DAVENPORT, IOWA (July 21, 2026) — As thousands of runners, spectators, and visitors arrive in Downtown Davenport for the annual Quad-City Times Bix 7 race, the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), in collaboration with community partners, will present a full lineup of free events and activities throughout the weekend.
"Bix Weekend has always been about more than a race. It's a tradition that brings people home, reconnects friends and families, and fills Downtown Davenport with an energy that's unlike anything else we experience all year," said Alisha Espey, Senior Director of Programs and Events for Downtown Davenport Partnership.
"Our goal is to create opportunities for people to stay, explore, and celebrate together through live music, family activities, and experiences that showcase the best of downtown."
Hilltop Brady Street Party
Thursday, July 23
5–9PM
MLK Park, 501 Brady St
Celebrate the sprinters, enjoy refreshments from food trucks and listen to live music from The Zach Harris Band.
Bix Jazz and Family Jam
Friday, July 24
4–7:30PM
Kaiserslautern Square, 119 E 3rd St
Kick off Bix Weekend with live jazz, local eats, and family-friendly fun. This free event celebrates the musical legacy of Bix Beiderbecke with performances by the Ron Tegeler Jazz Trio and The Blackhawk Broadcasters. Enjoy local food vendors and a variety of free family activities including caricatures, balloon art, face painting, magic, and more.
Bix Mix Street Party
Friday, July 24, 7:30–10:30PM
Saturday, July 25 starting at 11AM
W 3rd St between Ripley & Harrison
The Bix Mix Street Party brings live music, vendors, food, and drinks to W 3rd St throughout race weekend. Expect great music, dancing, and a Downtown Davenport vibe that stretches late into the night.
Highlights include:
- Friday night band, Dirt Road Rockers, 7:30–10:30PM, free admission
- Saturday, QC Rock Academy on the outdoor stage beginning at 11AM; most businesses along W 3rd St open early
- Saturday night, Wyatt Weipert and For Those About to Yacht at 6PM, admission $10
- Saturday headliner and last show of the evening, Pork Tornadoes
Bix Mix Street Party is supported by Daiquiri Factory, The Carriage Haus, Kilkenny’s, Mac’s Tavern, Collette’s Dueling Piano Bar, B100 and Downtown Davenport Partnership.
Motor Row Victory Lane
Saturday, July 25
Starting at 9AM
E 2nd St between Iowa and Perry
Immediately following the race, Motor Row Victory Lane closes down E 2nd St and spills into the adjacent businesses with live music, family activities, and local vendor booths through the afternoon.
Anchoring the event is the T-Fiber Stage, featuring a full day of live music curated by Sean Moeller of Raccoon Motel.
- 10AM Ronnie and the Redwoods
- 11:30AM The Textures
- 1PM Six Foot Blonde
- 2:45PM The Silkies
Additional highlights include:
- Free Family Fun Zone with bounce houses, caricatures, balloon art, face painting, games, and kids' activities
- Food trucks and local eats from Brady St Blends, Café San Lorenzo, Eli’s Empanadas, Front Street Brewery, Great River Brewery, Kona Ice, Mississippi River Distilling Company, The Pour Society, and Smokin' Goodness
- Shopping and specials from Motor Row businesses
- Family-friendly entertainment and activities including: All in 1 Fun Bounce Houses, Absolute Science Bubble Station, Strolling Magic, The Painted Cupcake Facepainting, Balloon Art by Toto, Caricatures by Leo Kelly, and Downtown Turf with lawn games, in partnership with ForeverLawn Heartland
Motor Row Victory Lane is supported by The Bechtel Trusts, T-Fiber, Nehlsen Creative, OneStep Printing, and the Downtown Davenport Partnership.
Jazz in the Courtyard
Saturday, July 25
10:30AM–121PM
Skybridge Courtyard, 141 W River Dr
Enjoy a free outdoor jazz performance by The Blackhawk Broadcasters as part of a collaboration between Common Chord and the Bix Jazz Society.
Additional Bix Week Events
- Brady Street Sprints
- Arconic Jr Bix
- Common Chord’s Live @ 5 featuring Beaker Brothers Band
For more information and a full event schedule, visit downtowndavenport.com/bix-qc-homecoming/.
About Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP):
The Downtown Davenport Partnership is focused on the strategic growth and beautification of Downtown Davenport. DDP oversees placemaking, event planning, marketing, business support, and clean and safe initiatives within the Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID).Learn more at downtowndavenport.com.
