Events Calendar

Join us on Saturday, September 19, 2026 for the 30th Annual Great River Bridge Race! Experience the energy of one of the greatest events in Burlington that brings our community together. This event offers multiple options to give everyone an opportunity to cross the Great River Bridge on foot, regardless of skill level. All race proceeds benefit the Burlington Parks and Recreation Department, so YOU will help create a lasting impact for everyone in our community. Don't miss this opportunity to capture the breathtaking views of the Mighty Mississippi, as the Great River Bridge is typically closed to pedestrians! The 10k and 5k will both be timed and scored by Nonstop Race Management. Results will be posted on the Nonstop Race Management website.

Participants may choose from a timed 5K or 10K distances or the approximately 1.5-mile Bridge Walk. The 5K and 10K begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Bridge Walk at 9:45 a.m. All events begin and finish at the Port of Burlington.  Whether running for time, jogging with friends, or just walking the course, participants are sure to have a good time on this unique route, with the opportunity to go over the Great River Bridge on foot. 

- 10K: 9:00 a.m. – $30

- 5K: 9:00 a.m. – $30

- Bridge Walk: 9:45 a.m. – $25

- 5K and 10K are timed

- Bridge Walk is approximately 1.5 miles and is not timed

- Placement medals will be awarded to the top three men and women in the 5K and 10K

- Race results will be posted online

Out of the Darkness Community Walks are AFSP's signature fundraising events, bringing people together across the country to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Whether you've been personally touched by suicide loss or simply want to show up for your community, these Walks are a powerful way to connect and take action together.
Every dollar raised here in Illinois goes directly toward research, advocacy, and education programs in our local schools, workplaces, and communities.

Want to learn more or get involved? Visit afsp.org/MacombIL.

Contact:
Ellen Moon (She/Her/Hers)
309-313-3556
elliehmoon@gmail.com

The Great River Bridge Race was established in 1995 and continues to be a legacy event in the Burlington community year after year. This event provides a unique opportunity for participants to cross the Great River Bridge on foot, as it is typically closed to pedestrians. This race offers multiple events, including a 5K / 10K race, as well as a 1.5-mile Bridge Walk. The 28th Annual Great River Bridge Race is scheduled on September 19, 2026.

Join us in Parade!

The Biggest German Event of the Year! 3 Days of Fun

Willkommen to Central Illinois’ Biggest and Best Fest! This year’s festival has all your favorites with a few new things to put some guten in your tag!
The Peoria Park District and German American Central Society united their efforts in 1996 to bring the first of the “signature events” planned for the Peoria Riverfront.
Peoria’s Oktoberfest” is the Midwestern equivalent of the Munich Oktoberfest.
Location: Peoria Riverfront
9/18: 5 pm-11 pm
9/19: Noon-11 pm
9/20: 11 am-5 pm

We are a local group hosting our annual fundraising cornhole tournament and meal on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Slup's Bar, 225 Main Street, Blandinsville, IL. Raising money to assist McDonough County area breast cancer patients through Linda's Fund. GET YOUR TEAM TOGETHER AND SIGN UP TODAY!

Celebrate six decades of creativity as the Art Center of Burlington marks its 60th birthday on September 19 at 5 PM at Memorial Auditorium. Founded in 1966 by a small group of artists who envisioned a place where art could be shared and celebrated, ACB has grown into a treasured part of Greater Burlington. The throwback birthday party will feature music, plenty of art, cake, stories, and a celebration of the artists, teachers, and supporters who shaped the organization. Break out your best 1960s-inspired attire and help ACB celebrate 60 years!
Slip into your favorite 1960s-inspired attire (optional, but groovy), catch up with friends, and help us celebrate six decades of bringing art to our community.

- Huge exhibit of past ACB photographs, articles, and memorabilia
- 60 for 60 Art Pull
- Cash bar
- Food available from The Som
- Throwback hits with DJ Mike Ripple
Reserve your spot for a digital portrait with our vintage car and retro photo backdrop for a groovy keepsake!

Your RSVP supports the next generation of artists, makers, and creative experiences at ACB.

Jenene Caramielo's nationally renowned tribute show, "Celebrating Celine," leaves audiences awestruck with her breathtaking vocals and charismatic performance of Celine Dion's iconic music. Celine fans are thrilled to hear hits like Because You Loved Me, My Heart Will Go On, I Drove All Night, The Power of Love, and more... delivered with a talented live band, pitch-perfect vocals, incomparable magnetism, and incredible charisma.

Barak Hill is a singer-songwriter from Spring­field, Missouri. Barak’s songs and sound run in the same vein as Amos Lee, Josh Ritter, Steve Earle, and Gillian Welch. It’s heartbroken Americana hanging on to a fistful of hope that things might just get better. Honest, well-crafted lyrics set to strong melodies connect with people on an intimate, personal level.

Elizabeth Crecca returns with Gershwin's electrifyingly dazzling Piano Concerto in F. And joining us for a glamorous evening of standards is American Idol Golden Ticket Recipient Kelsey Madison, bringing her stunning voice to classics like Fever, Sway, and the Carpenters I Just Fall in Love Again. Dress up, come out, and join us for a night that lives up to its name — Puttin' on the Ritz.
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Ticket Information:
Free for students and children
General admission: $25
Best Value - Season Pass:
From now until August 1, get 7 concerts (3 Masterworks, 3 Pops, plus FREE Hollydaze ticket) for just $99.
Great Saving - Pops Series Pass:
Get 4 concerts (3 Pops, plus FREE Hollydaze ticket) for just $75.
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Dinner Reservation:
Make it a night to remember with our elegant pre-concert dining experience.
Add a gourmet dinner reservation for $60 per person. Each dinner ticket includes:
- a complimentary alcoholic beverage
- a dinner reservation
The dinner is family-friendly, and all meal options are identical for kids/students and adults.
To order and pay for dinner tickets online, select the Add Pre-Concert Dinner option for your preferred performance location during checkout. A symphony board member from your selected venue will call to confirm your reservation prior to the concert.
Tables of 8 people for the dinner may be purchased for $ 600 - a $80 savings!
For additional dinner reservation information, please contact:
Ottumwa - Christine Bergan
(319) 530-7469 or voicedoc49@gmail.com
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1 weekend, 1 concert program, 2 locations, choose the one that works best for you:
Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 7:00 PM
Bridge View Center, Ottumwa
Sunday, September 20, 2026 - 6:30 PM
The Capitol, Burlington