St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and more - March 11

PEORIA (25News Now) - Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early or maybe go see a theatrical performance. Check out some of the events happening in Central Illinois this weekend!

Blarney Blitz 5K Run/Walk

The Blarney Blitz is back! Central Illinois’ St. Patrick’s Day-themed race is taking place on the Riverfront Trail and will start and finish near the former Hooter’s building. The course includes a 5K run and walk, as well as costumes!

Participants will receive an official 2023 Blarney Blitz beer glass, St. Paddy’s Day beads, one drink ticket (beer or soda), and entrance to the post-race party with food at Kelleher’s Irish Pub.

When: Packet pick-up begins at 7:00 a.m. | Race starts at 8:00 a.m.

Where: RC Outfitters (packet pick-up) and Riverfront Trail (race)

Cost: $40 per participant

More information can be found here.

Sharin’ of the Green Parade

The Sharin’ of the Green Parade kicks off this afternoon in Upton Normal. The annual event is an opportunity for the community to “share the green” by donating to Children’s Home & Aid. The agency serves 3,000 children and families every year with prevention, family support, and family-strengthening services.

When: March 11 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Where: Uptown Normal

More information, including the parade route, can be found here.

Inaugural West Side St. Patrick’s Day Parade

West Peoria is getting into the holiday spirit this year! The inaugural West Side St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held between Park Road and Swords Ave. on Farmington Road, which will be closed from 10:45 a.m. until the parade ends around noon. A shuttle will be available.

When: March 11 at 11:00 a.m.

Where: Farmington Road

More information can be found here.

Farmers Share of the Food Dollar Breakfast

After a three-year absence, the 20th Farmers Share of the Food Dollar Breakfast is back. The price of the breakfast – which includes eggs, pancakes, and sausage – is based on the “farm” value of the menu items. Also, for the fifth year, the breakfast will be green, meaning that plates and tableware will be composted in rural Peoria County.

When: March 11 from 7:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Where: Exposition Gardens in Peoria

Cost: $1.25 per person

More information can be found here.

“In the Heights”

Peoria Players Theatre presents “In the Heights,” a musical with concept, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The musical, set in the Washington Heights neighborhood in Upper Manhattan, tells the story of a young storeowner who watches the joys and heartbreaks of his tight-knit community.

When: March 11 & 16-18 at 7:30 p.m. | March 12 & 19 at 2:00 p.m.

Where: Peoria Players Theatre

Cost: $20 for adults | $15 for people 20 and younger

More information and tickets can be found here.

Click here for a preview of the musical.

“She Kills Monsters”

Corn Stock Theatre presents “She Kills Monsters,” a high-octane dramatic comedy that tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. The show is a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us.

When: March 11 & 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. | March 12 & 19 at 2:30 p.m.

Where: Corn Stock Theatre

Cost: $14 for adults | $10 for students (with a valid ID)

More information and tickets can be found here.

15th Annual Gospel Brunch

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is hosting its 15th Annual Gospel Brunch. The brunch will feature keynote speaker Marcia L. Fudge, the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Sorority’s 21st National President. Proceeds from the brunch will benefit scholarship and youth programs sponsored by the Bloomington-Normal Alumnae Chapter.

When: March 11 at 10:00 a.m.

Where: Doubletree Hotel, 10 Brickyard Drive in Bloomington

Cost: $55 Adults | $30 Kids ages 5-12 | Kids 4 and under are free

More information and tickets can be found here.

Denim and Diamonds Event

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is also hosting a Denim and Diamonds event as part of the Sorority’s 40th Anniversary celebration. There will be a live DJ as well as light appetizers. Proceeds will benefit scholarship and youth programs sponsored by the Bloomington-Normal Alumnae Chapter.

When: March 11 from 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Where: Doubletree Hotel, 10 Brickyard Drive in Bloomington

Cost: $30 Online | $35 At the door

More information and tickets can be found here.

If you know of an event that’s happening in Central Illinois, add it to our Community Calendar!

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