The Pekin Park District is thrilled to announce the upcoming celebration of its brand-new Performing Arts Venue (PAV), inviting the entire community to a free evening of entertainment on Saturday, June 7th, 2025, from 4:30pm – 10pm. This state-of-the-art facility marks an exciting new chapter for the arts in Pekin, and the Park District is eager to share this momentous occasion with residents.

The grand opening celebration on June 7th promises an unforgettable evening for all ages. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic performance by the popular Backstreet Band, guaranteeing a night filled with lively music and dancing. Families will delight in the dedicated area for inflatables, providing hours of fun and active play for children. A diverse selection of local food trucks will be on-site, offering a wide array of delicious culinary options to satisfy every appetite. For those seeking refreshment, beer and seltzer will be available for purchase.

As the evening culminates, the Pekin Park Foundation will present a spectacular laser light show finale, a dazzling display of light and color that will illuminate the Pekin sky. This breathtaking show is a generous gift from the Pekin Park Foundation to the community, marking the opening celebration in a truly memorable fashion.

“This new Performing Arts Venue is a testament to our community’s generosity and commitment to the arts,” said Gary Gillis, Pekin Park Foundation President. “We are incredibly honored to have played a part in bringing a permanent arts venue to Mineral Springs Park. It is set to become a vibrant space for performances, events, and cultural enrichment for years to come. The addition of the laser light show at 9:30pm is our way of saying thank you to the community for their support in raising the funds needed for construction.”

The Park District encourages all Pekin residents, their families, and friends to attend this free event and be among the first to experience the new Performing Arts Venue. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gather as a community, enjoy top-notch entertainment, and celebrate this significant addition to Pekin’s cultural landscape.

In addition to the celebration on June 7th, the Pekin Park District recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 22nd, with the official grand opening ceremony occurring during the first Pekin Park Concert Band performance of the season on Sunday, June 22nd at 6:30pm, at the PAV.

The Pekin Park District looks forward to celebrating with the community on June 7th and at the upcoming PAV events. For more information, please visit www.pekinparkdistrict.org or www.facebook.com/ppdrecreation.