04 Aug 2026

Aqua Palooza with Rock Falls River Chase August 15 and 16

By Merit Pages

ROCK FALLS, ILLINOIS (August 4, 2026) — Rock Falls Tourism is excited to announce the inaugural Aqua Palooza, a new two-day, family-friendly summer celebration taking place August 15-16, 2026, throughout Rock Falls. Held in conjunction with the Rock Falls River Chase, the weekend will feature thrilling boat races, live music, fishing, a brand-new Cardboard Regatta, and family activities at multiple locations throughout the city.

14 May 2026

Niabi Zoo Introduces “Zoo Nights” with Extended Evening Hours

By Niabi Zoo

COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (MAY 14, 2026) — Niabi Zoo is launching an exciting new program this summer: Zoo Nights. Zoo Nights give visitors the chance to explore the zoo during extended evening hours once a month.

Guests can enjoy the Zoo 10AM-8PM, with last entry at 7PM, on the following dates:

30 Apr 2026

Rock Falls Tourism Announces Calls for Artists for 2026 Art in the Park Sculpture Walk/Outdoor Art Gallery

By Melinda Jones

ROCK FALLS, ILLINOIS (April 30, 2026) — Rock Falls Tourism is pleased to announce two Calls for Artists for the 2026 Art in the Park Sculpture Walk and Outdoor Art Gallery, scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026, in the RB&W District in Rock Falls. These opportunities invite artists to showcase their creativity through a juried outdoor gallery and a year-long public sculpture exhibit.

Outdoor Art Gallery Accepting Submissions

27 Mar 2026

Earth Day — Drink and Design a Whale Shark

By Joel Vanderbush

COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (March 27, 2026) — Gather your friends (age 21 and over) or come and make friends to enjoy your favorite beverage while learning about endangered Whale Sharks and how to paint them during this special Drink and Design. All skill levels are welcome! You don't have to be an artist to enjoy learning. Join us on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, 6-8:30PM, to please your palate while using your palette!

11 Feb 2026

Another Doggone Trivia Night at Niabi Zoo on February 26

By Joel Vanderbush

COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (February 11, 2026) — Tired of the same old evening plans? Looking to get WILD?

Prepare your pack to take on Another Doggone Trivia Night!

10 Feb 2026

Largest Women's Bowling Tournament in Illinois Returns After Thirty Years

By Kayla Morath CTA

MOLINE, ILLINOIS (February 10, 2026) — Visit Quad Cities is excited to welcome back the largest event in Illinois for competitive women’s bowling, the Illinois State USBC’s 97th Annual Women’s Tournament, for its first return to the Quad Cities since 1994, with participation on the rise this year. This tournament opens February 21 and runs through April 19 at Highland Park Bowl in Moline.

28 Jan 2026

Sarah Smith Named Director of Galesburg Tourism and Visitors Bureau

By Mark McLaughlin

GALESBURG, ILLINOIS (January 28, 2026) — Sarah Smith has been named Director of the Galesburg Tourism and Visitors Bureau Board (GTVB).

Smith will lead efforts to promote the Galesburg area as a flourishing destination for visitors while advancing tourism as a driver of community pride and economic growth.

16 Jan 2026

Niabi Zoo Awarded $527,800 State Grant to Expand Outdoor Education and Family Recreation

By Niabi Zoo

COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (January 16, 2026) — Niabi Zoo has been awarded a $527,800 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the State of Illinois to support the creation of new outdoor spaces that connect education, exploration and family-friendly recreation.

09 Dec 2025

American Automobile Association (AAA): Christmas Markets Grow in Popularity

By Brynna Knapp

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA (December 9, 2025) — The holiday season is upon us, and Minnesotans are seeking memorable, authentic experiences to share with their loved ones. Christmas markets have become one of the most sought-after seasonal experiences for travelers as they offer a blend of tradition with the magic and festivity of the season.

Why Christmas Markets are Special

30 Nov 2025

Niabi Zoo Celebrates The Birth of Four Fennec Foxes

By Niabi Zoo

COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (November 30, 2025) — The Niabi Zoo is excited to announce the birth of four Fennec Foxes (Vulpes zerda).

Fennec foxes are native to the Sahara and Sinai deserts of North Africa, and are active hunters of small mammals and reptiles. Fennec foxes are the smallest of all fox species and are known for their unusually large ears, which serve to both locate prey underground and to dissipate heat from their bodies in the harsh desert environment.

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