Comedy, concerts and comic conventions: 15 things to do around Peoria in March

As winter comes to an end and we prepare for spring, the calendar is packed with performances and popular annual events.

Here are 15 things to do in the Peoria area during March.

1. Breaking Benjamin in concert

Platinum-selling rock band Breaking Benjamin will take the stage at 7 p.m. Friday, March 29, at the Peoria Civic Center. Special guests, Daughtry and Catch Your Breath, will open the show. Tickets start at $55 and can be purchased at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.

2. Shrek the Musical live on stage

The Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure "Shrek the Musical" will be presented at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 24, at the Peoria Civic Center Theater. Tickets start at $49.50 and can be purchased at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.

3. Rodeo and country music extravaganza

Bulls, Bands & Barrels, the premier western sports competition and live entertainment experience, will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the Peoria Civic Center. The event will include competitive bullriding, barrel racing and bullfighting, followed by a concert featuring Charles Wesley Godwin and Alexandra Kay. Tickets start at $29 and can be purchased at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.

4. Downtown St. Patrick's Day parade

The 42nd annual St. Patrick's Day Parade steps off at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 17, at the corner of William Kumpf Boulevard and Monroe Street in downtown Peoria, following Monroe to Main Street, Main Street to Adams and ending at Adams and Fayette. To be involved in the parade, visit https://stpatpeoria.com/online-parade-application by March 7.

5. St. Patrick's Day street party

Kelleher's Irish Pub, 619 SW Water St., is hosting its annual St. Patrick's Day celebration on Sunday, March 17. Turas will perform during the day, and breakfast will be served beginning at 9:30 a.m. There will be Irish food and drink specials all day, including Pattish Irish Stout on draft. There will be a live DJ outside, and the street will be blocked off for a street party.

6. Sam Hunt in concert

Country superstar Sam Hunt will bring his Outskirts Tour 2024 to the Peoria Civic Center at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16. The concert will also feature special guests, Brett Young and Lily Rose. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.

7. Theater in the park

Corn Stock Theatre kicks off its run of "Tuesdays With Morrie" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 15, in Upper Bradley Park, 1700 N. Park Road. The show is based on the autobiographical story of Mitch Albom, an accomplished journalist driven solely by his career, and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor. Additional performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. March, 16, 22 and 23, and 2:30 p.m. March 17 and 24. Tickets are $17 for adults and $13 for students college-age and under with an ID.

8. Winter Jam 2024

The Winter Jam 2024 Tour, Christian music's biggest tour, will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at the Peoria Civic Center. The concert will feature performances by Crowder, Lecrae, CAIN, Katy Nichole, Seventh Day Slumber and Newsong. General admission tickets are $15 at the door.

9. An evening of comedy with John Crist

John Crist, one of today’s fast-rising stand-up comedians, will bring his Emotional Support Tour to the Peoria Civic Center Theater at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 10. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.

10. West Side St. Patrick's Day parade

The 2nd Annual West Side St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, in West Peoria. The parade route will be along Farmington Road, beginning at Park Road and ending at Raber Packing Co. just before Swords Avenue hill. For more information, visit www.cityofwestpeoria.org.

11. Peoria Players presents 'The Play That Goes Wrong'

Peoria Players will present its run of the classic murder mystery, "The Play That Goes Wrong," from March 8-10 and March 14-17 at the theater, 4300 N. University St. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.peoriaplayers.org.

12. World Ballet Series presents 'Swan Lake'

The iconic ballet "Swan Lake" will be performed as part of the World Ballet Series at 7 p.m. Friday, March 8, at the Peoria Civic Center Theater. The performance will also feature a live symphony orchestra. Tickets start at $60 and can be purchased at www.peoriaciviccenter.com.

13. Spring German festival

The German American Central Society will present Marchtoberfest from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 3, at the Lindenhof, 7601 N. Harker Drive, Peoria. A German buffet will be served until 6 p.m. (or until food runs out) and cost is $15 for adults, $7 for children ages 6-10 and free for children ages 5 and under. The bar will be open until 8 p.m. and entertainment will be provided.

14. GlobalFest 2024

GlobalFest 2024, a family-friendly, educational event that celebrates the international diversity in Central Illinois, will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at Expo Gardens, 1601 W. Northmoor Road. Guests will get their passports stamped at international ethnic booths, learn unique aspects of different cultures, see traditional costumes, taste international food provided by local ethnic restaurants and enjoy artistic performances from a variety of countries. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for students and children.

15. Celebrate pop culture at PeoriaCon

Peoria Con, a celebration of comic books, gaming, cosplay and more, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 2, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 3, at the Peoria Civic Center. This year's show will include special guests, comics, games and collectibles and a cosplay contest. Admission is $11 at the door.