For just the second time, Mercado on Fifth in downtown Moline will host the 55th-annual Mr. Thanksgiving holiday dinner on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27, 2025) from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 423 12th Street, Moline. A beloved pillar of the community, Bob Vogelbaugh — Mr. Thanksgiving — shared his enthusiasm for the event: “It truly warms my […]
Five years after it was performed without opposition at Pleasant Valley High School, the play “26 Pebbles” has caused controversy in Bettendorf, as that high school plans to mount its own production Nov. 7 and 8. The play – by Eric Ulloa, which premiered in 2017 – concerns the impact of the mass shooting at […]
For 29 years, Ballet Quad Cities has been a dazzling jewel in the cultural crown of the region. For its new season, it has four new precious stones that enhance its luster. Emerald Pease is among four new dancers who are members of the world-class professional company, preparing its next program — “More Twisted Tales […]
The downtown organizations in Rock Island and Davenport are planning weekend spooky fun this month. First this weekend, the Rock Island Downtown Alliance invites you to Back from the Dead, Oct. 11-12, 2025, a weekend filled with thrills, chills and Halloween fun for all ages. Hop on a free trolley ride to explore everything from haunted […]
4-H In The City’s documentary “Salute to Service” received the Grand Champion in Civic Engagement Award at the Illinois State Fair and will premiere the film on Saturday Oct. 25, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Moline Public Library, 3210 41st Street in Moline. 4-H in the City is a Rock Island County 4-H Club. […]
When free speech apparently only applies to red America, and the First Amendment is under attack on many fronts, it was with renewed urgency that the annual Banned Books Reading was held Monday night at the Rock Island Public Library, Watts-Midtown Branch. Part of national Banned Books Week, the local Banned Books Read Out is […]
Seeing the giddily entertaining “Young Frankenstein” musical at The Spotlight Theatre is like watching a classic B-movie spring to glorious life. This true “monster” of a show faithfully recreates the supremely silly 2007 Mel Brooks show, especially fitting for this sprawling gothic space, in the 1931 former Scottish Rite Cathedral at 1800 7th Ave., Moline. […]
One-person and two-person plays seem like the most challenging, thrilling and satisfying productions an actor could ever participate in. The current, mesmerizing show at Richmond Hill Players in Geneseo — the mysterious thriller, “The Woman in Black,” adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from the novel by Susan Hill — is one such example. The vast majority of the two-hour […]
A new golden era is on the horizon at Rock Island’s 21st Avenue and 11th Street, starting next fall, as SAL Community Services is working to open a new $15.7-million child-care and early childhood center, across from Friendship Manor. Dozens of nonprofit, business, local and state leaders attended the groundbreaking Friday for the 32,500-square-foot facility, […]
Zach Edwards is a Rocky alum, a fan of Rock Island Brewing Company (RIBCO), a supporter of adaptive re-use of historic buildings, and a cheerleader for downtown Rock Island’s rebound. So the 2001 Rock Island High grad and financial advisor seems the perfect person to lead RIBCO into a new chapter in its long, illustrious […]
