16 Oct 2015

This Week in Downtown Davenport: 10/15 - 10/22/2015

By QC Chamber
Build a Halloween costume at Abernathy's by filling a grab bag full of clearance items for just $25. Treat yourself to 30% off pink products at The Spa at Hotel Blackhawk or get a jump on holiday shopping by taking advantage of an exclusive 50% discount at Gifts, Greetings and Gourmet. Warm up with a taste of locally sourced soup and cornbread at QC Food Hub or stop by Chocolate Manor for a taste of Fall treats. For a fun group activity drop in Arthur Murray Dance Studio for a free dance class. There's much to explore on Third Thursday - check out the full list of Third Thursday exhibits, events and specials.  If you've ever dreamed of being in a pinup photoshoot, Abernathy's is giving you the opportunity this Saturday. Join regional pinup photographer, Sydney Cronin for a fun filled Saturday packed with vintage inspirations and pinup poses. This event is open to all styles, genders or experience levels. 

If you're thirsting for knowledge there are a number of unique educational opportunities being offered this week. Check out a Genealogy Workshop hosted by The German American Heritage Center and at the QC Food Hub you can learn the basics of beekeeping or take part in a rare class on Whole Hog Butchery. Early next week join the QC Food Rescue Partnership by participating in a workshop on how to locally reduce food waste through donation.
Davenport has big shows coming to the Adler stage this Fall! Described as being Riverdance for the voice, the enchanting Celtic Woman will celebrate its 10-year journey here. Country fans - don't miss chart-topping, Nashville hit-maker, Lee Brice next weekend, and of course, The Avett Brothers will be here in November!

 Support local music this week by swinging over to the RME Community Stage for a performance from the Quad-Cities KIX Orchestra, a non-profit group dedicated to the preservation of big band music. You can catch more local entertainment Wednesday night at Boozie's as they celebrate their five year anniversary of Open Mic Night!

For a complete list of the events this week and beyond, visit our event calendar.
Future Events:

10/31 - Halloween Parade

08 Oct 2015

This Week in Downtown Davenport: 10/8 - 10/15/2015

By QC Chamber

Seven of the most incredible illusionists on Earth make a stop on the Adler stage this Monday! The Illusionists - Witness the Impossible has shattered box office records across the glove and dazzles audiences of all ages. This show is not to be missed!

Friday night you can catch Aaron Kamm & The One Drops in the Redstone Room and local singing sensation Alyx Rush will be performing on the Community Stage Saturday night. While we are talking about music - did you see who our newest neighbors are downtown? Please join us in congratulating & welcoming DAYTROTTER to their new space in downtown Davenport! 

Plan to visit downtown next week for the first ever Third Thursday! Take a self-guided tour of downtown Davenport's growing shopping scene and discover unique and locally owned shops during this monthly event from 5 - 9 pm. Take advantage of a variety of Third Thursday specials being offered by participating businesses.

Oh So Sweet is inviting you into their shop for a cozy evening by the fireplace with your favorite fall cupcake flavors and a chance to win a dozen! Crafted QC will have Moline metalsmith Ann Hartley showcasing her current line of jewelry. Salon Luce is offering 20% off for retail purchases and any future appointments booked that day. And for those wanting to get creative, head to Bereksin Fine Art Gallery for a community drop in Life Drawing Class. There's much more going on downtown for Third Thursday - visit our website for a full list of Third Thursday exhibits, events and specials.
Fall is a great time of year to head to the Farmer's Market. Fresh local apples and homemade caramel make for a tasty treat. This Saturday, enjoy a petting zoo! Make sure you peruse the breakfast at Fresh Deli, too.  You can count on your meal being made primarily from locally grown fruit, vegetables and raised meats.
Looking for a fun, hands-on experience with your friends, check out L&D15's hands-on exploration of silkscreening. Learn from facilitator David Balluff, who previously worked at The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh as an Artist Educator. Choose between postcard making, an underpainting activity, or print your own t-shirt!

There's been a number of fantastic articles lately showcasing residential growth in QC downtown neighborhoods. Downtown Davenport has long been a leader in this effort, and we're happy to see our neighborhood featured in so much good press lately.  Click here to see what the buzz is all about.

For a complete list of the events this week and beyond, visit our event calendar.

Future Events:
10/31 - Halloween Parade
02 Oct 2015

This Week in Downtown Davenport: 10/1 - 10/8/2015

By QC Chamber

October has officially arrived, which means it's time for Oktobeerfest! Visit LeClaire Park on Saturday for an afternoon of German cuisine, music and of course... BEER! Over 20 authentic German Biers will be on hand plus all of your favorite American Craft Breweries featuring their Oktoberfests & Pumpkin beers. 

Raise a glass to raise funds for a second beer tasting on Saturday at the annual Arts and Draughts Beer Tasting supporting educational programming & exhibits at the German American Heritage Center.  It's featuring MUGZ Homebrew Club's delicious German-style suds that you can't find anywhere else. Save room for Jerry's Market famous brat baskets!

The Figge Art Museum and Heart of America Group are partnering to open the Figge Cafe! Lunch will be served Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning today! Tonight at the Figge, tap into your creative side for a session of Wine & Art. Gloria Burlingame will lead the class on a creative journey celebrating the traditional Mexican Day of the Dead. 

Welcome home international Steinway Artist, Byron "BK" Davis as he performs a Stevie Wonder tribute tonight in the Redstone Room. The live music at River Music Experience continues on Friday night as Iowa's signature alt-rock band, The Nadas, take the stage.  Are you looking to freshen up your wardrobe for fall? Look no further than The Full Kit at 312 Main Street. Fantastic new clothes and shoes just arrived. 

River roots run deep through our culture in Davenport. Local artist Heidi Brandt has captured that through the creation of Quad City calendar, Art Meets The River. Her work features beautiful images of the bridges, nature, art and activities revolving around the Mississippi River. The calendar is available for purchase online and proceeds from the project will benefit River Action!

For a complete list of the events this week and beyond, visit our event calendar.
Future Events:
10/24 - Lee Brice
24 Sep 2015

This Week in Downtown Davenport: 9/24 - 10/1/2015

By QC Chamber
Don't miss tonight's premiere event, Brews, Shoes & Do's dedicated to the latest in men's fall fashion trends, hair styles and local craft beer. Enjoy a fashion show demonstrating hair styling by Salon Luce, apparel & accessories from The Full Kit and local craft beer from Great River Brewery. Admission is free!

Calling all foodies - this  Farm to Table dinner on Tuesday is not to be missed! Chef Cushman will be roasting a 170 pound not-so-ordinary Iowa Swabian Hall hog. This beauty is a cross between a heritage Meshian pig and Russian wild boar. You won't find this rare meat in any local restaurant; come taste the difference!
Swing down to the RME courtyard after your long work week for Friday Live at 5 with local favorites, The Candymakers. Sunday night, River Roots Live veterans Hot Buttered Rum hit the stage in the Redstone Room! As if that wasn't good enough, Jeff Austin Band arrives on Wednesday!  For those not in the know, Jeff Austin is a founding member of Yonder Mountain String Band.  Don't miss this rare chance to see Jeff Austin in a small local venue!   

Interested in pursuing a career involving the film industry? Register to attend the Film Makers Workshop, an event bringing resources and inspiration to educate and encourage content creators in the QC to better develop their craft! Presented by local experts, classes will cover topics such as animation, documentaries and feature films. Come see what the Quad Cities has done in the Film Industry.
A public reception for artist Jeff Gandert will be held tomorrow during Final Friday at Bucktown.  Gandert has exhibited in a number of national shows and has earned numerous accolades. Visit Bereskin Art Gallery to view his incredible wildlife and landscape paintings. Also, check out the "Art Meets River" exhibit by Heidi Brandt  featuring images from her 2016 calendar.  Calendar proceeds go to benefit River Action.   Down the street from Bucktown during Final Friday, visit Crafted QC for a chance to "peek behind the seams" as Julie Willey from the popular Willey Bandz debuts her fall infinity scarves. Wine & snacks shall be on hand!
Quad Cities Fall Pride will host a wide variety of entertainment this weekend in LeClaire Park. Enjoy live music, belly dancers, pyro and poi performances, burlesque, hooping, drag shows and some of the areas best vendors for drinks, food, merchandise and art!

For a complete list of the events this week and beyond, visit our event calendar.
Future Events:
10/03 - Oktobeerfest
10/24 - Lee Brice
18 Sep 2015

This Week in Downtown Davenport: 9/17 - 9/24/2015

By QC Chamber
It wouldn't be fall in the Quad-Cities without Jaycees of the QC Brew Ha Ha. Take a tour of the American brewing landscape - one ounce at a time - from some of the finest brewers. Proceeds from this event go to support local charities and programs. Join this party for your taste buds all for a good cause!
Support Celtic culture and education by attending the annual Celtic Festival and Highland Games this weekend in Centennial Park. Enjoy the experience of watching flying telephone poles, heavy hammers and more feats of strength in the athletics competition, or check out the Highland Dance Competition!

It's a busy weekend at River Music Experience. Rock band 4onthefloor plays tonight in the Redstone Room. Get a double dose of great music Friday by catching The Giving Tree Band with Chicago Farmer. Both acts have been popular on the RME stage so grab tickets while you can. And don't forget to swing by the courtyard - there's only a couple weeks left to enjoy music outdoors for Live @ Five!
In celebration of the Figge's 10th anniversary, the museum has been offering free admission all summer long and it's ending this Sunday. Through the past decade The Figge has enriched our community as a premiere art exhibition and education facility. Take advantage of this free opportunity to walk through the museum before the special offer ends this weekend! Shop small and with a purpose this Saturday at Abernathy's. 10% of every sale will be going towards Dress for Success Quad Cities.
Join the brewers of Great River Brewery for the tapping of The Oktoberfest. The Golden Keg gets tapped at 1:00 p.m. and the party also includes authentic German food from Bierstube and live music by The Dawn.  Unlimited complimentary mimosas & bloody mary's - count us in! Make your reservation for the weekly Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bix Bistro, featuring live music by The Josh Duffee Jazz Quartet.
Brews, Shoes & Do's is a night dedicated to the latest in men's fall fashion trends, hair styles and local craft beer. Enjoy a fashion show demonstrating hair styling by Salon Luce, apparel & accessories from The Full Kit and local craft beer from Great River Brewery. Bring friends to enjoy a relaxing night and drinks.  Mark your calendar for NEXT Thursday!
 Visit our neighbors in the East Village this weekend for MidCoast Fine Art's Riverssance Festival of Fine Art. Celebrating its 28th year, the festival showcases over 100 of the top artists from throughout North America. Riverssance is the major annual fundraiser for MidCoast/Bucktown, so make plans to stop by and support our downtown Davenport makers.
For a complete list of the events this week and beyond, visit our event calendar.
Future Events:
10 Sep 2015

This Week in Downtown Davenport: 9/11 - 9/17/2015

By QC Chamber
Sir David Chipperfield, the architect for the Figge Art Musuem, is back in town to celebrate the museum's 10th anniversary! See him tonight during a free reception where he will discuss the unique way the Figge was built, his vision, and other aspects of how our iconic museum came together.
Speaking of the Figge, Beaux Arts Fair is back for its Fall edition! The fair features premier artisans and craftspeople selling paintings, jewelry, pottery, wood working, and more. Head on over to the Figge Plaza to find something truly unique for your collection. Admission is free!
After a visit to Beaux Arts, head toward the river for the Quad-City Symphony Orchestra Pops on Saturday in LeClaire Park. Bring your picnic to Riverfront Pops for a toe tappin' tribute to the greatest names in country music. Music by famed songwriters will be featured including Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, and Faith Hill. Let the river and the music flow!
Kick off your weekend at  River Music Experience's Live at 5 with the Downtown Rockin' Daddy's! The Downtown Davenport Partnership is proud to sponsor this week's event, so plan to join us for a fun atmosphere with live outdoor tunes.

food hub The QC Food Hub Canning Series continues this week providing lessons on how to use the pressure can method for canning Zucchini relish. Each student receives a jar of their work to take home and enjoy. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Daytrotter's Sean Moeller sees the QC transforming in to an epicenter for the arts, and we couldn't agree more.   Did you catch this feature article in the Dispatch Argus? As the music culture in the region continues to grow and build on its storied history, it's hard not to love his vision for our future.

Brew Ha Ha
Beer lovers rejoice! We have two awesome beer tasting coming up soon.  NEXT week, the always popular Jaycees of the QC Brew Ha Ha returns to LeClaire Park! In October, mark your calendar for the German Heritage Center & MUGZ event, Arts and Draughts.

For a complete list of the events this week and beyond, visit our event calendar.
See you downtown!
04 Sep 2015

This Week in Downtown Davenport: 9/4 - 9/10/2015

By QC Chamber
DDP would like to offer a huge THANK YOU to everyone who made River Roots Live an unforgettable event! Between memorable performances from acts both big and small (and plenty of BBQ), we had a total blast.  It couldn't have happened without your support, as well as support from our presenting sponsors U.S. Cellular, Riverboat Development Authority, and Kimberly Car City & Key Auto Mall along our partners Living Lands & Waters and River Music Experience. We're already looking forward to 2016!
 Live Uncommon's Summer Series on the Figge Betchel Plaza is coming to an end. The Figge Finale weekend starts off with a 24-hour Rainbow Rave Pre-Race Party. Continue to Saturday with Yoga or Zumba in the morning, and relax in the afternoon with some more live performances. In the evening, run, or even bike the distance you've been training for!

 Keep cheering on your Quad Cities River Bandits in their final week of regular season games! They saved some of the best promotions for last like Fan Appreciation Night, various giveaways, & Thirst-Day Thursdays. With Friday Fireworks and an abundance of amusement rides now available,  bring down the whole family.  Fear not, our mighty Bandits have made the playoffs, so there's more baseball on the way!

  The German American Heritage Center welcomes the Exhibition: You're A Good Man, Charles Schulz this Sunday. The Exhibition will present on the life and work of Charles Schulz, a cartoonist best known for his work on The Peanuts. Museum admission is $5 or less, so stop by and have some fun at the GAHC!  It's Charlie Brown; how can you go wrong?

 The Figge Art Museum & Genesis Health System have teamed up to bring Genie, a new spokes-robot. Through Genie, people with limited mobility will soon be able to take a guided tour of the work displayed in the museum through their home computers. For more information on this innovative technology, click here.

  September has arrived, and that means Beaux Arts Fair, Quad-City Symphony Orchestra Pops, and Brew Ha Ha are just around the corner!  Our friends at Midcoast will host their big fundraiser via Riverssance over in the East Village soon, too.  Mark your calendars; we've got plenty of outdoor festivities yet to go in 2015.  

For a complete list of the events this week, check out our monthly event calendar on our website.

See you downtown! 
13 Aug 2015

This Week in Downtown Davenport: 8/14 - 8/20/2015

By QC Chamber

Even though summer vacation is almost over, it doesn't mean baseball season has to end! Cheer on your Quad City River Bandits as they play the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers this week. Enjoy unbeatable promotions such as Dew for Twosday and Modern Woodmen Half-Price Night this Thursday. The new bumper cars have arrived, so plan on bringing your bad driving habits, too.

The River Music Experience has a busy week coming ahead. Strike the right note with Friday Live at 5 featuring Wicked Liz & the Belly Swirls, and continue the show with Devon Allman with Zach Harris Band. On Saturday, stop by for a FREE Studio 8 Showcase, and vote for local bands competing to play for a slot at River Roots Live. Check out more RME events here.
River Roots Live is only 2 weeks away! Now that you're familiar with our line-up, we're proud to add a new showcase to the event. Ragged Records and Daytrotter have teamed up to bring you, RAGGEDTROTTER! Mosey on down to the second floor of the Freight house, and listen to some great music in an intimate setting. Tickets are only $10 per show, but hurry because space is limited.  Purchase your tickets today!
Get outside and join Live Uncommon's FREE summer events at the Figge Betchel Plaza. Start your Saturday morning with Yoga UNCOMMON, and unwind while listening to live music. Can't make it this Saturday? Don't sweat! Visit after work on Wednesdays or Thursdays for their 5k practice at 5:30pm. Remember, admission to the Figge is FREE all summer.
The Freight House Farmers Market is in full bloom!  Visit on Saturday, Sunday, or Tuesday, and savor fresh produce from local farmers. Also, stop by the canning series every Tuesday brought to you by the QC Food Hub.
Have you checked out The Full Kit yet? It's been part of our downtown family for about 5 months now, and you've been missing out if you've yet to pay them a visit. With specialty hats, clothes, and customized shoes, you're wardrobe will be all set. Grab your back to school clothes right here downtown!
See you downtown! For more activities and events, click HERE.
30 Jul 2015

This Week in Downtown Davenport: 7/31 - 8/6/2015

By QC Chamber

The Downtown Davenport Partnership would like to say THANK YOU to the tens-of-thousands of people who made this past weekend spectacular! Downtown was jam-packed from Street Fest and RAGBRAI, to the Quad City Times Bix 7 and countless parties stretching across the entire length of 2nd & 3rd Streets. The Bix 7 weekend is growing right along with downtown.   A big thank you to our Street Fest title sponsor, Great Southern Bank, too!

Jazz lovers are in for a treat this weekend when the Bix Jazz Festival takes over the RiverCenter, Adler Theatre, and LeClaire Park! This year's festival features some of the hottest bands including The Hot Jazz Alliance, The Thrift Set Orchestra, and more. Find the entire festival's schedule here, and come downtown for back-to-back days of tunes celebrating the life and music of Bix Beiderbecke.

The end of July is here and Bucktown Center for the Arts knows just how to celebrate...with a wine walk, of course! This month's Final Friday boasts a triple threat - art, wine, and jazz. Find beautiful pieces of art both indoors and out while sampling wines throughout the galleries. There will also be jazz musicians and dancers for double the entertainment.

Even though the race is behind us, that doesn't mean you have to stop being active! Join Live Uncommon Summer Series on the Figge Betchel Plaza. Stop by this Saturday for Yoga UNCOMMON in the morning, or a capella music in the afternoon. Can't workout in the mornings? Come to their weekly 5k training at 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday and Thursday.

Now's the time to stop by and see the Figge Art Museum! In honor of it's 10th anniversary, they are offering FREE admission. That's right, all events and programs are FREE until September. Be a true Iowan and check out the Corn Zone exhibition, as well many others throughout the museum. The Figge would like to thank the Riverboat Development Authority for making this available to the community.

Start your weekend off with Friday Live at 5 in the RME courtyard featuring Hal Reed & Mississippi Journey, and continue the party to the Redstone Room with Jerry Garcia's Birthday Bash. Make sure to purchase your tickets for G. Love & Special Sauce for Tuesday while you still can, and plan to return on Wednesday for the up & coming Alana Royale with Busted Chandeliers!

Bask in the beautiful summer weather over at Modern Woodmen Park. The Quad Cities River Bandits are back at home this week battling the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Enjoy the Friday Fireworks or Fan Appreciation Saturday. Bring the kids on Tuesday for a $10 All-You-Can-Ride promotion and BOGO ticket deals. Sit back and relax on the Mississippi River, while supporting your local baseball team!

See you downtown!

For more events and activities, click here.

24 Jul 2015

This Week in Downtown Davenport Street Fest Edition: 7/24 - 7/30/2015

By QC Chamber

The Quad Cities Annual Homecoming returns for it's 44th year this weekend with tons of activities- both old and new! Join us on 2nd Street as Great Southern Bank presents Street Fest 2015. With live music, firefighter water fights, a NEW BMX showcase, unique foods, cold drinks, and tons of arts and crafts, this is one party you won't want to miss. Ahh, we can smell the funnel cakes already...

Best of luck to those running the Quad City Times Bix 7 Saturday morning! Runners- remember to grab your race packets at the RiverCenter tonight or tomorrow at the Running Wild Sports and Fitness Expo. As always, don't forget to Carb it Up at the Genesis Pasta Dinner tomorrow night, too. Rather than running, RAGBRAI riders will pedal to the party Saturday as they conclude their 450+ mile bike ride across the state of Iowa where the road meets the river here in downtown Davenport. Pretty impressive weekend, if you ask us.

The fun continues along 2nd and 3rd streets with even more live music and drink specials. Party with Billy at Me & Billy's as they offer BOGO coupons for Exile Brewing Co.'s new Daytrotter pale ale. Shimmy on down the street to Mac's Tavern, Kilkenny's, The Office, Cru, and Boozie's for additional specials and outdoor tunes. Great River Brewery raises the roof during their Bix Copper Ale Tapping with live music from above and great drinks below! Across the way, Barrel House hosts their annual Bix Bash with performances by Minus Six and others.

But wait, there's more! Find local arts and crafts outside of Bucktown Center for the Arts from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday. L&D 15 also hosts a Reception in honor of their new Art Exhibit by Brett Whitacre later that evening. Speaking of exhibitions, The Full Kit will display the work of local photographer, Harry Walker, during their Final Friday Exhibit tomorrow evening to kick off the weekend.

As if that's not enough, some incredible talent takes the Adler Theatre stage during Dancing with the Stars Live. This 90-minute, action packed show features exciting performances full of never-before-seen choreography and catchy tunes. While you're there, ask about the Adler's 2015-2016 Broadway Season. They've got quite a season up their sleeve!

We've officially reached the half-way mark to Christmas, and the German American Heritage Center is celebrating by hosting a Christmas in July Sale. Save early on heirlooms such as nutcrackers, ornaments, smokers, tree toppers, and more all handcrafted in Germany. Don't forget about the Historic Third Street Guided Tour every Saturday until August 15th.

See you downtown! For more events and activities, click here.

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Amy Alkon Advice Goddess, Real Astrology, Red Meat cartoon and RCR Crossword every week?) 

* indicates required

View previous campaigns.

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.