With her 2025 novel Katabasis lauded by the New York Times Book Review as a work that "shines with devastatingly real characters and absorbing world building," a bestselling, award-winning takes part in the May 20 virtual conversation Babel-On with R.F. Kuang, a thoughtful and entertaining look into the author's process hosted by Illinois Libraries Present, and offered through the Rock Island and Silvis Public Libraries.

To honor America’s 250th birthday this year, the Bishop Hill Heritage Association will be hosting a variety of activities that look at various aspects of early U.S. history in the 2026 Bishop Hill Civil War Day, the May 16 events including an artillery demonstration, a speech by Union General John Logan, a Civil War music concert, an evening Civil War-era Ball, and, of course, a staged battle.

Taking place on May 9 from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., the Putnam Museum & Science Center's second-annual Putnam Palooza will treat guests to a full-day celebration of spring, creativity, and Quad Cities culture, bringing together dozens of community partners, performers, and hand-son activities for all ages.

An eagerly awaited springtime touring event rides, jumps, and spins into the Vibrant Arena at the MARK on May 9 as the Moline venue hosts two presentations of Monster Jam 2026, the amphitheater event that brings a new level of high-flying, four-wheel excitement to the entire family with racing, two-wheel skills, donuts, and freestyle competitions.