Need some fun in your life?

Looking for cool things to do over the weekend in the Illinois and Iowa Quad-Cities?

Check out our Fun10!

Fun10 — ten ways for you to have fun in the Quad-Cities, this week and every week, only on your site for fun, free, local entertainment, QuadCities.com!

Every week, we drop a new Fun10, to give you a head start on your week and a heads up on what’s going on over the coming seven days. Check out Fun10 every Sunday for the details on ten awesome events happening around town. It’s a cool read, and a great way to get started planning your entertainment for the week.

So what’s on the Fun10 for this week? Read on…

‘Rocky Horror’ Back This Week

“The Rocky Horror Show” is back in Rock Island!

That sweet transvestite, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, and his motley crew are back this October at The Speakeasy in downtown Rock Island!

On the way to visit an old college professor, two clean cut kids, Brad Majors and his fiancée Janet Weiss, get caught in a storm and end up at the home of a mad transvestite scientist, Dr Frank ‘n’ Furter, who is in the midst of one of his maniacal experiments!

The show is filled with twisted, whacky comedy and memorable songs including “The Time Warp”, Sweet Transvestite”, “I’m Going Home,” “I Can Make You A Man” and many more!

Directed by long time “Rocky Horror” veteran Tristan Tapscott – who appeared as Franky in The Speakeasy’s productions in 2018 and 2020 and directed the show in both 2021 and 2022, the show features Micah Bernas as Franky, Taylor Lynn as Janet, Tyler Henning as Brad, Kelsi Ford as Magenta, Bradley Heinrichs as Eddie/Dr. Scott, Adam Cerny as Rocky, Abigail Graham as Riff-Raff, Sophia Kilburg as Columbia and returning for his 7th consecutive year – Doug Kutzli as the Narrator!

“The Rocky Horror Show” is produced by Brett Hitchcock and features Choreography by Ashley Becher and Music Direction by Bobby Becher, reuniting the same creative team behind the 2022 and 2023 productions. The design team includes Lighting Designer Cameron Strandin, Sound Designer Ben Takitch and Stage Manager Jeremy Littlejohn.

“The Rocky Horror Show” will play The Speakeasy October 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 7pm and 11pm and both October 22 and 29 at 6pm!

ALL TICKETS ARE $25 IN ADVANCE AND $30 THE DAY OF THE SHOW.

Make Reservations by calling 309-786-7733 ext. 2 or online at TheCirca21Speakeasy.com.

Doggy Days Howl Today

Get ready for Bent River Brewing Company’s next doggy days of the season.

This time they will be benefiting K9 Kindness Rescue! Bent River will also spice it up with a Doggy Halloween costume contest! 100% of raffle and pup cup sales go to K9 Kindness as well as 10% of beer sales!

Bent River Brewing Company – October 15 – 2-6pm

Learn more: https://facebook.com/events/s/doggy-days/2037837126559193/

Einstein’s Sister Celebrating New Record This Week

Celebrating their newest EP, “Exit Strategies”, QC native and nationally played, Einstein’s Sister invites you, your dog, your mom, your mom’s mom and friends to their free EP release show at Co-Op Records of Moline. – in co-op with Common Chord | Home of the Redstone Room.

This will be the first chance to purchase the EP, mixed and mastered by Nick Davis (known for his work with Genesis.)

1 hour performance, with tracks from the EP as well as fan favorites from prior albums & singles.

There will be giveaways and more at this family-friendly, all-ages, all species celebration.

Date: October 19th, 2023

Time: 7PM – 8PM

Location: Co-Op Records of Moline

Free Event!!!

Can’t make it? Big bummer, but it’s okay because Einstein’s Sister will be performing a second EP release concert with Josie Abigail & Wahsington Avenue at Common Chord on November 4th at 7pm. Tickets are on sale now.

Chris Schlichting Bringing The Laughs Tonight

Growing up on the mean streets of Iowa, Chris Schlichting knew that he either had to take up standup comedy or join the notorious Midwest gang known as “The Farmers.”

He is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best comics on the planet, and by “planet” we mean “his street.” Described as “hilarious” by his mom, and “not good at sports” by his dad, Chris takes pride in his immature and lovable style.

He has been featured on Dry Bar Comedy, heard on Sirius Radio, and recently released his debut album, “The Son of Tom and Geri.”

Learn how to pronounce this comic’s last name, and then remember it forever. Chris Schlichting is sure to leave you laughing, and wanting more.

Tomfoolery On Tremont presents

CHRIS SCHLICHTING

October 15

Show @ 7pm, Doors @ 6pm

$10 in advance

Learn more: CHRIS SCHLICHTING

Last Chance To See The Hilarious ‘Outsider’ At Circa ’21

Rock Island’s Circa ’21 is presenting “The Outsider,” and it’s a great, funny show that makes fun of politics in general without taking sides.

It’s a fantastic show. I loved it. If you’re looking for a great comedy that makes fun of politics without taking sides, you’ve got to check out “The Outsider.”

“The Outsider”  will be presented at Circa ’21 through October 29, with performances on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday matinées at 1:15 p.m. Pre-show entertainment featuring the theatre’s waitstaff The Bootleggers will precede all performances. Ticket prices are $60.55 for the evening dinner-and-show productions, $53.73 for the matinées.

 Reservations are available through the Circa ’21 ticket office. For reservations, contact the theatre at 1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island or by calling 309-786-7733 ext. 2.

Get Your Tarot Read At Igors

Igor’s Bistro is hosting a tarot card reader Friday and Saturday nights. Come see how your future could play out!

It’s $10 (cash only) for a 10-minute session. Group readings (3 people max) are $10 per person for a 15-minute-long reading.

Igor’s very own tarot card reader will be located out on the front yard in a brand-new tent.

Dinner in a scary spot? Tarot card readings on the front lawn? SPOOKY SEASON IS HERE!

Learn more: TAROT READINGS AT IGOR’S

Haunted Win Walk Bringing The Spirits In

Kick It At The Crib

Corn Crib’s CribFest Kicks Off September 8th in Coal Valley!

CribFest operates on weekends from September 8th – October 29th

CribFest Season Hours:
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 10am-6pm
*these hours are not the same as our store/nursery/greenhouse hours*

FALL FUN FOR ALL AGES!
You can expect all of the general admission activities we’ve had in previous years, like:
• Zip-line
• Human Hamster Wheel
• Giant Bounce Pad
• Hayrack Rides
• Cow Train
• Farm Animals
• Pedal Cars
• Straw Mountain Maze
• Grain Bin Basketball
• Giant Tire Swings
• And much, much more!!

General Admission
Ages 0-3 Free
Ages 4-61 $13
Ages 62+ $6

*Pay-to-Play activities are not included in General Admission*

Pay-to-Play includes:
• Paintball
• Hayrack Paintball
• Pumpkin Slingshot
• Pumpkin Cannon

Learn more: CORN CRIB NURSERY

Mercado Brings Fun To Downtown Moline

Moline’s Mercado On Fifth is back!

Bringing Back Mexican Cuisine, Culture And More Fridays through Sept. 10 from 5 to 10 p.m. at 432 12th Street in Moline, everyone can get the weekend started right with Mercado! There will be a variety of children’s activities, delicious Mexican cuisine, and unique retail stands selling everything from jewelry to hand-sewn blouses and imported ceramics.

Mercado on Fifth is not just a market; it serves as a resource and catalyst for aspiring entrepreneurs. The weekly events bring Quad Citizens together to celebrate culture and community in an inclusive way. Educational programming at Mercado provides enrichment hours for children, and free nonprofit booth space gets helpful information to adults.

By addressing the specific needs of small businesses in the area, Mercado on Fifth and its partners have helped create and/or provide a platform for 30 new minority-owned businesses in the Quad Cities region. Most vendors have taken advantage of our free small business workshops (in Spanish and English) in partnership with the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Western Illinois University (SBDC). Through the management of the SBDC, we also started a micro-grant program for minority entrepreneurs to purchase equipment for their businesses. Over the past two years, Mercado founder Bob Ontiveros has given away over $62,000 to over 40 minority-owned businesses to purchase anything from food warmers to an industrial sewing machine.

Black Hawk College, another valued partner, also began offering the Food Sanitation Management class in Spanish at the request of Mercado leadership. Previously, Spanish speakers interested in becoming a kitchen manager or starting a food business had to drive to Chicago to take the class. Finally, Mercado on Fifth supported the creation of a commercial kitchen located within St. John’s Lutheran Church just blocks away from the Moline event space, thus completing the entrepreneurial eco-system. Mercado vendors and other small businesses now rent the kitchen for a small hourly fee.

Go ahead and block out your Fridays because Mercado On Fifth is where you are going to want to be this summer.

Get Into Thursday Night Groove At Schwiebert Park

Get into the groove at Rock Island’s Schwiebert Park!

Come listen to live music along the Rock Island riverfront at Schwiebert Park, 1st Ave. and 18th St.  Sponsored by Rock Island Parks and Recreation and sponsored in part by: Rock Island Happy Joes, Alternating Currents, Friendship Manor, Bent River Brewing Company, and Mississippi Valley Blues Society.

Thursday Night Groove

10/19/2023 RAIN DATE IF NEEDED

6:00pm Concession Open from Bent River Brewing and Rock Island Parks Concession Stand Featuring Rock Island Happy Joes

7:00pm-9:00pm Concert

*No outside alcohol allowed in Park.
**Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the concert on the Great Lawn!

Sean Leary

Sean Leary is an author, director, artist, musician, producer and entrepreneur who has been writing professionally since debuting at age 11 in the pages of the Comics Buyers Guide. An honors graduate of the University of Southern California masters program, he has written over 50 books including the best-sellers The Arimathean, Every Number is Lucky to Someone and We Are All Characters.

See More Articles From Sean Leary

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It’s time for fall fun!

Hope the month is treating you well so far!

It’s Sunday, and QuadCities.com proudly presents Fun10, a list of the top 10 things to do in the Quad Cities this week, and every week!

Every Sunday, we drop a new Fun10, to give you a head start on your week and a heads up on what’s going on over the coming seven days. Check out Fun10 every Sunday for the details on ten awesome events happening around town. It’s a cool read, and a great way to get started planning your entertainment for the week.

Fun10 — ten ways for you to have fun in the Quad-Cities, this week and every week, running every Sunday, only on your site for fun, free, local entertainment, QuadCities.com!

So what’s on the Fun10 for this week? Read on…

Not So Scary Halloween Walk Strolls In

Dress up your little ghosts and goblins for the Quad City Botanical Center’s 7th annual Not So Scary Halloween Walk October 6:30PM-8:00PM October 14, 21, 27 and 28!

Bring your flashlights and explore the nooks and crannies of the Sun Garden – search for spiders, bats, jack-o-lanterns, and toads as you wander down the darkened pathways. Get a glimpse of the Halloween train in their ever popular train garden. It’s not so scary in the Rock Island gardens, making this event great for all ages!

Not So Scary Tickets: NOT SO SCARY
Oct. 20 Members Only Not So Scary Tickets:MEMBER TICKETS

The walk takes place both indoors and outdoors, so please dress according to weather and for a walk across the Botanical Center’s lawn. All children take home a goodie bag after the fun so please leave your trick-or-treat buckets at home.-

Don’t forget: You can become a member to get free admission all year long, discounted tickets on special events like Winter Nights Winter Lights, reciprocal benefits to over 345+ gardens throughout the country. Sign up for a family membership today: MEMBERSHIP

German Fest Debuting Next Weekend

A new event in a newly created space is coming to Downtown Davenport.

German Fest will be held from 6 – 10 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2022 in Kaiserslautern Square (K-Square), 119 E. 3rd St. The event is co-produced by the German American Heritage Center (GAHC) and Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP).

The FREE event will feature a variety of traditional Octoberfest activities including music, food and beer. Performing at the event will be the Dirndolls, a 7-piece Alpine folk band from Chicago made up of people of marginalized genders.

For more info: GERMAN FEST

“We’re excited to host a new event for the QC to enjoy. K-Square provides a perfect venue for an outdoor event in the heart of downtown Davenport,” said Jason Gilliliand, Event Director for DDP.

With the strong history of German culture in the QC, it seemed the perfect opportunity to create a new event in K-Square, named for Davenport’s sister city Kaiserslautern, Germany.

“The rich German traditions around food, drink and music are a wonderful way to celebrate culture and have fun in our community,” said Kelly Lao, Executive Director of the GAHC.

Ballroom Thieves Dance Into Raccoon Motel

THE BALLROOM THIEVES hit The Raccoon Motel stage Wednesday, October 12 at 7pm!

The Ballroom Thieves haven’t had it easy. After a rather serious car accident, the chaos of the pandemic, and the departure of a band member, taking them from tip to sup, The Ballroom Thirbrs been learning to roll with the punches.

The Ballroom Thieves – Martin Earley and Calin Peters

Together, they have learned to navigate complicated situations, including their struggles with depression, which often color their songs. If they can impart anything to listeners, it’s that talking about mental health is not a weakness—and that sharing any of life’s trials can be a source of strength.

You won’t want to miss The Ballroom Thieves and their passionate performance in Davenport on October 12!

Get your tickets here: BALLROOM THIEVES

True Crime Author Visiting Library

Dr. Edgar Epperly, author of the new true crime book “Fiend Incarnate: Villisca Iowa Axe Murders of 1912,” will be the guest for the Bettendorf Public Library’s October Community Connections on Friday, October 14 at 1:30 PM.  Decades in the writing, “Field Incarnate” looks at the notorious Iowa crime that led to nearly a decade of investigations and trials. Dr. Epperly will offer a presentation and book signing of the title. No registration is required to attend.

Sometime during the dark early morning of June 10, 1912, a person or persons unknown murdered Josiah B. Moore, his wife Sara, their children Herman, Katherine, Boyd and Paul, and two overnight guests, Lena and Ina Stillinger. Public frustration over the inability of law enforcement to solve the Villisca Axe Murders led to the formation of the Iowa Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The fingerprint collection compiled by the expert who also examined the Villisca crime scene became the basis of the F.B.I.’s current database. This program is presented along with Fourth Wall Films and is sponsored by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library. More information about this series and other events is available at the Bettendorf Public Library’s website at www.bettendorflibrary.com or by calling the Library at 563-344-4179.

ABOUT the Bettendorf Public Library Information Center: Located at 2950 Learning Campus Drive, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722, the Library’s mission is “Committed to providing access to information and ideas for all.” For more information, visit www.bettendorflibrary.com or call 563-344-4175.

WIU Debuting New Musical Work This Week

The premiere of a new work by Western Illinois University Music Composition Professor James Romig, titled Spaces, will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, IA.

The 80-minute piece will be performed by Augustana College Percussion Professor Tony Oliver, a long-time member of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.

“Tony Oliver is a marvelous percussionist whose performances are both musically sensitive and technically accurate — exactly the qualities necessary for sharing a brand-new work with an audience,” said Romig. “Tony and I have been friends since we were undergraduate music majors at the University of Iowa, and we’ve collaborated on countless projects over the years. He’s one of my favorite musicians, and one of my favorite people. It has been immensely rewarding to collaborate with him on this new work.”

Romig’s solo piano piece, Still, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Music in 2019. It was performed at The Figge in 2018 by his wife, Knox College Associate Professor of Applied Music Ashlee Mack.

“She performed the hour-long work for solo piano, in the same gallery where Tony will be playing Spaces,” said Romig. “I’m honored to have my music serve a small role in the museum’s big cultural contributions to the Quad Cities community.”

The vibraphone is a ringing keyboard percussion instrument, “capable of conjuring a dreamy, contemplative atmosphere of gentle timbre and intriguing harmony.” Romig said Spaces comprises eight movements, each about 10 minutes long and played without pause.

“Each one is different, but they’re similar enough that listeners might have a feeling of deja vu when they recognize certain musical gestures and phrases that return throughout the 80 minutes of music,” he added.

For more information about the performance, visit bit.ly/ROMIGSPACES.

Halloween Craft Night Coming To Library

October is overflowing with BOO-tiful events for children, teens, and families this October at Rock Island Public Libraries. Spend some of that school break at your library!

Class Of ’82 Highlights Thursday Groove

Thursday Night Groove rocks Schwiebert Park every Thursday night, and tonight’s show features Class of ’82!

The free concert schedule in downtown Rock Island includes:

10/6 Piso’s Cure – Sponsored by The Arc of the Quad Cities Area
10/13 Class of ’82 – Sponsored by The Arc of the Quad Cities Area
10/20 Rain Date if needed

For more visit THURSDAY NIGHT GROOVE

Get The Blues Every Wednesday At Kavanaugh’s

The Hilltop is THE neighborhood bar and grill of the Quad Cities. Featuring the best local draft beer selection and great food. It’s at 1228 38th St., Rock Island.

And every Wednesday night at 8 p.m. at the Hilltop you can check out some awesome local musicians at the open mic blues jam.

So if you like the blues, head to the Hilltop on Wednesdays!

Bootleg Hill Open Mic Showcases Local Talent

Looking for a spot to showcase your talents?

How about the Bootleg Hill open mic night?

The musical open mic night is back. Happening weekly at Bootleg Hill Honey Meads in downtown Davenport. All are welcome. Hosted by Dan Fennesy and starts at 8 p.m.

Bettendorf Library Getting Craft-Tea

The Bettendorf Public Library’s Craft-Tea program is designed to allow makers of all disciplines to create and connect with others. On Thursday, October 20th,  Craft Tea will start an updated schedule by holding the program on the third Thursday of each month att 7:00 PM. Craft Tea meets in the Creation Studio of the Bettendorf Public Library located at 2950 Learning Campus Dr. in Bettendorf. Crafters aged 16 through adult are welcome to bring their own projects for this dedicated work time and to enjoy a beverage along with the opportunity to socialize with other crafters. Complimentary tea and water will be available at this free event thanks to the sponsorship of the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library. No registration is required to attend.

The Bettendorf Public Library values active engagement and collaboration with residents and community groups, enhancing the quality of life for Bettendorf residents. Craft-Tea offers crafters a place to share ideas while giving them committed time to create. Those not currently working on a craft project need not stay away from this event. The Bettendorf Public Library will have colored pencils, paper, and other crafting supplies available. More information about Craft-Tea or other Bettendorf Public Library events is available on the Library’s website at https://url.emailprotection.link/?bywKd1U1F6xkwTcm6JrLPhTHMnw6m1sLGPQX6xXaYsHpsK3iCE3FotsCvaboNU-kHZaUqU4zrmr0ah7mn0LZX9g~~, by calling 563-344-4179, or by emailing info@bettendorflibrary.com.

ABOUT the Bettendorf Public Library Information Center: Located at 2950 Learning Campus Drive, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722, the Library’s mission is “Committed to providing access to information and ideas for all.” For more information, visit https://url.emailprotection.link/?bywKd1U1F6xkwTcm6JrLPhTHMnw6m1sLGPQX6xXaYsHpsK3iCE3FotsCvaboNU-kHZaUqU4zrmr0ah7mn0LZX9g~~ or call 563-344-4175.

Sean Leary

Sean Leary is an author, director, artist, musician, producer and entrepreneur who has been writing professionally since debuting at age 11 in the pages of the Comics Buyers Guide. An honors graduate of the University of Southern California masters program, he has written over 50 books including the best-sellers The Arimathean, Every Number is Lucky to Someone and We Are All Characters.

See More Articles From Sean Leary