4th of July Activities 2021
Looking to make this long 4th of July weekend a special one? Well, you are in luck because 4th of July in the Quad Cities is back with a bang! Join in on the many patriotic activities and events happening this Independence Day weekend.
Friday, July 2nd
This Independence Day weekend kicks of Friday, July 2 with the weekly Mercado on Fifth farmers market in Moline. This outdoor market is packed with delicious Mexican cuisine and unique retail stands that sell everything from jewelry to hand-sewn blouses and imported ceramics. Keep the kids entertained with the many children’s activities! Open from 5-10 PM, Mercado on Fifth is a great way to start July 4th weekend while supporting local communities.
On a more musical note, the 2021 Summer concert Series, presented by the Bettendorf Park Band, is hosting the guest band Stars, Stripes and Saxophones Friday, July 2 from 7:30 – 9:30 pm at Veterans Memorial Park in Bettendorf.
Saturday, July 3rd
Marching right into the weekend, Bettendorf is hosting a jam-packed day of Independence Day festivities on the Saturday. Beginning at 10:00 am, the Bettendorf Independence Parade will begin at 23rd street and State Street and ends on 21st street. Bettendorf’s Independence Festival commences at 12:00 pm. The festival will have free ice-cream from 12-2pm, live music until 10 pm, foods for any craving, a petting zoo, rides, and much more! A shuttle service between the festival and Bettendorf High School will be available. To wrap up Bettendorf’s day of all things patriotic, Fireworks will be in Middle Park and will begin at dusk.
The Freight House Farmers Market will continue to have its regular Saturday farmer’s market from 8-1 pm.
With the largest fireworks display in the QC, Red, White and Boom is a Quad Cities classic! Fireworks are fired off a barge on the Mississippi at dusk and are visible for both Rock Island and Davenport viewers alike. LeClaire Park, Davenport, Schwiebert Riverfront Park, Rock Island, and Quinlan Court are all great places to catch the show. Be sure to tune in to 97X to hear the sound track the fireworks are choreographed to!
If you’re looking to upscale from a traditional firework viewing, check out Up Sky Bar’s Red White and Boom VIP Party in Davenport for an unforgettable and unobstructed view at one of the QC’s favorite bars. Tickets include an open bar, live music, and unlimited food from 6-9:30 pm.
The River Bend Park is the new home of East Moline’s Fireworks Celebration from 6:30 to 11:00 pm. The fest will include a presented of Colors by the Rock Island Arsenal, live music, food and drinks, and a children’s carnival that is sure to captivate any child.
Sunday, July 4th
There are few things more Americana than watching a baseball game on Independence Day. For the sports fans in your life, the Quad Cities River Bandits have back-to-back home games against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Catch the games at Modern Woodmen Park July 3 and July 4.
Need some last-minute fixings for your 4th of July picnics? Fret not, for the Freight House Farmer’s Market will be open Sunday, July 4 from 10-2 pm.
The Backwater Gamblers will have their regularly planned free water ski show at Ben Williamson Park on July 4 at 6:30 pm.
Moline Parks and Recreation is hosting Military Day @ the Riverside Family Aquatic Center on July 4. All active duty, veterans and retired service men and women are invited to military day. A valid military or veterans ID is all you need to receive 1 free general admission. Regular fees apply for family members.
The 4th of July gets an early start in East Moline! The Fire Department is up at 6:00 am putting on the East Moline Fire Department Pancake Breakfast. Each year the EMFD works hard to hold this pancake breakfast is put on to support the Muscular dystrophy Association.
Soon after, The 39th annual Genesis Firecracker Run starts at 7:30 am from the Quad Cities Marathon Race Headquarters in East Moline.
East Moline’s 4th of July Parade starts at 1:00 pm. The Parade will run along 15th Ave from 3rd Street to 13th Street. This year’s parade theme is America Strong “the strength of a nation lies in the homes of its people”. Show us how you celebrate your American spirit and your love for America!
4th of July in East Moline is wrapped up with music. East Moline’s Main Street’s Music in the Park is in Runner’s Park from 5-8 pm. If you are looking for more of a party, head over to The Rust Belt see PMMP return to the stage with The Red, White, and Bass Banger.
Muscatine Fourth of July Celebration also has a fully planned day of patriotism for their 4th of July celebrations. At 9:00 am the Children’s Parade begins at the 2nd/Pine Street and goes to the Musser Public Library. Next is the Almost Fireworks Fest on the Muscatine riverfront. It is all music and fun from 3-8 pm, including live bands, food trucks, beverage tents and children’s activities. At 8:05 pm, there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence & Honor Guard on the AFF Stage, followed by the Muscatine symphony Orchestra at 8:10 pm at the Pearl City Station. The night comes to a close with Fireworks over the Mighty Mississippi at 9:30 pm.
For an even grander 4th of July, check out The Fourth of July Celebration at the Merrill Hotel in Muscatine. Begin your evening with hors d’oeuvres and desserts from Maxwell’s River and live entertainment from dueling piano in the hotel’s ball room. Enjoy fireworks displays from the 6th floor balcony or through floor to ceiling windows.
If a laid-back 4th is more your speed, then head on over to Geneseo for the Old Fashioned, Patriotic Concert and Social at their Geneseo City Park. This is a free concert, but freewill donations are accepted. The social begins at 10 am and the concert begins at 1 pm. Lunch will be served by the Geneseo Kiwanis Pork-Fry.
Sunday, July 5th
If you missed them on Friday, come out July 5 to see Stars, Stripes & Saxophones free patriotic concert at Quinlan Court in Davenport. You will need to bring your own lawn chair, but ice-cream will be available for purchase!