An eagerly awaited day of outdoor fun culminating in an attempt to break a pair of Guinness World Records is set for August 15, when River Action hosts the 17th-annual celebration of paddle sports Floatzilla, with participants and spectators gathering at Rock Island's Sunset Park to see if the Quad Cities can boast the world's “Largest Raft of Canoes and Kayaks” and “Largest Simultaneous Kayak Launch.”

With the Midwest Writing Center's literary magazine THE ATLAS celebrating the publication of its 21st volume, a release party, open-mic night, and KAS concert honoring the Young Emerging Writers (YEW) program will be held at Rock Island venue Rozz-Tox on August 13, the evening boasting readings from YEW alumni and copies of new and back issues of THE ATLAS available for purchase.

Taking place in two states and among more than 40 local venues, the popular summertime traveling festival Alternating Currents returns to downtown Davenport and other Quad Cities locales from August 13 through 17 – an area-wide celebration of music, film, comedy, and the arts boasting more than 200 music performances, comedy sets, film screenings, local art displays, and family activities.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, the city's The Last Picture House will host the August 12 event TEDxDavenport, a local, self-organized event that brings people together to share a TED-like experience, and that will find six gifted speakers – including Quad Cities residents – sparking deep discussion and connection through a number of fascinating subjects.