The 23rd annual Frieze Lecture Series for the Rock Island Public Library takes a deeper look at our reaction to global crises, past and present, in a two-part series presented by Augustana College professors with expertise in history and public health. Free and open to the public, the 2020 Frieze Lectures are offered online at 2:00 pm on two Tuesdays in October 20 and 27. The 2020 series topics include: Tuesday, Oct 20: Why We Forgot the 1918 Flu: A Historian Looks at a Century of Pandemics. Dr. Lendol Calder, professor of history at Augustana College, will consider the global influenza pandemic... Read More

Given that 2020 is certainly a year for the history books, it’s no surprise that the 23rd annual Frieze Lecture Series for the Rock Island Public Library takes a deeper look at our reaction to global pandemics, past and present. The free, two-part series will be presented by Augustana College professors with expertise in history and public health. The following lectures will be offered online at 2 p.m. on two Tuesdays, Oct. 20 and 27 – Tuesday, Oct 20: Why We Forgot the 1918 Flu: A Historian Looks at a Century of Pandemics. Dr. Lendol Calder, professor of history at Augustana College,... Read More

Rozz-Tox (2108 3rd Ave Rock Island) will be hosting their covid-era outdoor double-feature film series, Garden Cinema, this Friday Oct 16 from 1 p.m. – 12 a.m. This week’s Garden Cinema theme is ‘Tim Burton Night.’ Movies will include Edward Scissorhands at 7 p.m. and Beetlejuice at 9 p.m. This is a free event, but seating is limited. Feel free to bring a blanket or lawn chair! Food and drink will be available from the walk-up window. Masks are required to use the restrooms – only 2 people inside at a time. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/764852727420560. Edward... Read More

The legacy of an influential early Quad City Arts leader lives on in countless local artists, art supporters, and a huge sculpture in one of the area’s most beautiful parks. The regional nonprofit (based in Rock Island and serving six counties) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Lloyd Schoeneman began working for Quad City Arts in 1978 as a resident artist, teaching art to many groups including children, the elderly, the disabled and the incarcerated. He worked for Quad City Arts for 22 years, including as executive director of the Quad City Arts Council when the organization, along... Read More

Quad City Arts’ subscription series of benefit parties featuring artists from the Visiting Artist Series program will move online this fall with a virtual “dinner and a show”. Performing Arts Signature Series, or PASS, will not have in-person events for the fall season.  The series will instead offer a unique experience with curbside take-out from a premium local restaurant paired with access to an online performance by a visiting artist who recorded a performance specifically for this event! The following performers are scheduled to appear: Thursday, Oct. 15: John Patti, steel pans (drums) Thursday,... Read More

The Quad City Botanical Center is hosting Pumpkin Extravaganza, a full month of events and programming. Here’s what’s on the slate: SCARECROW BUILDING 10.4.20 SUNDAY, 1-3 PM Bring a bag of old clothes, hats and accessories to donate to the garden to create a scarecrow for our fall display. RSVP for a time slot online. Free with paid admission. PAW-SOME HALLOWEEN 10.11.20 SUNDAY, 1-3 PM Dress up your pup, enjoy the gardens and visit vendors. RSVP for a time slot online. Free admission with donation of dog or cat food, treats, unstuffed toy or cash for local shelters. Enter the Paw-some... Read More

Join the Quad City Botanical Center (2525 4th Avenue Rock Island) for some Sunday Funday: Scarecrow Building this Sunday Oct 4 from 1 – 3 p.m. Bring a bag of old clothes, hats and accessories to donate to the garden to create a scarecrow for their fall display. Scarecrows and clothing become the property of the Botanical Center and will be on display throughout October. Straw, cross arms, rope, burlap heads and fence posts will be provided as supplies last. Explore the gardens with the Pumpkin Extravaganza activity guide after your scarecrow is complete. ​Please read mask and distancing guidelines... Read More

That sweet transvestite and his motley crew are back doing the time warp this October! The Rocky Horror Show returns to The Circa 21 Speakeasy (1818 3rd Avenue Rock Island) this Saturday Oct 3. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. On the way to visit an old college professor, two clean cut kids, Brad Majors and his fiancée Janet Weiss, get caught in a storm and end up at the home of a mad transvestite scientist, Dr Frank’n’furter, who is in the midst of one of his maniacal experiments! WARNING: The Rocky Horror Show is not recommended for the easily offended. This show... Read More

Monday, Sept. 28, was a beautiful and a full day for Moline’s Sarah Stevens, who was awarded a $10,000 Nation of Neighbors grant by Royal Neighbors of America (RNA). Founder of The Beautifull Project (TBP) in 2018, Stevens works as an online curator and author of content that encourages women of all body types, ages, and ethnicities to embrace their bodies and to live more confidently, freely, and fully in them. “Too often, as women and young girls, we hear messages that we’re not good enough,” Linda Wastyn, an RNA chapter leader who nominated Stevens, said Monday in a virtual award presentation.... Read More

This is your last chance to get in some Thursday night groovin’ along the beautiful Mississippi for the year! The 2020 Thursday Night Groove Concert Series finishes out an amazing season this Thursday Oct 1 from 7 – 9 p.m. at Schwiebert Riverfront Park (On the Mississippi Riverfront between 17th and 20th Streets, Rock Island). Come out and enjoy live music from The Stone Flowers! Beginning at 6 p.m., concessions will open featuring Happy Joe’s Pizza (Rock Island), grill items, popcorn, plus much more! A beer garden will be provided by Bent River Brewing Company, as well. Updated Health Safety... Read More