8 Things to do in the Quad Cities this Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend is typically known as the unofficial kickoff of summer. There is plenty of family fun to be had this weekend in the QC, as well as celebrations honoring members of the military. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend!

Thursday, May 26

-Colona Memorial Day Festival (Goes through Sunday, the 29th):  Carnival opens at 5 PM Thurs and Friday, noon on Saturday and Sunday. Rides, games, food, beer garden, horseshoe tournament, and music. Moonshine Run perform Friday at 8 PM. Dirt Road Rockers perform Saturday at 8 PM. Carnival at the Hennepin Canal off of Route 84. in Colona. The parade will take place at 2PM on Sunday. Its route goes through town from 2nd Ave to City Hall.

Friday, May 27-Monday, May 30:

-River Bandits four-game series at home against the Peoria Chiefs: Friday is Military Appreciation Night. The game starts at 7 PM. Don't miss the fireworks display put on by Smart Toyota. Saturday's game starts at 6 PM. Make sure to arrive early, as the first 1500 visitors receive a free Carlos Martinez bobblehead. Sunday is Family Day, and the game starts at 1:15. Nine lucky fans will win a Fitbit. After the final out, the River Bandits will welcome all kids onto the field to run the bases. The River Bandits wrap the series up on Memorial Day with a 5:15 game. Modern Woodman invites all active and retired military personnel to attend the game for free on Monday. Must have proper identification.

 Saturday, May 28

-Celebrate Memorial Day at the Family Museum by having your kids create a red, white and blue wreath. 10:30 AM-3:00 PM, 2900 Learning Campus Drive, Bettendorf.

-City of Silvis annual Memorial Day Service: Colonel Grant Morris from the Rock Island Arsenal will be guest speaking, local veterans will be in attendance, and there will be a 21 gun salute. Noon-1:30, Hero Street Memorial Park.

-Celebration Belle Narrated Sightseeing Cruise: Relax and enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Mississippi, while checking out some of the QC's most historical sights, like Arsenal Island, the largest roller dam in the world at Lock and Dam #15, and Colonel Davenport's home. 1:3-3:30 PM, 2501 River Drive, Moline. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids.

Sunday, May 29

-Heritage Days at Walnut Grove Pioneer Village: Watch the past come to life as actors recreate pioneer history through craft demos, folk music and performances by the Wapsi Wranglers and Kickapoo Indian Dancers. From 11AM-5PM Sunday and Monday. Admission is $2 per adult and $1 per child.

Monday, May 30

- 51st Annual Quad Cities Criterium: Watch over 650 cyclists from across the United States, Canada and Europe pedal their way through the East Village. 12 different races will be taking place that day, plus a kid's race. Village Business Association will be providing a kid's bounce house. Check out more info at their website.

-Rock Island Memorial Day Ceremony: 10:45 AM at the Rock Island National Cemetery located at the Arsenal. Ceremony will include music by the CASI New Horizons Band, honor salute by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 299, and Taps. Public must enter through Moline gate and park in large lot behind Memorial Park.