Events

PEKIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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.

December 5, 2025

Christmas On Court

The 24th Annual Christmas on Court holiday tradition returns to Downtown Pekin, Friday, December 5th, 2025. 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.

DECEMBER 10, 2025

Tazewell County Rural Big Table

The Big Table is a day of regional community building through conversations designed to strengthen and connect communities. Through open, thoughtful conversations that focus on how we can strengthen our region, we will spark new relationships and new ways of working together by deepening our understanding of each other and what our region needs.

Free to attend, but registration is required.

JANUARY 2026

Community Leadership Academy

Applications are now open for the 28th annual R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy! The mission of the Academy is 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. Enrollment is limited, so secure your spot today!

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

These ceremonial events celebrate the opening of a new business, the launch of a new location, or a major milestone. They typically feature local business leaders, Chamber representatives, and community members, with a symbolic ribbon cut to mark the occasion and generate public awareness.

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.

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 11:30am to 1:00pm at a Pekin Area restaurant. This networking event is ideal opportunity for members to make community connections.