A New York Times-bestselling author of 26 mysteries and thrillers for teens and adults who, as she has stated, "makes up for a peaceful childhood in an intact home by killing off fictional characters," April Henry will be the special guest in a September 28 presentation at the Bettendorf Public Library, her recent novels including 2019's Run, Hide, Fight Back, 2020's The Girl in the White Van, and the 2021 two-fer of Playing with Fire and Eyes of the Forest.

An eagerly awaited autumnal tradition will get the blood pumping on September 23 and 24, as the weekend brings with it the Vibrant Arena at the MARK's Active Endeavors Health & Fitness Expo on Saturday followed by the 26th 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 five races, four cities, three bridges, two states, and one island.

Following the success of last year's inaugural event, the Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat in Wheatland, Iowa invites enjoy an afternoon of music and family fun in the second-annual PrairieFest, the September 24 happening that boasts a quartet of live-music acts within the bucolic splendor of these grounds located a mere 40 miles from Davenport.

A runner-up on the eighth season of America's Got Talent and a semi-finalist on the seventh season of Last Comic Standing, comedian Taylor Williamson brings his national tour to Davenport's Rhythm City Casino Resort Rhythm Room on September 15, the professional funnyman recently named one of the show's five favorite acts of all time in the America's Got Talent 10-Year Anniversary Special.