A charming family entertainment nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 82nd Academy Awards, the Irish-French-Belgian co-production The Secret of Kells serves as the second screening in the Bettendorf Public Library's Global Gathering Ireland film series, its September 27 presentation sure to demonstrate why Film Comment applauded its "decidedly pleasing-to-the-eye, retro-cartoon vibe," and why the Daily Telegraph deemed the movie "simply ravishing."

Lauded by Rolling Stone as "one of the top 10 comics you need to know," and currently traveling the country in support of the fall release of his book Death by Boomers: How the Worst Generation Destroyed a Planet, but First a Child, famed standup comedian and podcast host Tim Dillon brings his "American Royalty" tour to Davenport's Rhythm City Casino Resort Event Center on September 23, his first full-length streaming special Tim Dillon: A Real Hero having debuted on Netflix last summer.

With September 16 officially Batman Day, the annually celebrated recognition of DC's hallmark superhero, Davenport's Putnam Museum & Science Center will host two screenings of writer/director Christopher Nolan's landmark Batman film The Dark Knight, the two-time Academy Award-winner that – until the recent advent of Barbie – held a 15-year record as the highest-grossing domestic release in Warner Bros. history.

Offering visitors the chance to experience what it's like being in the front row of Spartan athletics, the University of Dubuque's Bisignano Art Gallery will house Photo Finish: Sports Photography at UD through September 29, this special exhibit timed to coincide with the beginning of the new school year and, of course, the start of collegiate football season.