28 Oct 2014

QC-area Haunted Houses

By QCCVB

'Tis the season for haunted houses and most are open every weekend in October. Check out our online calendar for hours and costs.

28 Oct 2014

Davenport is One of the 10 Best American Riverfronts

By QCCVB

Thank you to QCCVB members and others who voted for Davenport as Best American Riverfront in USA Today's 10best.com competition. We finished strong. Davenport moved into the Top Five on Saturday and moved up to the Top Three by the close of voting Monday, beating out many larger communities in the process. If this was the Olympics, we would have won a Bronze Medal for Best American Riverfront. Thanks again for voting and supporting the Quad Cities.

28 Oct 2014

Local Halloween-time Events

By QCCVB

Spooky Book Signing

A spooky book signing and sale featuring local horror writers on Friday, October 31st at 7 p.m. at the Midwest Writing Center in Davenport. Free. www.midwestwritingcenter.org

SPECTRA Poetry Reading Series

Sean Thomas Dougherty will be leading a unique writing workshop at the Midwest Writing Center in Davenport, where he will talk about writing your own poetry on Saturday, November 1st at 8 p.m. Topics will include creating your own poetic forms, and playing with extending existing forms.  Free & open to the public. www.midwestwritingcenter.org

QC Symphony Concert

The QC Symphony Orchestra invites you to join us for the Masterworks II: A Passion for Life concert with a world premiere and violinist Erin Keefe. Concert dates and times are as follows: Saturday, November 1st at 8:00 pm at the Adler Theatre in Davenport, IA; and Sunday, November 2nd at 2:00 pm at Centennial Hall in Rock Island, IL. www.qcso.org

Over the Ledge: The Great Pumpkin Drop

Bring your Jack-o'-lanterns to the Family Museum on Saturday, November 1st at 11 a.m., and we will drop them over the ledge! Will they splat? Will they explode? Come and find out at this popular event! www.familymuseum.org

Learn about the '48ers

Learn about the "Forty-eighters" at the German American Heritage Center on Sunday, November 2nd at 2 p.m. who were individuals who emigrated from Europe in the late 1840s & early 1850s after fighting unsuccessfully with both pen and sword for liberty, democracy, and national unity.  Many of the German Forty-eighters immigrated to the United States, with a large number from the present-day state of Schleswiwg-Holstein choosing Davenport & Scott County, Iowa, as their adopted home. www.gahc.org
23 Oct 2014

Quad Cities Rings in the Holiday Season in Style

By QCCVB

Downtown Davenport, Iowa, sparkles during the annual Quad City Arts Festival of Trees at the RiverCenter from Nov. 21-30. Festival of Trees features many beautiful, uniquely designed trees, stunning designer displays, handcrafted stockings and ornaments, a variety of miniature designs, special events, model train display, gingerbread village, and the North Pole children's activity center. Don't miss the magic!

There are additional ticketed events that happen in conjunction with the Festival of Trees. There is the Silver Bell Social for seniors, Grand Premiere Party, Sizzlin' Soiree for a girls night out, Sugarplum Ball for dads and daughters, Celebrity Lunch, Jingle Jam teen dance, and Family Days for military families. The Afternoon Adventure is a new children's event to have fun in the frozen winter wonderland.

The Festival of Trees Holiday Parade on Saturday, Nov. 22 features over 20 large helium-filled character balloons, marching bands, the Distinguished Clown Corps, and participation from over 50 organizations. There are more balloons than Macy's! The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. and goes through the streets of downtown Davenport.

Come to the John Deere Commons in downtown Moline, Illinois, on Nov. 22 and enjoy the free Lighting on the Commons ceremony from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride; meet Santa and Mrs. Claus; listen to carolers; and warm-up with hot cocoa and cookies. Join in the festivities as nearly 1/2 million lights and fireworks brighten the skies at 5:45 p.m.

Back by popular demand, Cirque de la Symphonie returns for this year's Holiday Pops at the Adler Theatre in Davenport on Nov. 21-22 at 8 p.m. The Holiday Pops includes three performances, including a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday perfect for the whole family. Artists include aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, and more. Performances also include the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, Quad City Symphony Youth Choir, and the Sanctuary Choir of First Presbyterian Church.

Enjoy a riverboat cruise on the Celebration Belle on Nov. 21 made festive with a family-oriented Christmas show with music, dance, and holiday food favorites.

Back by popular demand, Irving Berlin's White Christmas at the Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island is full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written including "Happy Holiday", "Sisters", "Blue Skies" and, of course, the legendary title song! Based on the popular movie, this musical promises to be a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family! White Christmas performance dates are Nov. 7 - Dec. 28.

Thanksgiving Weekend Events
  • Nov 29 - Quad City Mallards Hockey Game at the iWireless Center
  • Nov 28-30 - Julmarknad is the annual Swedish Christmas Market taking place in the historic village of Bishop Hill. Seasonal Swedish folk characters roam the village and there is music and food
  • Nov 28-30 - Christmas Craft Fair with over 180 vendors at the QCCA Expo Center
  • Nov 29 - Tribute to the Bee Gees concert at the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center at 7:30 p.m
  • Nov 30 - Enjoy the historic buildings decorated at the Walnut Grove Pioneer Village Christmas Walk with crafts, refreshments, and more. Free admission
  • Nov 30 - Pianist Jim McDonough performs a Holiday Grande production with an orchestra and singers at the Adler Theatre
  • Quad City Arts' Festival of Trees continues through Sunday
20 Oct 2014

Passion of Dracula

By QCCVB

Augustana College Theatre Department produces The Passion of Dracula on October 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 at 7:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Sundays at Bergendoff Hall, 3701 7th Avenue in Rock Island. This version of the Dracula legend based on the 1897 Bram Stoker novel is set in the English countryside in 1911 where several village girls have died under mysterious circumstances. Dr. Sweard presides over a nearby mental hospital that has acquired a new resident-Count Dracula! A trio of doctors, a young reporter, and a stouthearted English lord battle the Count for possession of the lovely heroine. With a dash of Holmesian sleuthing in the Baskerville hound country setting, our heroes save the heroine and dispatch the Count in the traditional manner. www.augustana.edu

08 Oct 2014

IN-STORE QCCVB SALE

By QCCVB
 These new Zooviners will make an extra-special treat this Halloween for your little trick-or-treater. The cute, plush animals are dressed in a Quad Cities t-shirt that lists the five main cities. You can also pick up a matching t-shirt in children's sizes. Choose from a plush bear, eagle, cow, or pig. Print this email with the coupon at the bottom to bring in for 20% OFF your Zoovenir purchase through Oct. 31.
A local Quad Citian decided to create her own salsa after not finding one that captured what she wanted. After starting to can her own salsa in 1998, Jodi got so many requests she decided to bottle her own salsa and calls it Jodi's Top Shelf Salsa. It can also be found a supermarkets throughout Iowa and Illinois.  During the month of October, receive 20% OFF at www.quadcitiesgifts.com with the code FALL14. You can also print this email for the coupon at the bottom to receive 20% OFF an in-store purchase of Jodi's Top Shelf Salsa through Oct. 31.
STORE LOCATIONS
Quad Cities Gifts                      Union Station Visitor Center
1601 River Dr., Suite 110        102 S. Harrison St.
Downtown Moline, IL               Davenport, IA
Hours: 8:30 am-5 pm M-F      Hours: 10 am-4 pm M-Sat.
29 Sep 2014

Send Us Your Video Ideas

By QCCVB

Bacon, Bacon, Bacon

Bacon is a popular topic everywhere right now so we thought it would be fun to feature the Quad Cities' best bacon bits in an online video as part of our social media campaign.

Do you have a bacon dish on your menu or sell a bacon-related product?  Or anything bacon-related?  We want to know!  Send them to David Breisch at dbreisch@visitquadcities.com

Behind the Scenes

Our other new video series idea is to feature some places from behind the scenes where the public is not normally allowed to go.  Does your business have something cool that fits the bill?  Send them to David Breisch at dbreisch@visitquadcities.com

26 Sep 2014

Fall Fundraiser for Food Pantry

By QCCVB
As a kickoff to the student hunger drive season, the artists of Bucktown Center for the Arts in Davenport will be hosting a fall fundraiser on behalf of the food pantry on Friday, September 25th from 6-9 p.m.  A percentage of the sales from this night will go to the Central Community Circle food pantry.  There is no cost for the event, but any donations of hygiene products or non-perishable food items will be greatly appreciated. www.bucktownarts.com
26 Sep 2014

Families On Challenge plus balloons, pumpkins, and ghosts

By QCCVB

Jump on a huge bed, crawl through doors, run through masses of bubbles, and throw dishes at a big dishwasher--all at the new Families On! Challenge taking place on Saturday, Oct. 11 at Credit Island. Take on the 2.5-mile course with friends, family, or co-workers and race at-your-own-pace through 16 over-the-top challenges like Nickelodean's TV show. www.familieson.com

Quad Cities Balloon Festival

Family fun and entertainment are all a part of the Quad Cities Hot Air Balloon Festival on September 26-28.  Bring your camera for some wonderful photo opportunities!  It all takes place  takes place at the Rock Island County Fairgrounds, 4200 Archer Drive, East Moline, IL.  The free event begins Friday with a balloon launch at 5:00 p.m. - watch the balloons inflate and fly. Then enjoy a Night Glow at 6:30 p.m. when the tethered balloons' colors light up in the night. You can come up close to these gentle giants, take pictures and talk to the pilots during the Glow.  Come out Saturday morning to enjoy another flight at 7:00 a.m. On Saturday evening, the balloons again launch at 5:00 p.m. and then return to the field for a Night Glow at 6:30 p.m.  Seeing a Night Glow is truly a unique experience! On Sunday morning, there is another launch at 7 a.m. Admission is free, and a non-perishable food item is appreciated. www.quadcitiesballoonfestival.com

Pumpkin Fest

Pick out your favorite pumpkin at the Quad Cities Pumpkin Fest on September 27-28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at Adventure Quest, 3501 207th Street North in Port Byron, Ill. They also have a wide selection gourds, squash, popcorn, and Indian corn for harvest decorations. Take a hayrack ride or try the corn maze or spook maze. Activities also include zip line rides, panning for gems, inflatable games, entertainment, food, contests, and prizes. www.adventureqwest.com

Ghost Tales

Kick off the Halloween season as the Colonel Davenport Historical Foundation presents "Ghost Tales" with spooky stories told by local storytellers on the grounds of the Colonel Davenport House on Arsenal Island at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 27th.

Admission for this family-friendly event is $6 for adults; $4 seniors; and 12 and younger/active military are free.  Enjoy the refreshments for sale.  Don't forget to bring a lawn chair or blanket.  (Rain location: nearby picnic pavilion just east of the house.)  Come before the main event to get a complimentary guided tour of the Colonel Davenport House beginning at 5:30 p.m.  www.davenporthouse.org

22 Sep 2014

More Spooktacular Activities in the Quad Cities

By QCCVB

More Events

Surf Rock Beach Party - Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse, Thu, Oct 2 - Fri, Oct 3

QC Bacon Bash - Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, Sat, Oct 4

QC Symphony Orchestra - Adler Theatre, Sat, Oct 4

Village Harvest Moon Song & Dance Fest - Walnut Grove Pioneer Village, Sun, Oct 5

Ghosts of Pine Creek - Pine Creek Grist Mill, Fri, Oct 10

Disney Live Tour - iWireless Center, Fri, Oct 10

Grand Funk Railroad - Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center, Sat, Oct 11

Running Dead 5K - Downtown Moline, Sat, Oct 11

Quad Cities Rowing Regatta - Sylvan Boathouse, Sat, Oct 11

Demi Lovato - iWireless Center, Sat, Oct 11

Apple Fest - LeClaire, Iowa, Sun, Oct 12

ZZ Top - Adler Theatre, Sun, Oct 12

So You Think You Can Dance Tour - Adler Theatre, Tue, Oct 14

SUDS Beer Tasting - German American Heritage Center, Sat, Oct 18

Shamrock 'n Roll - Stern Center, Sat, Oct 18

Brantley Gilbert - iWireless Center, Sat, Oct 18

Cher - iWireless Center, Wed, Oct 22

Meet the Unhuggables - Black Hawk State Historic Site, Fri, Oct 24

Quad City Mallards Hockey Season Opener - iWireless Center, Fri, Oct 24

Hairball - Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center, Fri, Oct 24

Halloweird - Cordova Dragway Park, Sat, Oct 25

Boo at the Zoo - Niabi Zoo, Sat, Oct 25 - Sun, Oct 26

Final Friday - Bucktown Center for the Arts, Fri, Oct 31

QC Haunted Forest

Feargrounds Haunted House - Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds

Quad Cities Haunted Woods

Pride of the Wapsi Pumpkin Patch

Against the Grain - Figge Art Museum

Dora the Explorer Exhibit - Family Museum

Niabi Zoo

Funny, You Don't Look Like a Grandmother - Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse

Take Apart Studio - Putnam Museum

ComedySportz Quad Cities - The Establishment Theatre

Berlin Wall Exhibit - German American Heritage Center

Stock Car Races - Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds

Cordova Dragway Park

River Music Experience - Live music

Quad Cities Casinos

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