Gumbo Ya Ya Mardi Gras in the District

The spirit of New Orleans comes up the Mississippi River with a celebration that includes Cajun food, authentic Southern Louisiana music on two stages, Mardi Gras-themed children’s activities, French Quarter marketplace and beads galore.

CITY: Rock Island

Quad Cities Hot Air Balloon Fest

Red, yellow and orange-hued leaves aren’t the only colors to view in Western Illinois’ skies this fall. At Moline’s annual Quad Cities Hot Air Balloon Fest, a myriad of hot air balloons take off throughout the weekend and glow high above the town after dark.

CITY: Moline

Bald Eagle Safari

Get an up close view on a Bald Eagle Safari with Bob Motz. He provides spotting scopes that magnify 15 to 45 times and mount on the car window frame for good viewing of eagles in trees. You can see the yellow of their eye, the nostrils in the beak, and the black talons of their feet. Binoculars are also provided to see eagles in flight. The safaris make good birthday and anniversary gifts. Cost is $20 per hour for one to four people. Two or three-hour safaris are recommended. Call Bob at 309-788-8389 or email him at eaglemotz@aol.com to arrange a safari.

CITY: Rock Island

Rock Island Grand Prix

The world's best drivers come to compete for one of go-karting's largest cash purses with payouts through ninth place. Last year attracted more than 30,000 spectators to the two days of racing. Festival week includes nightly outdoor concerts, driver's parade, fan autograph session and special Sunday post-race awards ceremony. There are also food and merchandise booths, kid's activities and other race-related activities. Free admission.

CITY: Rock Island

Backwater Gamblers Water Ski Shows

Enjoy this professional water ski team as they perform on the Rock River with jumps,human pyramids and more. Great fun for all ages and admission is free. Shows are offered every Wednesday and Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day beginning at 6:30pm.

CITY: Rock Island

East West Riverfest

Come to the Quad Cities and join in on a 10-day celebration of arts, culture, history and the Mississippi River during East West Riverfest. The entire Quad Cities will be joining in on the celebration. Enjoy concerts on the riverfront, art fairs & art galleries, live theatre, ballet, museum exhibits, tours, river cruises, cultural festivals, and much, much more. Find out more details at www.eastwestriverfest.com and plan your visit for this first annual, Quad Cities-wide celebration. You can also contact or visit the Quad Cities Visitors Center in Moline for details.

CITY: Moline

Quad Cities Criterium Professional Bike Races

Over 500 cyclists from throughout the United States will participate in the Quad Cities Bicycle Club's 46th Criterium. Don't miss the excitement of these professional bike races that attract spectators from across the United States. A great Memorial Day weekend event for the entire family. All events take place in downtown Rock Island 3rd Avenue & 18th Street Rock Island, IL. Call (309)788-6311 for more information.

CITY: Rock Island

Colona Memorial Day Celebration

Fun begins Thursday on Hennepin Canal Parkway with carnival children’s activities, horseshoe contest, nightly live entertainment in the beer garden and don’t miss the 42nd annual parade starting at 2 p.m on Sunday.

CITY: Colona

Annual Rhubarb Festival

Bake sale features more than 2,000 rhubarb pies and other delicious desserts. In addition, there will be a huge craft show (on Saturday only) and flea market, music, food, trolley tours of the town and shopping in the historic district. If you want to be guaranteed an opportunity to sample the rhubarb you should be there by noon. Events take place in downtown Aledo, Illinois. Free Admission. The festival takes place in Aledo, Illinois Hwy. 67 South and Right on Route 17 Aledo, IL. 61231 Call (309) 582-7241 for more information. Admission is free. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

CITY: Aledo

Blossoms at Butterworth - Deere Family Mansions

Each June visitors enjoy the splendor of the Butterworth Center's impressive gardens while participating in several exciting activities; including old-fashioned music, games of the 1800s, jugglers, a scavenger hunt, an antique auto show, tours and refreshments. Come and see these Deere family home gardens at the Butterworth Center & Deere Wiman House.

CITY: Moline

Ya Maka My Weekend

Ya Maka My Weekend is a celebration of Caribbean culture, the festival brings the islands to the Quad Cities. Featuring nationally known, as well as regional, reggae and steel drum bands. Visit the open-air marketplace offering authentic island wares. Enjoy Caribbean foods, sand volleyball tournaments and a children's craft area. The family area, featuring a pirate costume contest, limbo contests and street performers, is another highlight of this summer festival. Event hours are Friday 5:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. and Saturday, 12 noon - 12:30 a.m. Admission Admission Charged. Call (309)788-6311 for more information

CITY: Rock Island

Antique Automobile Club of American Grand National Show

View over 300 antique cars on display in the heart of downtown Moline, Illinois and situated on River Drive by the world-famous John Deere Pavilion. Be sure to bring your camera to capture pictures of one-of-a-kind antique cars. Cars line River Drive and are arranged by year. If you like antique cars, this is a show not to be missed.

CITY: Moline

The Great River Tug Fest

This is the only tug-of-war across the mighty Mississippi River. On Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., barge traffic, pleasure boats and paddleboats yield the right of way to a 2,400 foot, 680 pound rope that stretches between LeClaire, Iowa and Port Byron, Illinois. Eleven teams from each side are formed and the side with the most winning teams takes the Alabaster Eagle trophy for that year. Currently the score is tied 10 - 10. A family weekend event filled with carnival rides, live entertainment, a huge parade, scenic 5k run/walk, food, arts and craft vendors and one of the largest fireworks displays (friday night) in the two state area. Admission charged. Festival takes place on the Mississippi River at Port Byron IL Riverfront. Hwy. 67 & Port Byron. Call 309-523-2500 for more information

CITY: Port Byron

19th Century Christmas at Deere-Wiman House & Butterworth Center

Don't miss these two beautifully decorated Deere family mansions during the holiday season. The 19th Century Christmas features the interiors of the homes decorated for the holidays; along with living-history volunteers, Choir performances, Santa Claus, music, and make-and-take activities for the children. These homes once belonged to the John Deere family and are now operated by the William Butterworth Memorial Trust. Open noon to 5 p.m. Free admission.

CITY: Moline

John Deere Classic PGA Tour Event

This is the 41st year for this official event on the PGA Tour. Monday and Tuesday are professional practice rounds with free admission all day. Wednesday is the Pro-am. Thursday through Sunday is the official tournament rounds. For ticket information visit the website or call. Don't miss the exciting action of this PGA Tour event played at the Tournament Players Club Deere Run in the Quad Cities. For more information visit www.johndeereclassic.com or call 800-336-4655 or 309-796-6000.

CITY: Silvis

Bald Eagle Days Environmental Fair and Wildlife Art Show

Don't miss the Bald Eagle Days Environmental Fair and Wildlife Art Show at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island, Illinois. The show is heralded as the largest event in the Midwest dedicated to the United States' national symbol of freedom. The three-day event includes live eagle, hawk, owl and vulture flying demonstrations along with educational programs by the World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis, Missouri. Also enjoy over 200 fun and informative exhibits. Free parking is available at the show. Hours are Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission $4 for adults, $1 for children 6-15, free for children 5 and under. The event takes place at the QCCA Expo Center at 2621 4th Avenue Rock Island, IL. 61201 Call (309) 788-2543 for more information.

CITY: Rock Island