The Big Swing Brewing Company, located in the spot of the former Blue Cat Brew Pub at 113 8th St., Rock Island, will be opening in March prior to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, sources say. The new owners of The Big Swing are local real estate developers John Timmer, Shane Scott and Jon McAtee. The trio are the creative and financial force behind the new Backyard Bowl and Abides Bar, in the old Milan Lanes building, 2020 1st St. W, Milan. Some members of the Blue Cat staff will be moving to the Big Swing, so Cat fans can expect to see some familiar faces. It’s still up in the air as... Read More

Mardi Gras is quickly approaching, which means parties and celebration will ensue! And murders? Come help solve a Mardi Gras Murder Mystery at the Hauberg Civic Center (1300 24th St. Rock Island) this Saturday Feb 23 from 6 – 11 p.m. Grab your friends and help solve the murder mystery, before the killer strikes again! Search the Hauberg Mansion for clues while enjoying a Mardi Gras celebration! A buffet, including traditional New Orleans gumbo, red beans and rice, and bread pudding will be served. A cash bar will be open to adults 21 and older. Costumes are encouraged! Participants must be able... Read More

The 7 Days of Darkness approaches. Its ominous presence brings with it some of the most diabolical and tasty Dark brews conjured by the minds of some of the most twisted brewers. Beginning this Sunday Feb 17 and continuing through Saturday Feb 23, Radicle Effect Breworks (1340 31st St. Rock Island) proudly presents 7 Days of Darkness. For 7 long, flavorful days, one Dark beer will appear on Radicle Effect Breworks’ list that will rip your taste buds apart! You will soon beg for the light to return if you can endure The 7 Days of Darkness! The list this year, in no particular order: 2018 Radicle... Read More

The Rock Island Public Library will introduce the works of award-winning writer Jason Reynolds to readers via two book talk discussions before the writer visits the Quad Cities in person in late March.  Library staff will host informal discussions on Tuesday, February 19, starting at 5:30 pm at Rozz-Tox Coffeehouse, 2108 3rd Avenue, Rock Island, and again on Tuesday, March 19, also starting at 5:30 pm, at Cool Beanz Coffeehouse, 1325 30th Street, Rock Island. Guests can purchase a coffee or beverage and learn a little about Reynolds’ books or share thoughts about ones they’ve... Read More

Whether you are looking for a gift for that special someone, some unique décor for your home or maybe even a treasure you didn’t know you needed – make your way to the 61st Annual Rock Island Antique Show this weekend! The Quad Cities’ longest running antique show takes place this Saturday Feb 9 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday Feb 10 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Local Union 25 Plumbers and Pipefitters (4600 46th Ave. Rock Island). Featuring quality dealers from four states, the 61st Annual Rock Island Antique Show offers a wide selection of vintage merchandise, including; glassware, pottery,... Read More

Calling all gearheads and car enthusiasts! It’s time for a Rod and Custom Auto Show! That’s right, the QCCA Expo Center is transforming into an automobile oasis this weekend! The 36th Annual Rod & Custom Show presented by Shawn’s Auto Service, takes place this Friday Jan 25 from 1 – 9 p.m., Saturday Jan 26 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday Jan 27 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the QCCA Expo Center (2621 4th Avenue Rock Island). This premier car show in the Quad Cities features auto related part and accessories and custom cars and rods on display. There will be over 160 cars and motorcycles... Read More

An all-ages family-friendly magic show that helps raise funds for a great cause? Let’s hear some Applause for Paws! King’s Harvest Pet Rescue No Kill Shelter will hold its first “Applause for Paws” fundraiser this Sunday Jan 20 from 2 – 5 p.m. at The Establishment (220 19th Street Rock Island). Direct from Las Vegas, and Quad Cities favorite, The Magic of David Casas, stars in this all ages family friendly magic show! The show will feature mind-blowing magic, hilarious family friendly comedy and plenty of audience interaction. David Casas has been entertaining audiences for over 20 years... Read More

The Disney musical taking the nation by storm is hitting the Circa ’21 stage! Disney’s Newsies hits the stage at Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 3rd Ave. Rock Island) in their Quad Cities’ premiere this Wednesday Jan 16 at 5:45 p.m. and will continue production through Saturday Feb 23. Set in New York City at the turn of the 20th Century, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a ragged band of teenaged “newsies,” who dreams only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. But when publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph... Read More

Looking for something to do this Friday night, in the Quad Cities? Then head on down to The Speakasy! The Manny Lopez Big Band returns to The Circa ’21 Speakeasy (1818 3rd Ave Rock Island) this Friday Jan 11. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show begins at 6 p.m. Manny Lopez and his 13-piece big band will be performing all your favorites from such legendary artists as Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Henry Mancini, and Stan Kenton, just to name a few! Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 the day of the show. You can purchase tickets online at https://www.thecirca21speakeasy.com or by calling... Read More

Hey Quad Cities, are you ready for a fun-filled family friendly weekend? Make plans to check out this year’s annual Bald Eagle Days! Bald Eagle Days 2019 takes place this Friday Jan 11 from 4 – 8 p.m., Saturday Jan 12 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday Jan 13 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the QCCA Expo Center (2621 4th Ave. Rock Island). Admission for adults is $6, kids 6-15 are $1 and kids under 6 are free. On Friday, all kids under 16 receive free admission. This family favorite will include amazing shows from Big Run Wolf Ranch and the Exotic Animal Sanctuary. Bubba the 10-ft alligator is back,... Read More