15 Things to Do in March

Mark your calendars and check out what's happening in Greater Peoria!

2019 March Madness Experience
The March Madness Experience kicks off at the Peoria Civic Center On March 12.

Thursday, 3/5. Junior Achievement will recognize Diana Hall, Gordon & Jean Ann Honegger, and Phil Kuhl as inductees into the Central Illinois Business Hall of Fame at the Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette. The event kicks off with a cocktail reception at 5:30pm. centralillinois.ja.org 

Friday, 3/6. Gimme Shelter - A Night to End Homelessness, presented by Phoenix Community Development Services, will take place at the Peoria Civic Center. Participants spend the night outside in a cardboard box to raise awareness and funds for the fight to end homelessness in central Illinois. phoenixcds.org

Friday, 3/6. The Peoria Humane Society presents Wine & Whiskers at the Trailside Event Center in Peoria Heights. Enjoy wine and spirit tastings, a signature tasting glass, appetizers, and live entertainment while raising money to help animals in need. peoriahs.org

Monday, 3/9. The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois will honor Diana Hall at the Legacy of Leadership Award Reception at the Life Together Center at 5pm. The award recognizes a former Leader Luncheon Award recipient who continues to exhibit excellence in community and professional service. communityfoundationci.org

Juarez Hawkins
Juarez Hawkins, professor of art history at Chicago State University

Thursday, 3/12. The Fine Arts Society of Peoria presents “African American Art in Bronzeville,” a lecture by Juarez Hawkins, professor of art history at Chicago State University, at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Social time begins at 9:30am; lecture starts at 10am. fineartssociety.net

Thursday, 3/12 thru Saturday, 3/14. The 2020 March Madness Experience kicks off at the Peoria Civic Center with IHSA Class 1A and 2A semi-finals and finals, followed by Class 3A and 4A the next weekend. The tournament is accompanied by a family-oriented extravaganza of fun, interactive games and exhibits. peoriaciviccenter.com

Friday, 3/13 & Saturday, 3/14. Friends of the Peoria Public Library presents its annual book sale at the downtown Peoria Public Library, lower level 2. Friday features 50% off regular prices; Saturday is Bag Day—fill a bag for $5 from noon to 3pm and $2 from 3 to 5pm. peoriapubliclibrary.org

Thursday, 3/19. The Alzheimer’s Association presents “Spring Into Healthy Living” featuring tips from the latest research on healthy living for your brain and body. The event takes place in its Peoria office, 614 W Glen Ave, at 5:30pm. alz.org/illinois

Saturday, 3/21. The Peoria Historical Society will host a Trivia Night Fundraiser at the Contemporary Art Center at 7pm. Share your knowledge of “All Things Peoria” by registering as an individual or team of eight. Prizes will be awarded to the top two teams. 309tix.com

Monday, 3/23. The Peoria Area World Affairs Council presents its 50th Anniversary Spring Gala at the Peplow Pavilion in the Hayden-Clark Alumni Center at Bradley University. “Current Challenges in American Foreign Policy” will feature the distinguished Ambassador Thomas Pickering speaking at 7pm, followed by an audience discussion. The event kicks off at 5:30pm. 309tix.com

Chef Julie Taboulie
Chef Julie Taboulie

Wednesday, 3/25. The Emerging Philanthropists Fund kickoff event takes place from 5 to 7pm at the of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois. Join emerging community leaders in making a lasting impact through community giving. communityfoundationci.org

Thursday, 3/26. EP!C will host the ninth annual Bon Appetit event at the Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette. Chef Julie Taboulie will provide a live demonstration as she partners with the Pere Marquette’s Chef Jonathan Scrivner to plan a decadent dinner for guests. epicci.org

Friday 3/27. The Hult Center for Healthy Living will host Uncorked at the Par-A-Dice Hotel from 6 to 10pm. Enjoy tastings of wine, beer and cocktails; a sampling of food from local restaurants; and music from Dexter O'Neal and the Funk Yard. hulthealthy.org

Saturday, 3/28. GENeration United presents Casino Royale from 7 to 10pm at The Waterhouse in downtown Peoria. Join area young professionals for mock casino games, prizes, drinks, hors d’oeuvres and more while raising funds for the Heart of Illinois United Way Community Impact Fund. livegenu.org

Tuesday, 3/31. Join the Center For Prevention of Abuse for “Human Trafficking 101” at the Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino from 5 to 6:30pm. This free community event kicks off CFPA’s inaugural human trafficking conference, Light 2020. Limited space is available—register at centerforpreventionofabuse.org/events. PM