Summer 2025 has brought a lot of new buzz for Pekin. Let’s talk about it.

First of all, I normally share a new business list at the State of the City each winter, but I wanted to give a mid-year update. The following businesses are new to Pekin, have grown in Pekin, or have renewed in Pekin so far this year:

• Pacos Tacos
• Five Below
• Yasakani Ramen & Grill
• Lucky Garden
• Pekin Country Club
• Chicago Title
• Wengs of Pekin
• Ridgeside K-9
• After Hours Automotive
• Performance Battery
• Clanahan Wellness
• Pekin Park District Performing Arts Venue

Along with those, we have heard announcements from Marshall’s, Ross Dress for Less, Chipotle, Epic Medical, and Tremont Coop Grain, all coming to Pekin soon. The City also hosted our first ever Dragon’s Fire Balloon Fests that brought out hundreds of, if not a couple thousand, residents and visitors for two nights of hot air balloons, music, food, and fun.

All of these wonderful announcements and happenings are made possible through the great relationships between people and organizations. From City entities like our Tourism Committee to our economic development department, from other community organizations like the Pekin Area Chamber to the Pekin Park District, and from private firms like marketing groups to developers, we are all truly collaborating to make things happen for Pekin.

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

Visit DiscoverPekin.com to see more awesome community events!