Just like last year, I want to remind the community to be safe around town this summer. With school letting out, there are more (and younger) drivers on the road, and the City’s final phase of Court Street reconstruction is underway, so I and the entire City ask that everyone please be especially careful during the heaviest part of our construction season.

We understand the inconvenience the construction projects cause, but keep in mind that it’s all a great sign of the City moving forward. We are investing in the community – putting tax dollars to work for the direct benefit of the public. When the current phase of Court Street finishes next year, our major thoroughfare will be much improved for our residents and business customers, not to mention much more attractive for business investment. 

Despite the hassle of road work, Pekin has maybe the best ever lineup of community events planned for the rest of 2025! By the time you read this article, the first ever Dragon’s Fire Balloon Fest will have taken place at the Avanti’s Event Center, which replaced one of the City’s downtown concerts this year. Pekin Main Street also has a wonderful slate of events happening throughout the season, and we look forward to the biggest and best Marigold Festival yet. The City has planned the final phase of Court Street to minimize impact to the festival area in Mineral Springs Park. The majority of work this year will be from 8th Street to 14th Street, and the rest of the project from 14th Street to Stadium Drive will be complete early in the construction season next year.

On the topic of parks, we also want to thank our wonderful Pekin Park District for their continued commitment to high-quality recreation and open spaces. Many don’t know this, but Pekin has the 5th largest park district in Illinois encompassing over 2,500 acres over 13 parks. Our parks make our community beautiful and fun, and they are a great amenity to prospective residents looking to move to our area.

See more events and things to do in Pekin at DiscoverPekin.com, and have a great summer!

July 4 - Honor America Celebration and Fireworks

July 11 - Boutique Flea Market

July 26 - Downtown Super Cruise

July 26 - Burning Red: Taylor Swift Tribute Concert

July 31 - St. Jude Summer Rides  Street Party

August 1 - Boutique Flea Market

August 23 - Downtown Concert Series – Revel in Red

August 28 - Marigold Golf Outing

September 3 - Taste of Pekin

September 3-7 - Marigold Festival

October 3 - Witches Walk

October 10 - Artistic Community Theater Ghost Walks

November 28 - Small Business Saturday

December 5 - Christmas on Court