The spirit of New Orleans comes up the Mississippi River this summer when The Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District presents Gumbo Ya Ya, a two-night Mardi Gras party in The District on June 6-7. Cajun, Zydeco, and Jazz bands will tantalize your ears, while Cajun spiced food will heat up your taste buds. Bead tosses, confetti, and a French Quarter marketplace are also part of the fun! Gates open at 5 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Thousands of hot rods will be streaming into the Quad Cities on Thursday, June 12 for the HOT ROD Power Tour. Over 3,500 hot rods and performance vehicles will come from Crown Point, Ind., and arrive in the Quad Cities for Day 6 and proceed to the Isle Casino Hotel from 12-7 p.m. The public is welcome to see this rolling party. It is free for spectators. And throughout the evening, expect to see great cars all over the Quad Cities.
Join the thousands of other bicycle riders for Ride the River on Sunday, June 15. This is the 30th year for the annual Father's Day tradition of biking through the Quad Cities. View the Mississippi River from both Quad Cities shorelines on the Illinois and Iowa side from the seat of your bicycle during this festive event that the entire family can enjoy. Register in advance online at riveraction.org.
New in the Quad Cities
The new Children's Garden now open at the Quad City Botanical Center in Rock Island, Illinois, creates a whimsical interpretation of nature. The caterpillar gateway opens into a world of "fours" - underfoot is the human sundial, with the four seasons, and the four directions, the four way tests, factors of four, games of four, and flowers of four! Finally, a child-size version of the Mississippi River with a meandering shallow stream for children to play in the water.
Modern Woodmen Park added a new Ferris Wheel standing 110-feet outside of the left field wall of the ballpark. It opens Memorial Day Weekend. The Ferris wheel will highlight an amusement lineup to include a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded 300-foot long zip line, an auto-belay rock climbing wall, and many other new games and attractions planned at the home of the Quad Cities River Bandits in Davenport, Iowa. In a nationwide vote, Modern Woodmen Park was voted the "Best Minor League Ballpark" in the 2013 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards.
Museums & MusicBeloved Irish crooner, and star of 13 PBS national TV specials, Daniel O'Donnell comes to the Adler Theatre in Davenport for one performance only at 7 pm on Wednesday, June 4. O'Donnell sings, dances and charms his way into viewer's hearts with a mix of country, pop hits and fan favorites.
The River Music Experience in downtown Davenport celebrates their 10th anniversary with a weekend of music on June 12-15 with great acts such as the MarchFourth Marching Band, The Candymakers, Diplomats of Solid Sound, Lissie, and more. On Friday, June 13 is their BeeRME Beer Tasting.
Enter the enchanting world of Dora the Explorer, her animal-rescuing cousin Diego and their friends Boots and Baby Jaguar at the Family Museum's upcoming exhibit, Nickelodeon's Dora and Diego - Let's Explore! Visitors can explore Isa's Flowery Garden, help Tico gather nuts, set sail with the Pirate Piggies' crew, and search for baby animals in the Rainforest Maze. Also journey to the Purple Planet via a rocket ship, and learn how to care for baby animals in the Animal Rescue Center. The 3,000 square feet exhibit is perfect for preschool children 2 to 5 years of age. The exhibit is scheduled to open May 24 and ends August 31.
Try a Segway Tour
Quad City Segway is Iowa's only guided Segway tours. It takes riders as they glide effortlessly along the scenic Mississippi riverfront bike path learning about area history and landmarks. Before setting out, riders go through a short training session. You can select a one-hour tour for $30 or a two-hour tour for $55. Quad City Segway operates out of the Union Station Visitor Center, 102 S. Harrison St., Davenport.
