Welcome back to our look back at the strange and apocalyptic journey that was the arts and entertainment scene of 2020. It was a year unlike any other, that’s for sure, and we at QuadCities.com are recapping it this year in a series of stories through Dec. 31, and then we’re going to have the entire series of stories sent to a licensed shaman, a priest, an exorcist, and Oprah, in the hope that they’ll bless the coming 2021 and put this year behind us. If you want to check out our recap of January and February (the “normal” months), click here; if you want to read about... Read More

Eleven cultural organizations and three artists in the Quad-Cities were among those to receive a share of $7 million in new grants announced Tuesday by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. A total of 267 cultural organizations and 152 artists serving 118 Iowa communities will get funding, made possible by the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, on Dec. 2. The department launched the Iowa Arts & Culture Recovery Program the same day and received more than 550 requests totaling more than $36 million by the Dec. 11 deadline. The list of recipients includes some of Iowa’s... Read More

Families are invited to the Family Museum parking lot on Saturday, October 17 to enjoy the movie Hotel Transylvania as part of a Drive-In Movie Event presented by the City of Bettendorf Parks and Recreation and the Family Museum and sponsored by the Friends of Bettendorf Parks Foundation. Doors open at 6:00 pm and the movie will start at 7:30 pm. Admission is $20 per car if registered before the day of the event. Admission is $35 per car on the day of the event if spots are still available. Participants can register at familymuseum.org/movie. Each car will receive three parking spots: one to park... Read More

QuadCities.com proudly presents FUN10, a list of the top 10 things to do in the Quad Cities this week, and every week! It’s no secret that the entertainment industry has gone through quite the transformation over the past seven months. When we began this column at the beginning of March 2020, we foresaw sharing ten (of the numerous) exciting events going on in the Quad Cities area throughout the week. Just a few weeks after launching this new feature, we were all presented with a reality we never saw coming. One thing never changed, however. While the look and feel significantly altered, amazing... Read More

Families of all artistic abilities are invited to “Paint the Lot” at the Family Museum on Saturday, October 3. The event will run 7:30 am – 3:30 pm. Cost is $50 per parking spot and participants must be registered prior to event. All proceeds will go to the Family Museum Foundation. The Museum held its first Paint the Lot event in 2017 as a fundraiser for its 20th anniversary. Families painted original designs that have withstood many Iowa winters and summers. The Museum staff decided to bring back the event since it lends itself well to social distancing – the event is outside and the... Read More

Families of all artistic abilities are invited to “Paint the Lot” at the Family Museum on Saturday, October 3. The event will run 7:30 am – 3:30 pm. Cost is $50 per parking spot and participants must be registered prior to event. All proceeds will go to the Family Museum Foundation. The Museum held its first Paint the Lot event in 2017 as a fundraiser for its 20th anniversary. Families painted original designs that have withstood many Iowa winters and summers. The Museum staff decided to bring back the event since it lends itself well to social distancing – the event is outside and the... Read More

Looking for some morning fun with the littles this week? Join the Family Museum (2900 Learning Campus Dr. Bettendorf) for Music in Motion this Wednesday Sep 9 from 9:15 – 10 a.m. Music and plenty of action will take place as little ones clap, hop, tiptoe, run and scoot through a variety of movements! This fun program always ends with some social playtime with soft gym equipment so little ones can learn to follow directions and take turns. Music in Motion is included with paid admission. Participants should sign up at the Welcome Desk. For more information, please visit https://familymuseum.org/calendar/event/music-in-motion/1441.   For... Read More

QuadCities.com proudly presents FUN10, a list of the top 10 things to do in the Quad Cities this week, and every week! Every Sunday, we’ll drop a new FUN10, to give you a head start on your week and a heads up on what’s going on over the coming seven days. Check out FUN10 every Sunday for the details on ten awesome events happening around town. It’s a cool read, and a great way to get started planning your entertainment for the week. As the current health situation in our country continues to force the cancellation of so many regularly scheduled events in the Quad Cities, we are once again... Read More

Due to a decrease in attendance and revenue since reopening in late May, the Family Museum will be closed and all staff will be furloughed August 9-23, 2020. This decision was made with guidance from the City of Bettendorf Administration and the City Finance Department. It is necessary to help ensure the future of the Museum’s programs and activities. In addition to the two week closure, vacated job positions will not be rehired. These 8 positions result in a 24% decrease in staff. Also, beginning August 9th, the Family Museum will no longer be open on Sundays. The Family Museum closed from March... Read More

The Family Museum, 2900 Learning Campus Drive, Bettendorf, will save about $300,000 by closing two weeks in August, furloughing its staff, and leaving nine open jobs unfilled, among other budget cuts. The city-owned museum – which reopened May 22 after closing nine weeks due to Covid-19 — will be closed Aug. 9-23, due to a decrease in attendance and revenue since reopening. The decision by director Kim Kidwell was made with guidance from the city of Bettendorf administration and city finance department, to help ensure the future of museum programs and activities. “Just looking at our... Read More