On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Angela Bottrell, co-chair of the Peoria Heights Fine Art Fair and board member of the Peoria Heights Arts Collaborative, about the upcoming 2026 Peoria Heights Fine Art Fair.

Taking place May 9 and 10 at Tower Park, the juried fair brings together artists from across the region for a weekend of fine art, live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities in the heart of Peoria Heights.

Bottrell says one of the best parts of the event is the opportunity to connect directly with artists and experience work across a wide range of mediums, from painting and photography to sculpture, jewelry, and textiles. “The artists are all very friendly and like to talk about their work,” she said. “There’s a lot of different types of work that you may never have even seen before.”

This year’s fair will also feature performances throughout the weekend, including local musicians Kirk Wessler and James Herr, along with a Saturday afternoon set by the four-piece band Asbury Fox. Visitors can also enjoy food trucks and activities like Unique Twist Balloons for families.

The Peoria Heights Fine Art Fair takes place Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tower Park in Peoria Heights.