Thursday Night GROOVE: Free Concert Series in Schwiebert Park - The concert series will be held on the Ellis Kell Stage at Schwiebert Riverfront Park every Thursday now through September 23, 2021. At 6:00 pm, food and beer sales begin featuring the Rock Island Parks Concession Stand with brats and hot dogs, Happy Joe’s Pizza, and beer sales by Bent River Brewing Company. The live concert performance will be from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This Thursday August 12, 2021, “North of 40” will perform. “The Stone Flowers” will follow on August 19, 2021. A complete schedule of performances can be found on the City’s website www.rigov.org.

YaMaka My Weekend - YaMaka My Weekend is back for 2021!  The event is a celebration of Caribbean culture with great food, live music and activities for the entire family.  The event will take place in downtown Rock Island on Saturday August 14, 2021 at 4:00 pm.  Admission is $10.00, kids 12 and under get in free!  Highlights will include ziplining through the concrete jungle and a variety of reggae and steel drum music.  

Drive-in Movie hosted by Rock Island Parks and Recreation - Join the Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department for a Drive-in Movie in the Park on Saturday, August 14, 2021. “Raya The Last Dragon”, a family friendly movie, will be the feature presentation at the Campbell Sports Complex located at 8399 29th St W, Rock Island.   Gates will open for cars to park at 7:15 pm. All cars must be parked by 8:15 pm, for the movie to begin at dusk.  A mobile concession stand (which will take cash only) will be available.  Prior to the movie, a fun activity will be offered by the Rock Island Library.  For more information, visit the Rock Island Parks and Recreation Facebook page.  This drive-in movie is sponsored by McManus Orthodontics, IMEG Corp, Rock Island Parks and Recreation Foundation, South Rock Island Township, and the Rock Island Township. For inclement weather, call the rain line at (309) 732-RAIN (7246) after 3:30 pm on the day of the movie. Email parkrecmail@rigov.org with questions or visit www.facebook.com/rockislandparksandrec/. 

Floatzilla Challenge – Registration is now open for River Action’s annual paddle event on the Mississippi River held August 21, 2021.  Paddlers will launch from five sites across the Quad Cities to take over the river for the day.  The US Coast Guard will close the river and have a team of safety boats on the water to make sure everyone makes it to Lake Potter at Sunset Park in Rock Island safely.   At Lake Potter there are a selection of local food trucks and live music for participants to enjoy.  At 2:30 pm all participants will gather at the center of the lake for a HUGE group photo!  After the picture shuttles will be provided to return participants back to the launch sites.  

Don't have a kayak or canoe? Check out River Action’s list of outfitters that serve Floatzilla. Outfitters will meet up with you at a launch point with the boat, then wait at Sunset Park to pick it up after you finish paddling.  Local Mayors have a challenge between themselves to see which city can have bragging rights for the most citizens registered for the event.  Mayor Thoms hopes everyone will come out for a great time and help set a world record!  For more information visit riveraction.org/floatzilla.