fair 2025: Saturday & Sunday September 27 & 28 on the Peoria Riverfront
The highly anticipated Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair 2025 is set to return to downtown Peoria this September, once again bringing together talented artists, local residents, families, and art fans from across central Illinois. As the region’s most recognized annual art event, the Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair, now celebrating its 63rd anniversary, will take over Riverfront Festival Park on the Peoria Riverfront for a two-day celebration of creativity and community. With a national reputation, the Fine Art Fair offers not just a chance to browse and buy original works, but an opportunity to support Peoria’s vibrant arts scene and participate in activities for all ages. Whether you’re an avid collector, a casual visitor, or a family seeking a weekend outing, attending the Fine Art Fair is a great option.
The Fine Art Fair is more than just its long-standing tradition – it serves as the Peoria Art Guild’s most important fundraiser, supporting vital outreach and arts programming in the community. This year’s event promises a full program featuring exceptional fine art, artist demonstrations, live music along the riverfront, wine tastings from local wineries, dedicated kids’ activities, and collaborative art projects for adults and children alike. With its family-friendly pricing, and extensive free parking, the Fine Art Fair is a memorable way to end the summer festival season.
The Fine Art Fair will be held on Saturday, September 27 from 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday, September 28 from 10 am – 4 pm at Riverfront Festival Park on the Peoria Riverfront.
Admission is $10 per day, or free for kids 12 and under. Peoria Art Guild Members can gain early access to the fair at 9 am on Saturday. All proceeds support the Guild’s outreach, art education programs, and community projects.
The event welcomes a broad audience: art collectors, Peoria locals, visiting families, students, out-of-town guests, and anyone looking to engage with area artists and cultural programming. For those with further questions, the Peoria Art Guild’s experienced volunteers and staff will be on hand to answer questions, give directions, and provide event information. For ticket purchases, event maps, or more details, you can visit the Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair official website or call 309-637-2787.
Art, Activities, and Attractions: What to Expect at Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair 2025
Guests at the Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair 2025 can look forward to a full spectrum of art-focused activities and experiences. The heart of the fair is the curated display and sale of original works by dozens of emerging and established artists, many of whom travel nationally to participate. This year features special works by poster artist Melvin McGee, whose paintings aim to spark imagination and evoke meaningful connections for those who encounter them. Attendees will have the chance to witness art demonstrations, interact directly with artists, and even participate in the I BUY ART campaign, an initiative designed to reinforce the importance of supporting artists through direct purchases. Exclusive collector buttons, available with artwork purchases, serve as a badge of support for Peoria’s creative community.
The interactive OSF Community Mural will include hundreds of tiles that will come together through attendee participation over the course of the event, building a collective work inspired by the event’s featured artist, Melvin McGee.
Live entertainers this year include: Manual High School Drumline, Kevin Hart & Vibe Tribe, Todd Kelly & Water St. Stompers, Reggie Lewis Trio and Straight Answer Trio on Saturday and Peoria Ballet, Groove Project (Bradley University), Jazz Ensemble (Bradley University), Peoria Heights Community Band (directed by MJ Papich) and Nitsch Theatre Arts on Sunday.
Food and refreshments round out the event atmosphere. Visitors will find several food vendors serving festival favorites, alongside beverage tents with water, beer, and specialty wine tastings provided by local wineries such as Mackinaw Valley Winery, Tres Rojas Winery, Hidden Hills Winery, and Spoon River Junction Winery. Live music provides the backdrop for attendees as they explore artist booths, enjoy the riverfront view, and connect with friends and family. Souvenir seekers should not miss the commemorative poster and Fine Art Fair T-shirts, available for purchase at the Peoria Art Guild tent.
For children, the Kids Art Festival offers a no-cost, hands-on art experience using recycled materials. Young artists can make their own I Make Art buttons, create collages, design their own murals, or try their hand at instrument-making. Additional family-friendly entertainment includes balloon artists, face painters, and performances by magicians, ensuring there’s something to captivate all ages.
The Fair’s Local Impact and Ongoing Tradition in Peoria
The Fine Art Fair is more than an annual celebration – it is central Illinois’ largest and best-known fine art event, consistently drawing thousands to Peoria’s downtown riverfront. As the principal fundraising event for the Peoria Art Guild, the fair supports year-round art education, workshops, community outreach, and special programs such as the Sculpture Walk Peoria and Healing Through the Arts. Each year, the event’s success underscores Peoria’s reputation as a city that values creativity, cultural engagement, and access to original art.
Organizers highlight how the fair’s continued growth is made possible by over 500 dedicated volunteers, strong partnerships with local sponsors, and the supportive community of Peoria. The I BUY ART campaign and outreach efforts encourage residents and visitors not only to appreciate art but also to invest in it, fostering an environment where artists thrive and the city’s creative spirit is visible all year round.
The initiative helps establish Peoria as a supportive art community that welcomes our guests and artists to come back and explore more of what Peoria has to offer. Whether you’re returning after years of attendance or planning your first visit, the Fine Art Fair offers a tried-and-true way to celebrate what makes Peoria unique.
Plan Your Visit: How to Make the Most of the Fair
To fully enjoy all that the Fine Art Fair has to offer, plan to arrive early and use the free parking near the Gateway Building. Download or pick up a fair map to easily find your favorite artists, activity areas, and food stands. If you have questions or need assistance, look for volunteers in event T-shirts: they are ready to assist with directions, artist information, and updates on event features throughout the weekend. Consider bringing your family, friends, or out-of-town guests to explore the booths, make art together, and enjoy performances all set against the vibrant backdrop of the Peoria riverfront.
Secure Your Spot: Experience Peoria Art Fair 2025 Firsthand
Missing the Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair 2025 means passing up the chance to explore the best of central Illinois’ creative spirit, all while supporting the local community and its artists. From original art and wine tastings to hands-on projects and family fun, the fair has proven itself as a must-visit annual event that brings Peoria, Illinois together. With affordable admission, free activities for kids, and a broad range of programming for all interests, the fair is uniquely positioned to welcome both seasoned art lovers and casual visitors.
Tickets ($10 per day, free for children 12 and under) are available now HERE. Mark your calendars for September 27th and 28th, 2025, and bring your friends and family to experience the Fine Art Fair on the Peoria Riverfront. For more details or to inquire about membership, upcoming programs, or volunteer opportunities, visit the website or call 309-637-2787. Don’t miss your opportunity to take part in one of Illinois’ most celebrated art traditions.
