Quad City Arts presents the 42nd Annual High School Art Invitational at Quad City Arts Gallery in Rock Island, from March 30-May 2. The exhibition is open to the public, and includes a reception and award ceremony on Thursday, April 4th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This exhibition features exemplary works of art selected by each high school art teacher in the region. On the average, 16 schools, 28 teachers and over 170 students are provided the opportunity to show their artwork in a commercial art gallery and compete for over $4000 in scholarships and prizes. Primary sponsorship is provided by The William... Read More

The Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 25 in Rock Island regularly encourages apprentices to “Be Your Best Self.” In the union, it’s more than a slogan — it’s a way of doing business. And one plumbing apprentice in particular is living up to the motto. Carter Hagen, fifth-year plumbing apprentice, recently gained international attention during the United Association’s annual International Apprentice Contest in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Hagen competed against 32 of the top apprentices from across the United States, Canada and Australia to become the plumbing division champion, marking the... Read More

Readers who are looking forward to hearing award-winning author Jason Reynolds speak in the Quad Cities can learn more about his work in advance on March 19. Readers who are looking forward to hearing award-winning author Jason Reynolds speak in the Quad Cities can learn more about his work in advance on March 19. “Whether you want to know where to start reading, or you want to discuss one of his books you’ve already read, we can help,” says Emily Tobin, a Young Adult Librarian at Rock Island Public Library. Tobin will host an informal talk about Jason Reynolds’ books at... Read More

The Big Swing is stepping to the tee in downtown Rock Island, opening its doors at noon today at the location of the old Blue Cat Brew Pub, 113 18th St., with a limited menu for Friday and Saturday before closing Sunday and Monday and re-opening with its full menu Tuesday, March 19. QuadCities.com was invited for a sneak preview of the venue to check out the menu and decor prior to the opening, and while it was still a work in progress when we saw it, its look was very much in line with the Blue Cat, albeit with a different color scheme and some refurbished seats, tables and hardware. The walls... Read More

We at QuadCities.com are as excited as you are for the big grand opening of the Big Swing. The new restaurant and brew pub, located in the old Blue Cat Brew Pub in downtown Rock Island, opens Friday at noon. However, QuadCities.com was given an exclusive sneak preview of the hot spot. We were stoked to see the new menu and we’re here to share it with you. Check out your site for fun, free, local entertainment later tonight for more pictures of the interior and more news on the Big Swing grand opening. And don’t forget to like and check out our Facebook page for an exclusive video preview of... Read More

It’s time for the only bi-state St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the country! And it’s right here in the Quad Cities! The Grand Parade takes place this Saturday Mar 16. The parade begins at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of 4th Avenue and 23rd Street in Rock Island. It will then wind its way west through downtown Rock Island following 4th Avenue to 20th Street, then to 3rd Avenue to 17th Street and finally to 2nd Avenue to the Centennial Bridge. The parade then crosses the Mississippi River to Gaines Street in Davenport. From there, it will go north to 3rd Street and then east on 3rd to the River Center.... Read More

The scotch egg is staying. So is the meatloaf. So is the catfish, and many other menu items, almost all of the décor and a good portion of the staff, when The Big Swing opens next Friday in the former Blue Cat Brew Pub. The spot will have a limited menu opening Friday and Saturday, March 15-16, then will be closed Sunday and Monday, before having its full opening and menu March 19. “We’re excited and we’re looking forward to opening and welcoming the community,” said John Timmer, a co-owner of the Swing, as well as Milan’s Backyard Bowl and Abides Bar and Grill, with Shane Scott and... Read More

The Rock Island/Milan School Break may be one week shorter than usual, but there are still plenty of things for kids, families and adults to do at Rock Island Libraries. Checking out a culture pass to the Putnam Museum, Figge Art Museum, German-American Heritage Center or the Quad City Botanical Center is one option for a no-cost family getaway. The library also checks out family games and learning puzzles at its Downtown Library, 401 19th Street, and a collection of video game titles at all locations. Library visitors will also find a wide range of books, music, and movies, in both physical and... Read More

The music of legendary singer/songwriter John Denver will fill Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse on March 21, as Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon return to the stage! Chris Collins looks and sounds just like the legendary singer/songwriter, and Circa ’21 is happy to welcome him back for the third time. “The audiences loved Chris each time he been here” said Brett Hitchcock director of audience development. “He looks like John, he sounds like John…it’s just amazing!” The Rock Island theater will offer a matinee and an evening performance on March 21. Doors... Read More

The Broadway Historic District, Rock Island, is proud to announce the two most recent winners of Broadway’s Beautification Award for the Fall and Winter of 2018. The District congratulates Diane Von Dresky and Nicole Watson Lam for the excellent work they have both completed maintaining their beautiful homes (Channon House and Cowden House) on Lincoln Ct and 20th St. Maintenance (via repainting, replacing roofs and driveways, etc) is a vitally important activity needed to keep our neighborhood looking its best, and while the changes they have made may be subtle to the casual observer,... Read More