With the Chicago Tribune calling their performances “politically incorrect and funny” and the Charleston City Paper adding that the cast “has funny going on before they even open their mouths,” the Chicago-based comedians of Pimprov bring their sketch-comedy skills, acting talent, and significant bling to the Circa '21 Speakeasy on October 4, demonstrating why the Los Angeles Times calls their set “not your traditional improv.”

With the author appearing in a special virtual program hosted by Illinois Libraries Present and the Rock Island and Silvis Public Libraries, the October 9 event Being Imperfect with Erica Sánchez will find the author of the New York Times bestseller I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter in conversation with Cynthia Pelayo, the Times having raved that Sánchez's book was "alive and crackling – a gritty tale wrapped in a page-turner."

A variety of traditional craft demonstrations, live-music performances, food options, vendors, hands-on children's activities, and much more will be enjoyed in Bishop Hill, Illinois, during the 2024 agriculture-days celebration Jordbruksdagarna (pronounced "yord-brooks-dah-ga-na"), the September 28 and 29 event that will also boast a petting zoo, a book signing, a bake sale, and a concert of Swedish music with Johan Johansson & Friends.

Outdoor adventurers are again invited to paddle, mountain bike, and run their way to the top in the eagerly anticipated, 19th Taming of the Slough Mississippi River Adventure Triathlon, the River Action-sponsored test of endurance set to take place on Saturday, September 28.

An important issue affecting our present and future will be explored in fascinating detail when Black Hawk College reference and instruction librarian Atticus Garrison presents AI Apocalypse: A Survival Guide for Navigating AI Disinformation, an October 3 program at the Rock Island Public Library's Watts-Midtown Branch designed to equip attendees with the critical thinking and media literacy skills necessary to navigate the digital landscape with confidence.

One of the most impressive and adored rising stars in the arena of touring comedy, Nate Jackson brings his "Super Funny World Tour" to the University of Dubuque's Heritage Center on October 1, his evening of hysterical standup part of the university's 12th-annual Live at Heritage Center Performing Arts Series.

An eagerly awaited autumnal tradition will get the blood pumping on September 21 and 22, as the weekend brings with it the Vibrant Arena at the MARK's Active Endeavors Health & Fitness Expo on Saturday followed by the 27th Quad Cities Marathon, presented by TBK Bank, on Sunday, the latter a Boston Marathon qualifier and the only such event in the country to incorporate six races, four cities, three bridges, two states, and one island.

Held in conjunction with the September 22 through 28 Banned Books Week – a celebration of our collective freedom to read – the Midwest Writing Center's and Rock Island Public Library's annual Banned Books Read-In will take place on September 24, with more than a dozen participants gathering at the library's Watts-Midtown Branch to read from frequently challenged works and unite in the fight against censorship.

With his debut album Oh Me, Oh My released in 2022, country and Americana singer/songwriter will perform new and familiar numbers and deliver life tales in Songs & Stories with Forrest McCurren, a special September 26 event introducing audiences to the nascent artist's talents at the Rock Island Public Library's Watts-Midtown Branch.

Hard as it is to believe, the iconic TV sitcom Friends debuted its first-ever episode three decades ago this month, and in celebration, the East Moline Public Library will host a Friends 30th-Anniversary Party on September 20, demonstrating that they'll be there for you with crafts, trivia, fan-favorite episodes, and more.

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