30 Aug Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix this weekend: Everything you need to know

The 29th running of the Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix presented by The Hemp Doctor is this Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend, August 31- Sept 1. Admission to the world’s largest karting street race is free, and races are scheduled for 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day in downtown Rock Island. There’s a new race course this year due to the Rebuild Downtown construction project along with free live music Saturday night at Schwiebert Riverfront Park. Below is a rundown of the important details for downtown stakeholders and attendees.

Race Course | Street Closures | Parking 

This year’s race course laps around the City’s parking lot south of 3rd Avenue, making the lot and adjacent streets inaccessible after 5 p.m. Friday.

Street closures 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday 

• 4th and 5th Avenues between 15th and 19th Streets
• 16th and 17th Streets from 2nd Avenue to south of 5th Avenue
• 18th Street south of the alley by District Drugs to south of 5th Avenue

While the City’s lot south of 3rd Avenue will be inaccessible, the public is free to park this weekend in all lots along 1st Avenue between 16th and 18th Streets.

The lot and streets closed for the event will reopen late Sunday/early Monday.

Rock the Blues Saturday at Schwiebert Park

Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy free live music 4-10:30 p.m. Saturday at Schwiebert Riverfront Park. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the Rock Island Parks & Recreation Department and Bent River Brewing Company.

Live music lineup

• 4-7:30 p.m.: Sean McKee Band
• 8-10 p.m.: Kilborn Alley Blues Band

Attendees are encouraged to make a donation to the Mississippi Valley Blues Society, which is fundraising for the organization’s 40th anniversary in 2025.