The Quad Cities are four cities along the Mississippi River on the border of Illinois and Iowa. The quad cities are so named because of their proximity to each other.
There are festivals, music and art fairs in the Quad cities in September. It is a beautiful time of year to take a drive out to the Quad Cities and see the mighty Mississippi River. Take a scenic drive, walk around, shop and see the sights and attend some of these enjoyable festivals in the Quad Cities. Here are some of the festivities in the Quad Cities this September.
Beaux Arts Fair
September 8-9
The streets of Davenport will be filled with excitement, tents, people and artists. Artists will be displaying and selling their works, including paintings, prints, pottery, stained glass, jewelry, wood carving and furniture. There will be food vendors and musical entertainment livening up Davenport for the weekend art fair.
Riverfront Pops Concert
Saturday, September 8
The Mississippi riverfront will be filled with the sounds of music as the Quad City Symphony Orchestra performs their annual Pops Concert. This year the symphony is joined by the Countours with Motown grooves. The QCSO was founded 93 years ago, making it the first symphony formed west of the Mississippi.
This year is the 25 Riverfront Pops Concert. The concert always ends with the dynamic “1812 Overture”, complete with cannon fire. Fireworks are displayed during Sousa’s “Stars and Strips Forever”. The LeClaire Park Grounds open at 3 pm and the concert starts at 6:30 pm. Food is sold on the grounds. Coolers are permitted and many people bring their own food to eat. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Tickets $20.
Erin Feis Irish Family Festival
Sunday, September 16
St. Patricks comes to the Quad cities twice a year. This festival hits the half way mark to St. Patrick’s Day. The Irish festivities take place in Rock Island at the Great River Plaza. The day long festival begins with a Unity Mass at 11:15 am and continues until 8 pm. Irish entertainment will perform on two stages with Irish musical groups and Irish dancers. There will be food, fun and cultural displays.
Riversance Festival of Fine Arts
Sunday, September 16
The 20th annual art festival will be held in Davenport at Lindsay Park. The festival features fine art, music, gourmet food, wine tasting and a children’s art activity tent – all on a scenic hill overlooking the beautiful Mississippi River.
Quad Cities Marathon
Sunday, September 23
The 10th annual Quad Cities Marathon covers two states, four cities, four bridges and running and hiding trails along the Mississippi River. To register call 309-751-9800.
The Quad Cities is on the Mississippi River, made up of Moline in Illinois, Rock Island in Illinois, Davenport in Iowa and Bartender in Iowa. The Quad Cities area is just a 2-1/2 hour drive from Chicago, Illinois and Des Moines, Iowa.
