Markets in the QC this Summer
Our QC identity and story are tied to the land where John Deere began and the world-renowned Mississippi River we grew up by. Local farmers, growers, crafters, artists, and makers are celebrated in the Quad Cities region. Markets are where these entrepreneurs and customers can meet.
Freight House Farmers Market
The Freight House Farmers Market (FHFM) in downtown Davenport, Iowa, supports nearly 200 farmers, crafters, and artisan food entrepreneurs from counties in Iowa and Illinois. The popular market offers locally-grown fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, meat, cheese, herbs, flowers, fibers, plants, honey, wine, hand-crafted items, delicious ready-to-eat foods, live entertainment, and more. The year-round market starts its popular outdoor market the first weekend in May.
Overlooking the Mississippi River, the Freight House Farmers Market operates on Wednesdays from 4-8 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The outdoor market continues through the end of October. The FHFM also plans to continue its online ordering option for customers to place their orders by Wednesday for pick up on Saturday.
With plenty of local food and shopping experiences pushing the Farmers’ Market to sixth in the nation, adding local sounds will invigorate the riverfront with all the best the Quad Cities has to offer. A new partnership between River Music Experience, the Farmers’ Market, and Davenport’s Riverfront Improvement Commission, Music at the Market, brings together the pairing of local produce with local musicians. Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday talented musicians from the QC will perform during market hours on the Common Chord Stage at the Freight House building. Every third Saturday of the month will hold an extended performance highlighting the young talents of the region.
Mercado on Fifth
Mercado on Fifth hosts vibrant markets every Friday evening in the summer on 5th Avenue in Moline, Illinois. The family-friendly events are dedicated to honoring Hispanic culture and supporting minority-owned small businesses. They feature food trucks, mobile boutiques and retail vendors, children's activities, and live music and entertainment. Their season starts Friday, May 26, 2023, from 5-10 p.m. and continues through the end of October.
Mercado on Fifth has been at the forefront of driving economic activity in the Quad Cities region. The organization works with both English and Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs to help start and grow their businesses. They have helped develop over 20 new minority-owned businesses since 2017.
Mercado on Fifth has opened a new indoor space right by the outdoor market area in Moline’s Floreciente neighborhood, at 421 12th Street. The building has 6,300-square-foot of indoor space and an outdoor plaza. Beautiful murals cover the building.
Black Owned Businesses Market
QC Empowerment Network organizes the Open Air Market for local Black Owned businesses in Quinlan Court along the river in downtown Davenport. Watch for the announcement of the first one.
Rock Island Artists Market
The Rock Island Artists’ Market typically has three events for the season. Join local artists, makers, and growers in the parking lot of Skeleton Key Art and Antiques, 520 18th Street, Rock Island, Ill. This outdoor event with live music is free to the public, and family friendly. Watch for their 2023 dates.
Iron + Grain Pop-Up Artisan Markets
Iron + Grain Coffee House has pop-up markets a couple times a month at their East Moline location and now at their new Davenport location. It's a fun take on pop-up markets with shopping from 50+ artisan makers and live music.
Other Area Farmers Markets
- Quad Cities Growers Markets - Saturdays 8 am-1 pm at SouthPark Mall, Moline and Wednesdays and Saturdays 8 am-12 pm at Skate City, East Moline
- Mississippi Valley Growers Association - Mondays and Thursdays from 2:30-5:30 pm, next to the Family Museum in Bettendorf and NorthPark Mall, Davenport
- QC Farmers Market - Saturdays 8 am-12 pm at Schwiebert Park, Downtown Rock Island or Order in advance to pick up on Tues. nights