There are 1 in 68 children diagnosed with autism each year. And thanks to local organizations, such as the Royal Ball Run for Autism, increasing awareness and support in our area is possible. The Royal Ball Run for Autism has donated more than $100,000 to local autism programs, including the Quad Cities Autism Center and the Augustana College Speech and Language Therapy program. And now they need your help to raise even more! On Friday June 23, the Royal Ball for all the Prince and Princesses will be held from 5-8 p.m. at the Camden Centre (2701 1st Street E Milan).  They will have bounce houses,... Read More

Fun and learning for teens gets creative with programs on cooking, making graphic novels, and tie-dye, all at the Rock Island Public Library. All events are free and open to the public. The library’s Reading by Design theme celebrates creativity and making, with the following free events for ages 12 to 18: Teen Iron Chef: 5:00 to 6:00 pm, Thursday, June 29, Main Library. Design a culinary masterpiece in our annual Teen Iron Chef Challenge! Prepare a snack for our brave judges with the ingredients provided. Compete against your friends for fun and prizes, and see who will be voted our next... Read More

Parents and grandparents looking for ways to keep kids occupied over the summer should make plans to visit the Rock Island Public Library. The library’s Reading by Design summer reading and learning program offers a blueprint for family learning and fun with a wide range of free events for children and families. Summer activities for children from ages birth to 12 include a combination of ongoing events, drop-in activities, special events, and performers:   Ongoing Events: Toddler Tale story times, offered three times per week for infants through age five at the Rock Island 30/31, Southwest... Read More

One of America’s most popular children’s-story series gets a fun-filled stage makeover when Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse presents its debut of the charming, hilarious family musical A YEAR WITH FROG & TOAD. Nominated for three 2003 Tony Awards including Best Musical, this hour-long theatrical treat to sure to entertain kids of all ages, and is being brought to life by an exceptional cast and crew of professional talents. Circa ’21 will present A YEAR WITH FROG & TOAD on scheduled Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings and afternoons from June 13 through July... Read More

If you are looking for an up-beat and exciting way to spend Father’s Day weekend with the whole family, then look no further than the Geneseo Music Festival! This summer festival is full to the brim with food, arts and crafts, fun for the kids, parades and of course a whole lot of music! The 49th Annual Geneseo Music Festival will be held in Geneseo City Park at 115 S Oakwood Avenue from June 16-18. Everyone is invited to come witness the beautiful park setting while enjoying an extremely wide selection of activities. Here is a schedule of the weekend’s festivities: Friday June 16 6 p.m.                                       ... Read More

Design yourself a great summer at the Rock Island Library’s Build a Better Summer kickoff carnival on Saturday, June 10. The library’s annual Summer Reading kickoff takes place in the parking lot of the Rock Island Library downtown, 401 19th Street, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Scheduled events at the free kickoff include a drill team performance by Metro Youth at 11 am, a homemade rocket launch for kids at 11:45 am, and a Mentos™ cola fountain blast at 12:30 pm. Free hot dogs and water will served. The wide variety of activities for all ages also include opportunities to: Register... Read More

The days are getting warmer and the kids are getting out of school, which means it is time for camping season to commence! YMCA Camp Abe Lincoln is kicking off their 2017 season on Sunday June 4 with a Family Fun Day. From 12-5 p.m. the entire family is invited for day full of fun in the sun! Camp Abe Lincoln, located at 1624 Front Street Blue Grass, has been a staple in the community for ninety years. Many activities will be available including archery, swimming in the pool, hiking, field games, canoeing and more! Hot dogs and chips will also be available and donations are welcome. Registration... Read More

Have you ever wanted to experience the New York City underground scene without the travel hassles? Well then you are going to love this one of a kind night! The Figge Art Museum, located at 225 W 2nd Street Davenport, is hosting their annual Art at Heart Gala on Saturday June 3. From 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. community members are invited to help raise funds for the benefit of children’s arts and educational outreach in the Quad Cities region. The cost for the Gala is $125 per person (all inclusive) or you can purchase a table sponsorship for $1,800 for ten guests or $1,000 for two guests.  Recycled... Read More

Parents of children in the seven to 14-year age ranges can keep them busy and learning this summer with four-week art and math programs at the Rock Island Public Library. Registration is now open for Design by Reading, presented by artist Gloria Burlingame, and Math by Design, presented by tutor Elizabeth Russell, offered at no additional charge on Tuesdays at the Main Library. These programs are suitable for children entering the 2nd through 8th grades. The Design by Reading Summer Art Club for Kids is offered from 2:00 to 3:00 pm on Tuesdays, June 13, 20, 27 and July 11. The program features... Read More

On Sunday June 4th at The Establishment in Rock Island, laughs from a comedy show will turn into dollars for an area homeless shelter.   Beginning at 6 PM the longest running show in the Quad Cities, ComedySportz, will feature two teams of improv comedians competing against each other for points and laughs. All ticket sales will be donated to the Humility of Mary Shelter. The show is rated E for Everyone, and the community is encouraged to come contribute to a much needed service in our area. “This has become an annual event for us and we couldn’t be more excited to share some laughs... Read More