Make the most of the Quad Cities this May!
May is here and we can't wait to fill your calendar with all of our fun events! There is so much to do this May and we are so excited because that means there is something for everyone to enjoy! Grab your calendar and check out some of our exciting events as we kickoff this warm weather:
Food Truck Friday in LeClaire- Every Friday in May
Fridays mean food trucks in LeClaire this May! Enjoy delicious food from local food trucks parked along Cody Road. After grabbing some grub, pair it with the perfect craft beer or cocktail from Mississippi River Distilling Company, Green Tree Brewery, or Aunt Hattie’s. For the latest food truck lineup and updates, check out the Food Truck Friday Facebook page!
Farmers Markets- Every Saturday and Sunday in May
The opening weekend for the Freight House Farmers' Market is finally here, May 2. The market is located along the scenic Mississippi Riverfront, anchored by the historic Freight House Building in lovely downtown Davenport, Iowa. Outdoor Farmers' Market begins the first weekend in May and goes through the last weekend in October. Indoor market is year round! Get ready for hundreds of vendors, treats, crafts, local produce, food trucks, music, and so much more! The fun doesn't stop there… every Saturday from rom 8 a.m. to noon in Downtown Rock Island, you can enjoy the The QC Farmers' Market!
QC Toy Show- May 2
Vendors for the QC Toy Show will be set up at the Rock Island County Fair Grounds from 10am-4pm. You can expect toys, art, cards, comics, collectibles, games, and so much more.
4th Annual Taco Margarita Fest – May 9
On May 9, experience East Moline’s fourth annual Taco and Margarita Festival. This event features over 100 vendors offering a variety of cool things like food, desserts, drinks and of course, tacos! Each local vendor brings their unique flavors to the table, creating a foodie paradise with so much to choose from. If a margarita is a necessity to accompany your taco, there are a variety of margaritas waiting for you! Whether you like your margaritas sweet, spicy, or fruity, this Taco and Margarita Festival has it all! In addition to tacos and margaritas, the fest will include local bands, Ballet Folklórico, and a kids zone! This is a festival you won’t want to miss!
Beaux Arts Fair- May 9-10
This spring arts fair has become a Quad Cities Mother’s Day tradition. The Beaux Arts Fair sprawls out at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, accommodating many different art booths. The fair was established in 1967, making the Beaux Arts Fair one of the longest-running art fairs in the Midwest. Stop by the Beaux Arts Fair this May and enjoy art all day long!
Revive Spring Market Fest- May 17
Head to Schwiebert Park and join our community for a day in the park for all your favorite Spring and Summer findings! You can shop unique vendors from around Rock Island and beyond for a full day of shopping.
Mercado on Fifth- May 22 and 29
Mercado on Fifth is an outdoor, summer night market featuring taco trucks, live Latin music, vendor booths from a variety of local crafters, and retailers and plenty of kids’ activities. The weekly public market & entertainment events take place along 5th Ave. in Moline on Friday evenings from 5-10 p.m. from May to October. Admission is $5 but look for 2-for-1 entry nights where they honor different members in our community. Oh and 2026 is their 10th anniversary!
Chalk Art Fest- May 30 and 31
In its 10th year, Quad Cities Chalk Art Fest will take place at Schwiebert Riverfront Park in downtown Rock Island, IL. The festival starts at 10 a.m. both days and goes till 7pm on Saturday and 5pm on Sunday. During this free outdoor festival watch as the concrete gets covered with chalk art masterpieces. You can also enjoy live music, food trucks, activities, and more! Awards will be presented on Sunday at 4:30 p.m.
Quad Cities River Bandits Baseball Games
The Quad Cities River Bandits Baseball team has begun their season and they are waiting for you at Modern Woodmen Park. Grab a ballpark hot dog, ride the ferris wheel, enjoy the game, and take in the views as the park is right on the Mississippi River. Go Bandits!
Riverboat Cruises
Treat yourself to a 1 ½ hour sightseeing cruise aboard the Riverboat Twilight. The Twilight will travel north and take in the sights of the Mississippi River, it’s wildlife and the river towns of Port Byron, Princeton and Cordova. The Captain will give a brief history of the area and facts about the river and its commerce. It offers ample, heated or cooled indoor seating as well as outdoor seating on all three decks, a gift shop and a full cash bar which is located on the third deck. You can also board the Celebration Belle for a narrated lunch or dinner cruise and don't forget about the Channel Cat Water Taxi where you can enjoy a fun and scenic ride on the Mississippi River!
Fridays at Hauberg Museum
Every Friday from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The Carriage Haus Bar is a great gathering place for neighbors and friends. The Hauberg Stables Gift Shop will be open for browsing and finding the perfect gift and mansion tours are at 3:00 PM, led by well-informed docents. Tours are $10.00 but students and children under 12 are free. The new Hauberg Heritage Museum will be a part of the tour and all proceeds go towards the restoration and operation of the historic estate.
QC Craft Beer Week- May 29-June 5
End the Month of May by immersing yourself in a weeklong Quad City craft beer exploration! Starting May 29, check out the different craft breweries in the QC area. During QC Craft Beer Week, there will be highlights of breweries in different parts of the area to visit and support! Check out our events calendar to learn more about how you can blaze the Ale Trail this QC Craft Beer Week!
We are very busy this May and we want to share with you all of the amazing businesses and groups that we are bringing to the Quad Cities! We are truly putting May in Motion, click to see more!