Rock Island, Moline, Davenport, Bettendorf and throughout the Quad-Cities, ice cream fans aren’t going to be able to get the malts, or get the shakes. Whitey’s Ice Cream, a sweet institution throughout the area, will be temporarily closing all their stores starting Friday. The announcement came today, via Facebook: “As of ‪Friday, April 3 at 10:00 p.m.‬ all Whitey’s stores will be closing temporarily. As much as we would love to stay open and continue serving the Quad Cities, we are closing out of an abundance of caution to ensure that our employees are staying healthy... Read More

Circa ’21 is returning! Well, online at least. The Rock Island dinner theater will return at 7 p.m. Sunday with a virtual cabaret on the Circa ’21 Facebook page. Circa posted the following today: Who’s missed us?! We’ve certainly missed you! We know you can’t go anywhere but that doesn’t mean the entertainment has to stop! Tune in on Sunday to see some of the super talented Bootleggers and other performers belting out some show tunes, playing some classic rock and everything in between in our virtual cabaret! It’s all going to be right here on Facebook! See you Sunday night... Read More

“I don’t know what I’m going to do.” His voice, usually brash and loud, is quiet and cracked. “I mean, I’m depressed. Obviously, it sucks, because the money is a big thing. It’s not just me playing out. My wife is a waitress and bartender, and I’m a bartender a couple nights a week. That’s just extra. But we need it.” They have a couple of kids. They have five jobs between them. Or, well, they used to. Now they have one. His. His “day job,” he used to call it. Now it’s their only lifeline to an income that was way too small for them all to live on, but which now has to... Read More

You can keep up on your reading and check out a lot of great media through Rock Island Library’s digital systems! During the closure, we have expanded RIPL eCard access to any resident ages 14 or older of Rock Island or Milan who does not already have a card. This eCard allows use of all our digital services. You only need an eCard if you don’t have a full-access RIPL card. Your standard library card already offers full access to digital services. If you know someone who can benefit from our RIPL ecard, the application is online, under Get a Card. We are filling these online... Read More

Miss getting out on the dance floors at clubs? DJ Shane Brown, the man behind the boards at Billy Bob’s in the Rock Island District, as well as the former DJ for such hot spots as 2nd Avenue and the Stockade in the Village, has come up with a new mix for you to blast in the glorious realm of your own social distancing spot. Shane dropped the new mix this evening, which you can check out here, along with the following note, on his Facebook: “So here’s what I’ve been up to in the basement the past couple of days. This is, without doubt, the most ridiculous, silly, stupid mix... Read More

Rock Island Parks and Recreation programming and facilities including the Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center will remain closed, due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) until April 8. Activity fees for programs and events that cannot be rescheduled will be credited for future use. RIFAC memberships will be extended for the amount of time we will be closed and monthly membership fee withdrawals have been temporarily turned off. City parks and open outdoor recreation areas will remain open, however playgrounds may increase the spread of COVID-19, and therefore will be closed. The Underwater Egg... Read More

Ballet Quad Cities School of Dance is offering a variety of dance and yoga classes using the app Zoom beginning March 24th.  Additional information about the faculty is on the web site Ballet Quad Cities, click on the school link.  For more information on how to register please call 309 786 2677 SCHEDULE FOR MARCH 24-31 Monday: 3:30-4:30 Yoga/Barre All Levels- Families welcome!!! Everyone in the household can join in 4:45-6:15 Ballet 5/6 (10-13 years old) 6:30-8:00 Ballet 7 (13-18 years old) Tuesday: 3:00-3:45 Tap 3/4 (7-9 years old) 4:00 -5:15 Ballet 4 (8 and 9 years old) 5:30-6:30 Ballet 3... Read More

Yeah, yeah, we know, it’s Saturday night and, well, this sucks. You want to be out having a great time, listening to loud music, enjoying your friends and some cold beverages, and instead you’re boarded up in your house like it’s the zombie apocalypse. Well, consider DJ Shane Brown your sonic Negan, slaying the beats like they’re the undead with his mixing board Lucille. Yes, I really did write that. You’re damn right I did. Hey, I’ve been stuck inside the last three days just like you. I’m just trying to get through it without envying the squirrels too... Read More

Ballet Quad Cities’ performances of “The Sleeping Beauty” and our “VIP Prince and Princess Party” that were scheduled at the Adler Theatre on April 18th have been postponed. Ballet Quad Cities urges you to mark your calendars for the NEW performance date of June 18th, 2020. “We thank everyone for your continued support, and look forward to taking the stage once again,” said Joedy Cook, artistic director for Ballet Quad Cities. “Arts are the ESSENCE of life.” Information on how to exchange your tickets will be available soon. Keep an eye on... Read More

Rock Island Library is offering a number of resources for kids and parents around the area to enjoy online publications and media from their homes. Residents who do not have a card may apply for an eCard during the closure so that they use digital services. To apply for an RIPL eCard, you must live in the Rock Island Public Library service area and be 18 years of age or older. The online application is available on the library website under Get a Card. The library continues to offer digital services through OverDrive, eRead Illinois, Hoopla digital, Kanopy, RB Digital magazines, and the New York... Read More