Experience the thrill of watching go-karts roar through the streets of downtown Rock Island, Illinois, at speeds up to 80 mph on August 30-31. The Rock Island Grand Prix is the largest and safest go-kart street race in the world and is the only race in the U.S. that is sanctioned for International drivers. This is a free event that goes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.
The circus is in town! The circus is in town! The familiar saying rings true for the Quad Cities as the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus comes to the iWireless Center, 1201 River Drive in downtown Moline, Illinois, on August 29-31. For this "Built to Amaze" show, there are all-new live events engineered for excitement and custom-built for family fun. For tickets and showtimes, visit iwirelesscenter.com or ticketmaster.com, or 800-745-3000.
The spectacular Red, White & Boom! are rescheduled (from July 3rd) for 8:30 p.m. on Monday, September 1 (Labor Day). Family activities begin at 6 p.m. at Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport and at Schweibert Riverfront Park in Rock Island. The bi-state fireworks show will launch from the river with primary viewing areas and family activities located in Rock Island and Davenport on the riverfront.
On Saturday, August 30, 2014, the public is invited to the Bicentennial Commemoration of the Battle of Credit Island. The memorial marker dedication and presentation about the battle begins at 10 a.m. at 2200 W. River Drive, Davenport, Iowa. The free, bicentennial events begins at 8:30 a.m. with a guided nature walk on the island. Starting at 9 a.m. exhibitor booths, historical information panels, and bounce houses will open. Then at 12 noon enjoy a lacrosse demonstration. The Battle of Credit Island on September 4-5, 1814, was one of the westernmost and last battles of the War of 1812.
The Labor Day Pow Wow is Aug. 30 - Sept. 1 at Black Hawk State Historic Site in Rock Island. Grounds open at 10 a.m. each day. Sauk from Oklahoma and Meskwaki from Tama, Iowa, will perform their traditional dances. There will be arts and crafts exhibits with items for sale, and in addition, authentic Native American food will be sold. Free shuttle bus service will be provided from the parking lot of Roe Aquarium (4422 11th Street, Rock Island). Bring the family to this fun, culturally instructive event. It's free, though donations will be gratefully accepted. Please bring lawn chairs and blankets.
The 3rd Annual East West Riverfest is a 17-day celebration of the arts, culture and heritage offerings that thrive in the Quad Cities along the Mississippi River. From September 5 to 21, 300 events will take place at various theaters, music venues, galleries, historic sites, parks, libraries, and attractions on both sides of the river in the Quad Cities.
Major events for East West Riverfest on the first weekend include :
- Lock and Dam Country Jam is a two day country festival with live music, food, and activities for the kids. Performances include Confederate Railroad on Sept. 5th and Craig Campbell on Sept. 6th.
- The annual Riverfront Pops Concert features the music of Elton John and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra on Sept. 6th.
- First Friday of the month is a fun celebration in beautiful downtown LeClaire, Iowa.
- Viva La Divas is a great girls' night out at the Speakeasy in Rock Island, where the premier drag show of the Quad Cities presents award-winning performers and beautiful costumes.
- QCA Heritage Tractor Parade on Sept. 6th at 10 a.m. at the John Deere Pavilion.
Major events for East West Riverfest on the second weekend include :
- "Funny, You Don't Look Like a Grandmother" at the Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse is a fun, musical comedy that looks at grandmothers in a whole new way.
- Hometown Teams Exhibit is a nationally touring exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution Museum, paired with local programs and exhibits on Rock Island County sports heritage.
