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Peoria Fashion Week Academy
PEORIA
FASHION WEEK
PFW 2026 — Thank You Peoria
Fashion Week is a wrap — now the real work begins.
Train. Create. Get discovered.
Summer Competition · May–August 2026
Content Creator Bowl
Citywide Creative Competition
Your City. Your Content. Your Future.
Create. Capture. Collaborate. Compete.
A summer-long competition built for the people who stay behind the camera and in front of it — editing at 2 AM, filming reels, taking photos, making podcasts, streaming, designing, and building culture online.
$5,000 Grand Prize
Teams of up to 10 · All ages welcome
Orientation: May 31 · 5–7 PM
Distillery Labs — Peoria, IL
$100 Team Entry Fee
Categories That Compete
Cinematic videos & photography
Podcasts, streaming & music visuals
Branding, design & fashion content
Viral social media & influencer content
Or something the city has never seen before
How It Works
May: Draft your team & kick off.
June: First creative challenge drops.
July: Business & community spotlight.
August: Playoffs & championship finale.
No AI. No shortcuts. Just creativity.
Registration Now Open
Closes Monday, May 25 at midnight · First challenge drops June 1
Teams of 10
All Ages
Businesses Welcome
Real Prizes
Register Now — $100 Team Entry
Closes May 25 at midnight · @contentcreatorbowl
Showcase Event · Saturday, June 6
Spring Runway Mixer
Curious Baubles · Peoria Heights
Future of Fashion
An evening of runway, music, and Midwest style.
Step into the next chapter of Peoria fashion. A live runway showcase featuring Haus of Runway Models, beats by DJ Divide, and a community-curated celebration of where style is headed next.
Saturday, June 6 · 6:00–10:00 PM
Curious Baubles
1208 E Duryea Ave, Peoria Heights, IL 61616
Featuring Haus of Runway Models · DJ Divide
$20 Admission
Runway Show
Live DJ
Future of Fashion
All Ages
Get Tickets — $20 Admission
$20 admission · Hosted by Curious Baubles
Support the Academy · Grant Match Campaign
Give $3. Build the Academy.
Help us raise $400,000 to unlock grant funding for creative education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship.
$3 / month pledge
Pledge · Tag 3 · Share
$400,000 grant match goal
Teach the art · Build the skill · Open the door.
Now Enrolling
Academy Classes
Hands-on training in sewing, modeling, photography, and production — taught by industry professionals.
Model Code
Adults · Mondays · Starts May 18
Learn More
Stitch & Sew — Adults
Wed & Fri · $25/class · Drop-in
Learn More
Stitch & Sew — Youth
Tue & Thu · Starts May 12
Learn More
See All Classes
For Creatives
Join the PFWA
Talent Marketplace
Models, photographers, designers, DJs, stylists, and production teams — build your profile, get discovered, and get booked.
Models
Photographers
Designers
MUA & Hair
DJs
Videographers
Production
What's Next
New Initiatives
Building the future of Midwest fashion — one program at a time.
Scholarship Fund
Financial assistance so every aspiring creative can access professional training regardless of background.
Mentorship Program
One-on-one guidance from industry professionals — models, designers, photographers, and producers.
Community Workshops
Free pop-up workshops throughout the year covering sewing, styling, branding, and portfolio building.
Youth Development
Introducing young creatives ages 13–18 to fashion careers through hands-on academy programs.
"Where Midwest
Meets High Fashion"
Community & Career Tools
Mentorship, scholarships, opportunities & resources
About PFWA
A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Peoria Fashion Week Academy is dedicated to fashion education, mentorship, and creative expression in the Midwest. Every class, every event, every program fuels the next generation of creative talent.
Learn More
Free · Pro · Elite
Join the PFWA
Talent Marketplace
Build your profile. Get booked. Grow your career.
Starting free — upgrade to Pro for $9.99/mo.
Membership funds scholarships so more talent can train and access opportunities.
Contact Us
Powered by Vibe Coding at Distillery Labs
PEORIA Fashion Week
April 2-4, 2026
Four Points by Sheraton
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Explore
Academy
Marketplace
Tickets
Community
Organization
Our Mission
Programs
Leadership
Partner With Us
Financials
Contact
(309) 214-4661
thepeoriafashionweek@gmail.com
© 2026 Peoria Fashion Week Academy. All rights reserved.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Peoria Fashion Week
The Landing Page
Community events, press coverage, and everything happening around Peoria Fashion Week
Free Community Board
Community Calendar
Local businesses and organizations can showcase their events here for free. Submit your event with a flyer and link to reach the entire PFW community.
Submit Your Event
Community
Downtown Bloomington Farmers' Market
Downtown Bloomington Association
May 16 – October 31, 2026
Saturdays · 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Downtown Square, Bloomington, IL
Producer-only Saturday market with local farms, makers, live music, and family activities throughout the summer.
More Info
Community
Maxwell Street Market
City of Chicago / DCASE
May 17 – October 4, 2026
Select Sundays · 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Desplaines St & Polk St, Chicago, IL
Chicago's century-old Sunday market featuring global street food, crafts, and live music from independent vendors.
More Info
Music
Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest
Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce
May 22–24, 2026
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Belmont & Sheffield, Chicago, IL
Memorial Day weekend kickoff with tribute bands, local artisans, food vendors, and a beer garden.
More Info
Music
Sueños Music Festival
Sueños Festival
May 23–24, 2026
All Day
Grant Park, Chicago, IL
Two-day reggaeton and Latin music festival in downtown Grant Park spotlighting the genre's biggest stars.
More Info
Art
Shakespeare in the Park: The Tempest
St. Louis Shakespeare Festival
May 27 – June 21, 2026
8:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Shakespeare Glen, Forest Park, St. Louis, MO
Free outdoor production of The Tempest directed by Rick Dildine in Forest Park's historic Shakespeare Glen.
More Info
Music
Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series
Springfield Area Arts Council
May 28 – July 30, 2026
Thursdays · 6:15 PM
5th & Capitol, Downtown Springfield, IL
Free Thursday-night concert series with Americana, jazz, zydeco, and Afro-Caribbean acts at the Y-Block.
More Info
Community
Do Division Street Fest
West Town Chamber of Commerce
May 29–31, 2026
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Division St, Wicker Park, Chicago, IL
Wicker Park neighborhood street fest with indie music stages, family fun, makers market, and local food vendors.
More Info
Music
Chicago Blues Festival
City of Chicago / DCASE
June 4–7, 2026
All Day
Millennium Park, Chicago, IL
The world's largest free blues festival drawing hundreds of thousands of fans to Chicago's lakefront stages.
More Info
Music
Steamboat Classic Pre-Party
Peoria Riverfront Association
June 5, 2026
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Peoria Riverfront, Peoria, IL
Pre-race riverfront party with DJ Birds of Paradise and Backseat Radio kicking off Steamboat Classic weekend.
More Info
Community
Steamboat Classic
Illinois Valley Striders
June 6, 2026
7:00 AM
Downtown Peoria Riverfront, Peoria, IL
One of the world's fastest 4-mile races and Illinois' toughest 15K, with a riverfront finish line festival.
More Info
Art
79th Annual 57th Street Art Fair
57th Street Art Fair Committee
June 6–7, 2026
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Hyde Park (57th & Kimbark), Chicago, IL
The Midwest's oldest juried art fair featuring nearly 200 artists, live music, and family activities.
More Info
Music
Beyond Wonderland Chicago
Insomniac Events
June 6–7, 2026
2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, IL
Two-day electronic music festival on Chicago's lakefront with a fantastical, immersive production.
More Info
Fashion
St. Louis Fashion Week: Opening Cocktail
St. Louis Fashion Week
June 8, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis, MO
Opening cocktail celebration kicks off STLFW with live music, designer previews, and industry mingling.
More Info
Fashion
St. Louis Fashion Week: Opening Night Runway
St. Louis Fashion Week
June 10, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
18 Rails @ City Foundry, St. Louis, MO
STLFW returns after a decade with 9 designers showing ready-to-wear, streetwear, and couture collections.
More Info
Community
Sangamon County Fair
Sangamon County Fair Association
June 10–14, 2026
All Day
Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL
Five-day county fair with grandstand concerts featuring Josh Turner and Scotty McCreery, plus livestock and exhibits.
More Info
Music
Peoria Pops: America 250
Peoria Riverfront Museum
June 11, 2026
7:00 PM
Sun Plaza, Peoria Riverfront Museum, Peoria, IL
Patriotic outdoor concert from the 30-person Peoria Pops brass band celebrating America's 250th birthday.
More Info
Community
Puerto Rican Festival & People's Parade
Puerto Rican Cultural Center
June 11–14, 2026
All Day
Humboldt Park, Chicago, IL
Four-day cultural festival and parade celebrating Puerto Rican heritage with live music, food, and community.
More Info
Fashion
St. Louis Fashion Week: Runway Night 3
St. Louis Fashion Week
June 12, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
18 Rails @ City Foundry, St. Louis, MO
Night three of STLFW spotlighting 9 designers including Beltshazzar Jewels, Madison Stitch, and Retta Jane.
More Info
Community
Andersonville Midsommarfest
Andersonville Chamber of Commerce
June 12–14, 2026
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Clark St, Andersonville, Chicago, IL
Long-running summer fest celebrating Swedish heritage, LGBTQ+ pride, live music, and neighborhood food.
More Info
Community
Peoria Juneteenth Festival "Iconic"
YANI Collective / ArtsPartners
June 13, 2026
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
John H. Gwynn Jr. Park, Peoria, IL
Celebration of Black culture and freedom featuring a parade, SELF Models fashion show, music, and community vendors.
More Info
Community
Edwardsville Route 66 Festival
City of Edwardsville
June 13, 2026
10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
City Park, Edwardsville, IL
Centennial Route 66 celebration with classic car show, live entertainment, kid zone, and trolley tours.
More Info
Community
Springfield Juneteenth Unity Parade
Juneteenth Inc.
June 13, 2026
10:00 AM
MLK Blvd to Comer Cox Park, Springfield, IL
32nd Annual Unity Parade kicks off a week of celebrations honoring Black history, freedom, and community.
More Info
Community
Delmar Loop Juneteenth Celebration
Delmar Main Street / STL Reconciliation Network
June 13, 2026
All Day
The Delmar Loop, University City & St. Louis, MO
Cross-Delmar celebration uniting University City and St. Louis with a 5K, art, performances, food, and vendors.
More Info
Art
Old Town Art Fair
Old Town Triangle Association
June 13–14, 2026
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Old Town Triangle Historic District, Chicago, IL
A long-running juried fair with 200+ visual artists, live music, and a garden walk in historic Old Town.
More Info
Art
Wells Street Art Festival
Old Town Chamber of Commerce
June 13–14, 2026
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wells Street, Old Town, Chicago, IL
Juried art festival pairing 250+ artists with live entertainment along historic Wells Street in Old Town.
More Info
Art
Willem de Kooning Drawing
Art Institute of Chicago
June 14 – September 20, 2026
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Major exhibition tracing the abstract expressionist's drawing practice across six decades of his career.
More Info
Music
Tailgate N' Tallboys 10th Anniversary
Tailgate N' Tallboys
June 18–20, 2026
All Day
McLean County Fairgrounds, Bloomington, IL
Country and roots music festival headlined by Zach Top, Jessie Murph, BigXthaPlug, and Treaty Oak Revival.
More Info
Community
FOODEESFEST Springfield
FOODEESFEST
June 19, 2026
1:00 PM
White Oaks Mall, Springfield, IL
Multicultural food festival showcasing South Asian and global cuisines, vendors, and live entertainment.
More Info
Community
Taste of Randolph
West Loop Community Organization
June 19–21, 2026
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Randolph St, West Loop, Chicago, IL
Gourmet street fest spotlighting the West Loop's best restaurants paired with live music across two stages.
More Info
Community
Movies at the Mural
Downtown Bloomington Association
June 20, 2026
7:00 PM
301 N. Main St., Bloomington, IL
Free outdoor movie night at the downtown mural wall with food trucks, lawn seating, and family activities.
More Info
Community
Chicago Pride Fest
Northalsted Business Alliance
June 20–21, 2026
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Northalsted (Boystown), Chicago, IL
Three-stage Pride Fest in the country's oldest gay neighborhood with drag, dance, vendors, and the Proud Pet Parade.
More Info
Music
Belleville Songwriter Festival
Belleville Songwriter Festival
June 25–27, 2026
TBA
Downtown Belleville, IL
Multi-day singer-songwriter festival drawing touring and regional acts to venues across downtown Belleville.
More Info
Art
Illinois Shakespeare Festival 2026
Illinois State University School of Theatre
June 25 – August 2, 2026
7:30 PM
Ewing Cultural Center, Bloomington, IL
Outdoor summer rep features Romeo and Juliet, Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Our Town in a historic garden setting.
More Info
Art
Self, Made: Fourteen Modern Artists
Art Institute of Chicago
June 25 – November 9, 2026
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Photography exhibit drawing from the Richard and Ellen Sandor Family Collection of self-portraiture.
More Info
Art
Logan Square Arts Festival
Logan Square Chamber of Commerce
June 26–28, 2026
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Logan Boulevard, Chicago, IL
Three-day arts and music block party with local bands, makers market, kid zone, and neighborhood food vendors.
More Info
Art
Kenzi Shiokava at MCA Chicago
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
June 27, 2026 – January 31, 2027
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, IL
Major retrospective of the Brazilian-Japanese sculptor known for monumental totems and assemblage works.
More Info
Community
St. Louis PrideFest 2026
Pride St. Louis
June 27–28, 2026
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Soldiers Memorial & City Hall, Downtown St. Louis, MO
Midwest's largest Pride celebration with 300K+ attendees, main stage acts, drag, and the Grand Parade down Market.
More Info
Music
Buckcherry at Peoria Riverfront
Peoria Park District
June 28, 2026
7:00 PM
Peoria Riverfront Festival Lawn, Peoria, IL
Hard rock veterans Buckcherry headline the Festival Lawn for an outdoor evening of high-energy rock.
More Info
Community
Chicago Pride Parade
PRIDEChicago
June 28, 2026
11:00 AM
Boystown to Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL
The 55th annual Chicago Pride Parade — one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world.
More Info
Community
Celebrate 250 / Fair Saint Louis
Celebrate Saint Louis
July 3–4, 2026
All Day
Gateway Arch grounds, St. Louis, MO
Free July 4th festival with Miranda Lambert, Kenny Loggins, Zedd, and Ludacris plus a 1,500-drone show.
More Info
Community
Red, White & BOOM!
Choose Greater Peoria
July 4, 2026
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Peoria & East Peoria Riverfronts, IL
Central Illinois' largest fireworks display launched from river barges, drawing 200,000 attendees.
More Info
Community
Volksfest Peoria
Peoria German-American Society
July 5, 2026
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Hickory Grove Park, Peoria, IL
German heritage festival with bratwurst, beer, polka music, dance performances, and family activities.
More Info
Community
Taste of Chicago
City of Chicago / DCASE
July 8–12, 2026
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Grant Park, Chicago, IL
Free admission food festival returning to its July dates with dozens of local vendors and concerts.
More Info
Music
Windy City Smokeout
Choose Chicago
July 8–12, 2026
4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
United Center campus, Chicago, IL
Country music and BBQ weekender pairing top touring acts with Chicago's best pitmasters.
More Info
Music
Square Roots Festival
Old Town School of Folk Music
July 10–12, 2026
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Lincoln Square, Chicago, IL
Folk, Americana, and craft-beer street fest benefiting community programs at Old Town School of Folk Music.
More Info
Music
Chosen Few Picnic
Chosen Few DJs
July 11, 2026
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Jackson Park, Chicago, IL
Legendary all-day house music gathering honoring Chicago's house music heritage on the lakefront.
More Info
Art
Southport Art Fest
Amdur Productions
July 11–12, 2026
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Southport Corridor, Chicago, IL
Neighborhood juried art fair pairing 100+ visual artists with live music and food along the Southport Corridor.
More Info
Music
Music at the Intersection (MATI)
Kranzberg Arts Foundation
July 17–19, 2026
All Day
Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO
Five-stage indoor-outdoor festival with Wyclef Jean, Killer Mike, PJ Morton, Big Freedia, and Jon Batiste opening.
More Info
Community
Taste of River North
Special Events Management
July 17–18, 2026
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Ward Park, River North, Chicago, IL
Curated sampling fest highlighting River North restaurants with live music and lawn games.
More Info
Community
River City Pride Festival
Peoria Proud
July 18, 2026
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Peoria Riverfront, Peoria, IL
Peoria's premier LGBTQIA+ festival with performances, art, food, and community outreach for 6,000+ attendees.
More Info
Community
Silver Room Sound System Block Party
The Silver Room
July 18, 2026
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Hyde Park, Chicago, IL
Long-running South Side block party blending house, hip-hop, art, and Black-owned business activations.
More Info
"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street. Fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."
— Coco Chanel
As Seen In
Press & Media Coverage
Peoria Fashion Week has been featured across NPR, local TV stations, national syndication, magazines, and more.
NPR / WCBU
25 News
CIProud
Yahoo News
Peoria Magazine
ArtsPartners
U of I Extension
City of Peoria
All
TV
Radio
Podcasts
Articles
Magazine
Grants
Radio / NPR
April 7, 2023
The first-ever Peoria Fashion Week stokes a growing passion for fashion
WCBU 89.9 FM (NPR)
In-depth feature on the inaugural Peoria Fashion Week — a three-day event at Exposition Gardens. Profiles founder Ezra Murry.
Listen
Podcast
March 26, 2025
Chanel Hargrave-Murray talks about the upcoming Peoria Fashion Week
WCBU — Out and About Podcast
Interview with co-founder and Executive Director Chanel Hargrave-Murray on the inspiration behind the event and its growth.
Listen
Podcast
2025
From high fashion to street fashion, Peoria Fashion Week is back
WCBU — Out and About Podcast
Discussion of Peoria Fashion Week's evolution from high fashion to street fashion themes.
Listen
TV Segment
September 7, 2023
Talk of the Town: Peoria Fashion Week Model Casting
25 News Now (WEEK-TV)
"Talk of the Town" segment covering model casting calls for Peoria Fashion Week.
Watch
TV Segment
January 5, 2024
Peoria Fashion Week: Casting Call
25 News Now (WEEK-TV)
Coverage of the casting call for aspiring models ahead of 2024 Peoria Fashion Week.
Watch
TV Segment
March 26, 2024
2024 Peoria Fashion Week — Glitz and Glam Emporium
25 News Now (WEEK-TV)
Feature on Glitz and Glam Emporium boutique in connection with Peoria Fashion Week 2024.
Watch
TV Segment
March 28, 2024
2024 Peoria Fashion Week — Carmelita Jackson
25 News Now (WEEK-TV)
Profile of designer Carmelita Jackson and her participation in Peoria Fashion Week 2024.
Watch
TV Segment
May 21, 2024
Filipino-American Designer wins PFW Designer of the Year
25 News Now (WEEK-TV)
Feature celebrating a Filipino-American designer who won PFW "Designer of the Year" during AANHPI Month.
Watch
News Article
December 2, 2024
Peoria's Fashion Week audition models unleash their inner fashionista
25 News Now (WEEK-TV)
Coverage of auditions where approximately 200 models (youth through adults) tried out for the upcoming spring event.
Read More
TV Segment
April 5, 2025
What's Happening: Peoria Fashion Week and More
25 News Now (WEEK-TV)
"What's Happening" community events segment featuring Peoria Fashion Week 2025.
Watch
TV Segment
2023
Peoria Fashion Week — Good Day Central Illinois
CIProud / WMBD-TV
Live morning show appearance on "Good Day Central Illinois" promoting Peoria Fashion Week.
Watch
TV Segment
2024
Peoria Fashion Week 2024 — Good Day Central Illinois
CIProud / WMBD-TV
Good Day Central Illinois feature on Peoria Fashion Week 2024.
Watch
News Article
2025
Designers vie for title in Peoria Fashion Week's Fashion Face Off
CIProud / WMBD-TV
Coverage of the Fashion Face-Off designer competition at Four Points by Sheraton during PFW 2025.
Read More
News Article
2024
Casting call for aspiring models in Central Illinois
Yahoo News
Coverage of Peoria Fashion Week casting calls. Profiles CEO Ezra Murry and HAUS of Runway.
Read More
News Article
2025
Designers vie for title in Peoria Fashion Week's Fashion Face Off
Yahoo News
Fashion Face-Off story syndicated nationally via Yahoo News.
Read More
News Article
October 28, 2025
4-H Stitch and Style Academy threads a new path
University of Illinois Extension
Feature on the Stitch and Style Academy — a partnership between Peoria County 4-H and PFWA.
Read More
Magazine
2024
Fashion Forward
Peoria Magazine
Feature on Peoria's fashion scene including boutique owners discussing trends and the growing fashion ecosystem.
Read More
Grant / Recognition
2025
2025 Arts Dollars Grant — HAUS of Runway
ArtsPartners of Central Illinois
PFWA Academy's HAUS of Runway program awarded $3,500 for fashion and performance workshops.
Read More
Grant / Recognition
March 2024
Tourism Reserve Fund — $7,500 Approved
City of Peoria
City of Peoria Tourism Reserve Fund approved $7,500 in tourism funding for Peoria Fashion Week.
Read More
News Article
2024
CityLink Employee Takes New York Fashion Week
CityLink / Greater Peoria Mass Transit
Profile of Carmen, a CityLink employee and designer connected to the Peoria Fashion Week community who showcased at NYFW.
Read More
Follow Peoria Fashion Week
Have an event to share?
The community calendar is free for all local businesses and organizations in the Peoria area. Submit your event and reach thousands of fashion and culture enthusiasts.
Submit Your Event
PEORIA Fashion Week
April 2-4, 2026
Four Points by Sheraton
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Explore
Academy
Marketplace
Tickets
Community
Organization
Our Mission
Programs
Leadership
Partner With Us
Financials
Contact
(309) 214-4661
thepeoriafashionweek@gmail.com
© 2026 Peoria Fashion Week Academy. All rights reserved.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit