Chamber & Community Events
Check out the full list of upcoming events
Everything from arts & culture, continuing education, community services, to festivals and celebrations… we list it all on our Events Calendar.
Leadership Academy
January 21 - March 27, 2025
The Pekin Chamber of Commerce announces the 27th annual R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy. The Leadership Academy exists to identify, inform and educate existing and emerging leaders of the local community, and to motivate them towards leadership responsibilities by exposing them to the realities, opportunities and challenges of the local community.
The academy is held for 10 weeks, beginning on January 21, 2025. The class usually on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. The cost of the program is $600 ($500 for Chamber members).
We are proud to have The Dirksen Congressional Center sponsoring the academy, which not only covers expenses, but allows tuition grants where needed.
Pekin Restaurant Week
February 3rd - 7th, 2025
Pekin Restaurant Week is a 5-day celebration of Pekin’s culinary scene. We’re bringing together some of Pekin’s favorite places to savor! Support local and join us for a chance to win $100 in Chamber check, which can be used at our participating restaurants and retailers any day of the year.
2025 Job Fair & Business Expo
March 6, 2025
Join us for the 2025 Job Fair & Business Expo – an exciting opportunity to highlight your products, services, and job openings while networking with a vibrant community of attendees.
State of the City Luncheon:
Bicentennial Celebration Kickoff Event
January 19th, 2024 - 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
State of the City Address and Lunch with Mayor Burress at the Pekin Moose Lodge. This event is the kickoff to the 2024 City of Pekin Bicentennial Celebrations.
Community Prayer Breakfast
March 8, 2024
In 2022 we hosted out first Community Prayer Breakfast. Area faith organizations, businesses and residents joined together for a time of fellowship, connection and reflection.
Mark your calendars for this year’s 3rd Annual Community Prayer Breakfast.
Annual Meeting
April 2024
Each year the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce gathers our membership to reflect on the year past and to look forward to the year ahead. Like many organizations, the annual meeting is a requirement of the bylaws, but it is so much more. We take pride in honoring the leadership of our organization and thanking them for their service to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, and the entire Pekin Area business community. This time of transition is used to reflect on the accomplishments we have achieved together and to look at our goals as we move forward supporting businesses and the Pekin community.
Honor America Celebration
July 4, 2024
The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to host the 76th Annual “Honor America Celebration” fireworks display at Pekin Memorial Stadium. This beloved community event will be held at nightfall July 4th, with a rain date of the following evening. Detailed information regarding tickets, pre-show entertainment and concessions can be found below. We can’t wait to see you there! Be sure to check out this year’s celebration sponsors who make this annual tradition possible!
Miss Marigold Pageant
August 10, 2024
The Miss Marigold Pageant focuses on awarding scholarship money to savvy, goal oriented, aware young women from our community. Contestants will compete in the areas of interview, community service, on-stage question, talent and evening gown.
The young woman chosen to reign over this year’s festival will receive a $3,000 scholarship and have an active role in a variety of community events throughout her year-long term. Additional scholarships are awarded for the First Runner Up, Miss Congeniality, and more.
Marigold Golf Outing
August 29, 2024
The Marigold Golf Outing is held each year and is enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels. Networking, community connection and a friendly competition make this event one that you do not want to miss. Join us on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Sunset Hills Golf Course for a day of fun.
Hole sponsorships are just $150. Other sponsorship packages are also available. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Pekin Marigold Festival
September 4-8th, 2024
The first Pekin Marigold Festival was held in 1973 to honor Pekin’s favorite son, Everett McKinley Dirksen. Dirksen continues to be honored each year at the festival. Families are encouraged to visit the Dirksen statue located in Mineral Springs Park. While in Congress, Senator Dirksen, at the strong urging of David Burpee from the Burpee Seed Company, tried to make the marigold the national floral emblem. In support of Dirksen, the community began growing marigolds. While Dirksen was unsuccessful in his efforts to make the marigold the national floral emblem, Pekin claimed the title of Marigold Capital of the World.
Over the years the Marigold Festival has grown from a small event around the courthouse in downtown Pekin to a community-wide festival that attracts thousands of people over a number of days and locations.
The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Marigold Festival Committee is looking forward to our annual Pekin Marigold Festival traditions. Always the weekend after Labor Day – this year’s festival events will be held on September 4-8, 2024.
Community Non-Profit Summit
October 3, 2024
Please join us for an educational and inspirational gathering of not-for-profit organizations in the Pekin Area. Executive Directors as well as Board Members will benefit from the educational sessions, encouraging presenters, and networking opportunities.
27th Annual Business & Community Recognition Luncheon
October 17, 2024
Each October, we celebrate the accomplishments of chamber members businesses and organizations and their employees. From remodeling projects or expansions to a major retraining effort, we take this time to recognize the efforts and successes of our membership.
We are accepting nominations for businesses and business leaders now as well as RSVP’s for our 2024 luncheon! Click on the button below for more information.
Christmas On Court
December 6th, 2024
The 23rd Annual Christmas On Court holiday tradition returns to Downtown Pekin, Friday, December 6th, 2024. Stroll along historic downtown Court Street, shop the local retailers and pop-up shops, enjoy food and beverages, visit with Santa and stop by the community Christmas tree. There is something for all ages at this great holiday event.
Additional Chamber Events
After Hours
Stop by for a quick visit or stay and network with local business people from the community. After Hours events can be scheduled by contacting the chamber staff.
Ribbon Cuttings
New community businesses and chamber members are welcomed to the community with a ribbon cutting ceremony. This event signifies the beginning of a long and healthy relationship. Ribbon cuttings are also held to commemorate the grand opening of a new location or new building, or a renovation of an existing structure. We are happy to celebrate with you!
Leaders of Tomorrow
A key element of our organization is to work to develop leaders in our community. We love the spirit and energy of an emerging leader and take pride in offering programs such as the R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy and networking events for young leaders.
Discover
The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce offers a broad offering of events and programs, designed to support businesses of all sizes. Contact us to learn more.
Workshops
From starting a new business to how to use Excel, our chamber team provides custom workshops for your team’s growth. Let us know how we can support your organization.
Chamber Business Breakfasts
Quarterly Breakfasts are held as networking and promotional opportunities for chamber members and guests. Come on your own or bring your entire team, we encourage you to join us for breakfast and hear about the amazing efforts of businesses and community members in and around Pekin.
First Friday Lunches
Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors host a monthly lunch on the first Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at a Pekin Area restaurant. This networking event is ideal opportunity for members to make community connections.
