The NFL is returning to Rock Island! Ok, well, not a team, but the draft. Sorry! Anyway, according to officials with the parks and recreation department for the city, Round 6 of the NFL draft will be held at Augustana College on April 27. Former Augustana College and NFL quarterback Ken Anderson is also said to be involved with the proceedings. Why Rock Island? One of the founding teams of the NFL in 1920, the Rock Island Independents played their games at Douglas Park. In fact, a game at Douglas Park on Sept. 26, 1920 is recognized by some NFL scholars as the first game in the history of the league.... Read More

Ring in the new year with the music of Elvis! Remember The King: Celebrating the Music of Elvis Presley, takes place this Monday Dec 31 at Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 3rd Ave. Rock Island). Doors open at 7:30 p.m., buffet begins at 8 p.m. the show will commence at 9:15 p.m. This one-of-a-kind concert production celebrates the best-known songs from Elvis including “That’s All Right, Mama,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Suspicious Minds,” and “Burnin’ Love.”  The show will be divided into three separate acts that highlight the three distinct eras of the King’s career: Young Elvis... Read More

It’s the day after Christmas, and you’re done celebrating. What do you do? Grab that Ugly Sweater for one last wear and enjoy some holiday classics at the library! The Rock Island Downtown Library (401 19th Street Rock Island) is hosting Holiday Movie Marathon/Ugly Sweater day this Wednesday Dec 26 from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Stop in, enjoy some hot chocolate, watch a few holiday movies and compete in an Ugly Sweater Contest! Movie Schedule: 9:30 – 11:15 a.m.                          Elf 11:30 – 1 p.m.                               ... Read More

Are you ready for an evening of intrigue with friends? Prohibition – A 1920’s Themed Mystery Experience takes place this Friday Dec 21 from 8 – 10 p.m. at Skellington Manor (420 18th Street Rock Island). You’ve been invited to one of the last open 1920’s Juice Joints owned by a local mobster. Rumor has it there is a snitch giving tips to the cops and the Boss wants your help identifying the dirty rat. 1920’s attire encouraged so put on your fancy clothes and come out for some fun. This 2-hour Mystery Experience includes complimentary appetizers and Cash Bar (Valid ID required) including... Read More

Take a step back in time while enjoying the beauty in one of the Quad Cities’ most extravagant historical homes. Historic Mansion Tours of the 1911 Hauberg mansion (1300 24th St. Rock Island) are now taking place every Friday at 1 p.m. You can enjoy a docent-led 45-minute tour of the gorgeous Hauberg mansion, former home of John Hauberg and Susanne Denkmann Hauberg. For the full history on this historic Quad Cities landmark, visit https://www.haubergcenter.org/history.php. Tours are just $10 per person, payable at the door (cash, check or card). Children 12 and under and school groups are free! To... Read More

Get out of the cold and warm up this weekend with a Holiday Fiesta! The Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is hosting their Holiday Fiesta 2018 this Friday Dec 14 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Edje Lounge at Jumer’s Casino (777 Jumer Dr. Rock Island). While the Holiday Fiesta is hosted by the Hispanic Chamber members, the public is welcome as well! Admission for members is $15 and non-members is $20. Must be over 21 to attend. This fun-filled fiesta will feature live music, food, door prizes and holiday memories! Contact Zenaida Landeros at (563) 214-5160 for further information... Read More

Rock the Arts will light up downtown Rock Island during a December art stroll happening at the Desoto building, The ARTery/MidCoast Gallery West and Quad City Arts. The three art sites will be open on Friday, December 7 during 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, December 8, from noon to 3 p.m. At Desoto, there will be demonstrations on woodworking by the Quad City Woodturners, outdoor raku firing with Joel Knanishu and intricate collage with Amber Williams. The Desoto studio will have a table where children can experiment with clay.  New for this event will be the collage demonstration by Amber Williams.... Read More

The Quad City Botanical Center gardens are once again in winter bloom! The 2nd Annual Winter Nights Winter Lights kicks off at the Quad City Botanical Center (2525 4th Avenue Rock Island) this Saturday Dec 1 and will continue through Sunday Jan 6. Enjoy the beauty of the gardens in winter bloom in addition to thousands of glowing lights from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays – Sundays throughout the month of December! Bundle up, stroll the gardens at night then warm up inside at the hot chocolate bar. Bring the kids for crafts or plan your visit on one of the special event nights.   Here is... Read More

You won’t knock this wood — for its first family musical of the 2018-19 season, the Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse brings a beloved fairytale figure and his many friends and foes to life in the family treat PINOCCHIO. Running through December 29, this enchanting tale of a wooden puppet who longs to be a real live boy will charm audiences of all ages with its wonderful score, hilarious antics, and memorable characters, and is being brought to life by a fantastic cast of professional talents. Circa ’21 will present show-only performances of PINOCCHIO on November 24 and... Read More

The largest indoor handcrafted fair has returned, and just in time for some holiday shopping! Make plans to attend the 29th Annual Quad City Christmas Arts & Craft Fair this Friday Nov 23 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday Nov 24 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday Nov 25 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the QCCA Expo Center (2621 4th Ave. Rock Island). Admission is just $5. Don’t miss out on the $1 off coupons found in local newspapers all this week. With over 10,800 in attendance in 2017, the Quad City Christmas Arts & Craft Fair is 80% country crafts and 20% fine arts. With 200 exhibitors... Read More