There won’t be any bi-state fireworks along the river this year. The annual Red, White and Boom fireworks display in downtown Davenport and Rock Island has been canceled due to concerns and regulations tied in with the covid-19 pandemic. The date for next year’s event has been set for July 3, 2021. According to the event’s facebook, “Red, White and Boom always has been a bi-state event, and in the spirit of regionalism, we felt it was the right thing to do to move the event to a time when both states can participate.”  Read More

As Illinois relaxes its social restrictions Friday (including allowing all gatherings of 10 people or fewer), the Quad City Arts Center, 1715 2nd Ave., Rock Island, will reopen Friday at 10 a.m. Free entry is available 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 5 Saturdays. Following the next phase of the “Restore Illinois” plan, which also allows bars and restaurants to open outdoor seating under restrictions, executive director Kevin Maynard said May 29 was the earliest the downtown gallery could reopen. “We’re taking all the precautions, taking it seriously,” he said Thursday. “Both... Read More

Kavanaugh’s in Rock Island is bringing back the live music! Tonight they’ll resume their popular blues jam, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1228 30th Street. Friday night, they’re back with the live music of Phyllis and One Shark, from 6 to 9 p.m. For more info, check out the Kavanaugh’s Facebook page!      Read More

The Rock Island Public Library introduced contact-free curbside pick-up for library materials beginning Tuesday, May 26. There will be no public access to library buildings during this phase of the library’s gradual reopening plan. Curbside pick-up will be available during limited hours by appointment only at the Rock Island Public Library Downtown and Southwest locations. Materials must be requested in advance, either through the Library’s online PrairieCat catalog, or with staff help via phone, email, and Ask a Librarian chat. Library staff will contact the borrower once items become available... Read More

Rock Island Park Board online registration is now open for mini youth sports skills outdoor camps including basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, xc/running, pickle ball, tennis and golf. All programs will be limited to small groups and have safety guidelines in place. You can click here to register online now or call the Park Office at 309-732-7275 option 1 weekdays between 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. Registration is limited.  Read More

Just 13 months after famed aviator Charles Lindbergh visited the Quad-Cities, Charles Lindberg was born Sept. 11, 1928 in Rock Island. He received his bachelor’s degree from Augustana College, where he was debate team captain, in 1950. Charles and his younger brother Peter (a 1961 Augie alum) would profoundly influence the private Rock Island school for years to come, including a new $18-million center for health and human performance that’s now going up — to help prepare students for growing career fields. While site work for the 52,000-square-foot Peter J. Lindberg, M.D., Center for... Read More

Rock Island Library is offering curbside service! The Rock Island Public Library will introduce contact-free curbside pick-up for library materials beginning Tuesday, May 26. There will be no public access to library buildings during this phase of the library’s gradual reopening plan. Curbside pick-up will be available during limited hours by appointment only at the Rock Island Public Library Downtown and Southwest locations. Materials must be requested in advance, either through the Library’s online PrairieCat catalog, or with staff help via phone, email, and Ask a Librarian chat. Library... Read More

EAST MOLINE, Illinois (May 2020) — Earlier this month, the Rock Island County Fair Board voted to cancel the 2020 Rock Island County Fair, originally scheduled for July 14-18. “This decision was made for the health and safety of our fairgoers, exhibitors, participants, volunteers, staff and animals. It was not made lightly,” said Gin Wray, fair manager. “We are devastated to cancel a family-fun event that has taken place in our community for 150 years but look forward to using this as an opportunity to strengthen our offerings for the 2021 RICO Fair.” Last year marked the official 150th... Read More

Tonight the Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation Facebook page will announce the RIHS Top Ten, Austin Academic Achievement Award Department winners, and the RIMEF Scholarship recipients! The 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 𝗥𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗙 𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔 & 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 video will be posted to this page at 6:30pm this evening. It’s a celebration of academic excellence at Rock Island High School! For more information, check out the Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation Facebook page.  Read More

It’s not in a dancer’s nature to sit still. So it makes sense that even though Ballet Quad Cities (BQC) had to cancel the rest of its season because of the Covid-19 crisis, the professional company keeps moving forward. Students in the BQC School of Dance are continuing their lessons online, through Zoom, and students have submitted their own videos for a new collage. Artistic director Courtney Lyon (who recently received an Iowa Arts Council emergency relief grant) has choreographed, taught, and edited a new piece with three dancers on Zoom. And executive director Joedy Cook and artistic associate... Read More