The Rust Belt

Written by: Deborah Davis

The Rust Belt is a music venue located at 533 12th Avenue in East Moline, Illinois. It is tucked away in an industrial area in a former manufacturing plant.

The Rust Belt is now the second largest venue in the Quad Cities, bigger than the Adler Theater, but smaller than the Vibrant Arena at THE MARK. It can hold up to 4,000 people, so the place can accommodate bigger names such as Bon Iver and Fred Armisen.

The Rust Belt is indeed big. It has a cavernous, industrial feel and when the lights go down low, the focus is directed solely towards the stage. The location and space of the place add to the experience of going to a show.

You can also rent space in the Rust Belt for private events, such as weddings, workshops, or company retreats. There is a bar inside, and now home to a new brewery, Midwest Ale Works, a Mexican restaurant, and a coffee shop.

In a once very industrial area, The Rust Belt is breathing new life into East Moline alongside other new businesses being developed. The Rust Belt is near The Bend new development with the Hyatt Place | Hyatt House Quad Cities, The Bend Event Center, The Combine restaurant, Murphy Park, QC Mart, and more on the way. There will be great shows to see and more things to come at The Rust Belt. It is a great addition to the Quad Cities live music scene. If you haven’t visited yet, go check it out!