As crazy as it seems, we are officially heading into the last weekend to finish up all of that Christmas shopping! Well have no fear, because there are some amazing QCA small businesses that want to make your life easier! QCA Last Minute & Local is happening this Friday Dec 22 and Saturday Dec 23, downtown Rock Island. Multiple local businesses will be offering great sales, specials and even door prizes! This is a great opportunity to check those last names off your Christmas list! Some of the participating businesses include Skeleton Key Art and Antiques, Splash, Crafted QC, Taste Buds, Rescued,... Read More

For nearly two centuries, people have come to the Quad Cities Area from all over the world and from all walks of life. Now, thanks to the Great Quad Cities Listen, the diverse stories from the area are being collected and shared with one another. And they want your story! Multiple recording locations have been set up all over the QCA. Currently, you can save your own recording at the Boys and Girls Club of the Mississippi Valley/Mercado on Fifth, German American Heritage Center, Moline Public Library, Rock Island Public Library and at WVIK, Quad Cities NPR. All interview sessions require two participants,... Read More

Looking for a kid-friendly event this weekend? How about one that involved gingerbread houses? Both Bettendorf and Moline (John Deere Rd) Hy-Vee locations are holding their Kids in the Kitchen events this Saturday Dec 16 and both classes are focusing on holiday fun! Join Bettendorf Hy-Vee dietician Lauren for Kids in the Kitchen: Gingerbread Houses and Holiday Recipes from 1-2 p.m. The cost per child is $12. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to attend. Registration is required. To register, contact Lauren by calling Bettendorf Hy-Vee at (563) 332-8496 or by sending an e-mail... Read More

Are you children a fan of Jungle Bungle? How about Polar Express? If so, this is the event for you! This Friday Dec 15 Happy Joe’s Pizza & Jungle Bungle is hosting Polar Express Night at Jungle Bungle! From 5-8 p.m. bring the kids in their pajamas for half priced admission to the fun-filled Jungle Bungle gym and arcade. Hot chocolate and Polar Express themed activities will provide enjoyment for the entire family! The last evening for this one-of-a-kind event will be on Friday Dec 22 from 5-8 p.m. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy some pizza, fun and holiday cheer!  Read More

The German American Heritage Center is unveiling their first ever Christkindmarkt Fair this year, and you’re invited! This admission-free event will take place at the German American Heritage Center (712 W 2nd St Davenport) this Saturday Dec 16 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Vendors from all over the area will be located on the 4th floor of the GAHC selling crafts, delectable and other holiday goodies. Come find that special gift you’ve been looking for! When you are finished perusing and shopping, make sure to stop by the Toys Through Time exhibit. The seventh graders of the CAA have imagined, designed,... Read More

Schedules can get hectic this time of year. So why not take a break and enjoy a nice relaxing evening with your family, in your jammies? Bettendorf’s Family Museum (2900 Learning Campus Dr) is hosting Holiday Jammie Jam this Friday Dec 15 from 6-7 p.m. Put on your jammies and head to the Family Museum for a cozy evening of singing, hot cocoa (provided by Dunn Brothers Coffee), peppermint sticks and family togetherness! Come sing some holiday favorites while appreciating the beautiful holiday decorations in the Great Hall. The Museum galleries will be dark and turned off, in order to keep the... Read More

No need to travel all the way to the Rockefeller Center for outdoor ice skating! You can now enjoy this favorite winter past-time right here in the Quad Cities! The City of Bettendorf has officially opened the season for skating at Frozen Landing Family Ice Rink. The ice rink is located at the corner of Middle Road and 23rd Street. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 12-9 p.m., Friday 12-10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday 12-6 p.m. These times are also dependent on weather conditions. There is no charge to skate. Skate rental is $2 for both children and adults, however. And concessions... Read More

The Yuletide evening sky is especially rewarding, and now you and your family have a chance to learn all about it! The John Deere Planetarium at Augustana College is hosting a free planetarium show, “Season of Light”, starting this Saturday Dec 9 and going through Friday Dec 15. This one-of-a-kind holiday sky demonstration will be offered weekdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Admission is free, but reservations are requested. For reservations, please call (309) 794-7318 during weekday business hours. The planetarium’s doors will open 15 minutes before each show. Those who... Read More

There’s something magical about a massive group of low brass players getting together to perform Christmas carol melodies that really puts you in the holiday spirit. Good thing it’s time for TubaChristmas! That’s right, this year’s QC TubaChristmas is happening this this Saturday Dec 9 at SouthPark Mall. The beautiful and melodic experience will begin promptly at 2 p.m. in the Younkers Court. Griggs Music and the Harvey Phillips Foundation have sponsored this event every year since 1992 in the Quad Cities. It has grown into a very large and popular concert with up to 180 musicians ranging... Read More

Do you ever find it difficult to stay cheery and jolly all throughout the holiday season? Are you more of a suspense and fear fanatic? Then this is the event for you! Factory of Fear is at it again with Frightmare Before Christmas! For 2 weekends in December (11-12 and 18-19) from 7 p.m. – Midnight, head to Factory of Fear at 5027 4th Ave Moline for a horror-filled holiday event! Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased in advance on-line at https://app.hauntpay.com/events/frightmare-before-christmas-1.  You can also save $3 at the door by bringing in a new/unwrapped toy for Toys for... Read More