Free program to feature fitness, fun, music and games during QC Farmers' Market

The inaugural weekly QC Farmers’ Market on May 31 drew hundreds of visitors to the new 2nd Avenue festival street in the heart of Downtown Rock Island, setting the stage for an exciting summer ahead. 

To add to the festivities, the Rock Island Downtown Alliance is excited to announce plans for 2nd Saturdays on 2nd Ave. During market hours (8 a.m. to noon) on the second Saturday of each month, June through October, the free, all-ages program will feature live music in the 1800 block of 2nd Avenue; and exercise classes, outdoor games and more family-friendly activities on the new green lawn. In addition, patrons may enjoy food and beverage specials at nearby restaurants.

“The QC Farmers’ Market is generating positive foot traffic downtown, and we hope 2nd Saturdays on 2nd Ave. will just add to the fun people experience when they visit,” said Jack Cullen, Executive Director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance. “These activities are exactly what these new public spaces were built for, and we’re eager to see the impact of the improvements and programs.” 

The Downtown Alliance is partnering with the downtown-based gym Refined Fit Lab to provide monthly exercise classes and Common Chord to present live music at the market, an expansion of the established program in Davenport.  

“Our Music at the Market program is designed to carry out our mission of improving our community with the power of music,” said Tyson Danner, Executive Director of Common Chord. “We’re delighted to expand this program into Rock Island and look forward to being part of the continued success of the downtown area.” 

Another new amenity are the new 4½-foot-tall steel “ROCK ISLAND” letters at the edge of 2nd Avenue and the green lawn positioned for fun photo opportunities. Free parking is available in adjacent lots as well as on the street surrounding the venue, and multiple bike racks are in the general vicinity. 

8 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 14 

• Fitness: Mat Pilates by Refined Fit Lab (RSVP encouraged)
• Fun: Bubble stations by Absolute Science
• Music: Soultru 
• Refreshments: Huckleberry's Great Pizza & Calzones pop-up at the market plus sidewalk patio specials at El Patron and Icons Martini
• Games: Cornhole, giant chess, giant Connect 4 and Tetris Tumble XL 
• Extra: QC UNITY Pride Parade and QC Heart Walk

8 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 12 

• Fitness: All-Levels Yoga by Refined Fit Lab (RSVP encouraged)
• Fun: Bubble stations by Absolute Science | Sponsored by Gas & Electric Credit Union (GECU)
• Music: Eva Kendall 
• Refreshments: Huckleberry's pop-up at the market plus sidewalk patio specials at El Patron and Icons 
• Games: Cornhole, giant chess, giant Connect 4 and Tetris Tumble XL 

8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 9 

• Fitness: All-Levels Yoga by Refined Fit Lab (RSVP encouraged)
• Fun: Balloon twisting 
• Music: Frankie Joe 
• Refreshments: Huckleberry's pop-up at the market plus sidewalk patio specials at El Patron and Icons 
• Games: Cornhole, giant chess, giant Connect 4 and Tetris Tumble XL 
• Extra: Bubble stations by Absolute Science | Sponsored by Gas & Electric Credit Union (GECU)

8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 13 

• Fitness: Power Sculpt Yoga by Refined Fit Lab (RSVP encouraged)
• Fun: Magic 
• Music: Charlotte Boyer 
• Refreshments: Huckleberry's pop-up at the market plus sidewalk patio specials at El Patron, Icons and Looney's Little Chicago 
• Games: Cornhole, giant chess, giant Connect 4 and Tetris Tumble XL 
• Extra: Bubble stations by Absolute Science | Sponsored by Gas & Electric Credit Union (GECU)

8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 11 

• Fitness: Yoga-Pilates Fusion by Refined Fit Lab (RSVP encouraged)
• Fun: Facepainting 
• Music: Gunner Eberhard  
• Refreshments: Huckleberry's pop-up at the market plus sidewalk patio specials at El Patron, Icons and Looney's
• Games: Cornhole, giant chess, giant Connect 4 and Tetris Tumble XL 
• Extra: Bubble stations by Absolute Science | Sponsored by Gas & Electric Credit Union (GECU)