BETTENDORF, IOWA (September 26, 2024) — The Rock Island Downtown Alliance is excited to present Back from the Dead October 12-13, 2024, a new event promoting the diverse mix of attractions awaiting discovery downtown during the fall season leading up to Halloween. Free trolley rides will be provided for the public to patronize spooky and not-so-spooky places throughout downtown. Activities include haunted houses and tours, tarot card readings, retail vendor markets and more.
“The spooky season is an exciting time for a lot of our businesses that celebrate Halloween and host holiday-themed events,” said Jack Cullen, Executive Director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance. “Back from the Dead aims to give people an opportunity to get into the spooky-season spirit and discover some of the great amenities and attractions in downtown Rock Island.”
Spooky season in downtown Rock Island officially kicked off in early September with the opening of Addams Family at Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse. The fun continues Friday, September 27, with the opening of Terror at Skellington Manor and Shock House Haunted House at the QCCA Expo Center. Then on Saturday, October 5, the Haunted Rock Island Roadhouse Paracon returns bigger and better this year to the Dan Vinar Furniture Co building.
Trolley Routes
Saturday, October 12
- BOOtique Bash @ Brick and Motor Boutique | 10AM-8PM
- Free spooky gift bag with any in-store purchase
- Wake Brewing 7-Year Anniversary and Harvest Fest | 2-8PM
- Live Mexican-style lucha libre wrestling, beer releases, food truck, live screen printing, music, and giveaways
- Free Tarot Card Readings @ Spellbound | 4-7PM
- Art Exhibition, “It’s Fine. Everything is Fine.” @ Quad City Arts | 5-8PM
- A reception celebrating the opening of a group art exhibition
- QC Haunts & History Tours @ 2nd Ave. and 19th St. | Every thirty minutes 6-8PM
- Take a mini ghost tour and hear stories about some of our dearly departed residents. Each tour will be 30 minutes long. Free; RSVP required online.
- Addams Family @ Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse | 5:45 dinner; 7:30PM show
- Advance tickets recommended at circa21.com
- 100 Laughs Improv Comedy Show at The Speakeasy | 7PM doors; 8PM show
- Cost: $10 in advance by calling 309.786.7733 x2; $12 at the door (21+)
- OUTLETProgramme Presents: Maria Chavez + Bob Bucko Jr @ ROZZ-TOX | 7PM doors; 8PM show
- Cost: $12 in advance at rozztox.com; $18 at the door (cash-only)
- Born in Lima, Peru and based in NYC, Maria Chávez is best known as an abstract turntablist, sound artist, and DJ. She is the only abstract turntablist in the world who performs with a rare needle known as the RAKE Double Needle. This special device contains two needles on one head, allowing it to read two different segments of a single record at the same time. Plus, a new set from BBJr exploring the textures of the bass clarinet using contact mics.
- Shock House Haunted House @ QCCA Expo Center | 7-11PM
- Cost: $20
- Shock House is a Quad Cities top-rated dark haunted attraction unlike any other in the area
- Terror at Skellington Manor | 7PM-12AM
- Cost: $25
- Step into the dark side of Skellington Manor to experience “Theatre of the Macabre,” where fear and fun collide in the most exhilarating haunted manor experience of your life
Sunday, October 13
- Rock Island Artists’ Market @ Skeleton Key Art and Antiques | 12-5PM
- Shoppers will find dozens of local artists, makers, food vendors, live music, and so much more; free admission.
- Eerie Emporium @ Bent River Brewing Company | 12-4PM
- The Eerie Emporium is a new Halloween/horror-themed vendor market taking place in Bent River Brewing's Uncommon Room. You'll find original art, vintage items, spooky stuff, and other Halloween-related items. There will also be tarot readings, a tattoo contest, the Death Mobile, a massage therapist, and wandering ghouls for photo ops. Plus, there will be sweet treats and a taco truck. Free admission.
- $5 Bloody Marys with Beer Sidecar @ Wake Brewing | 12-8PM
- $0.75 Wings and NFL Football @ Rooster’s Sports Bar and Grill | 12-10PM
- Free Tarot Card Readings @ Spellbound | 2-5PM
- Addams Family @ Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse | 3:45PM dinner; 5:30PM show
- Advance tickets recommended at circa21.com
- QC Haunts & History Tours @ 2nd Ave. and 19th St | Every 30 minutes 6-8 p.m.
- Cost: Free; RSVP required online.
- Shock House Haunted House @ QCCA Expo Center | 7-10PM
- Cost: $20
- Terror at Skellington Manor | 7-10PM
- Cost: $25
About the Rock Island Downtown Alliance
The Rock Island Downtown Alliance formed in 2023 as a joint effort between the public and private sectors to strengthen livability and quality of place in downtown Rock Island. The Downtown Alliance, an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber, partners with the City of Rock Island to staff, manage, and implement Downtown Special Service Area (SSA) programs.
