10 Fun Things To Do Week of October 4th: Fall Foliage, Haunted Forests, Artoberfest and MORE!
QuadCities.com proudly presents Fun10, a list of the top 10 things to do in the Quad Cities this week, and every week!
It’s no secret that the entertainment industry has gone through quite the transformation over the past seven months. When we began this column at the beginning of March 2020, we foresaw sharing ten (of the numerous) exciting events going on in the Quad Cities area throughout the week. Just a few weeks after launching this new feature, we were all presented with a reality we never saw coming. One thing never changed, however. While the look and feel significantly altered, amazing and entertaining events continued to flow. And FUN10 has been there through it all! A huge thanks to musicians, artists, organizers and event planners for keeping the awesome entertainment industry alive in the Quad Cities!
Every Sunday, we drop a new FUN10, to give you a head start on your week and a heads up on what’s going on over the coming seven days. Check out FUN10 every Sunday for the details on ten awesome events happening around town. It’s a cool read, and a great way to get started planning your entertainment for the week.
FUN10 — ten ways for you to have fun in the Quad-Cities, this week and every week, running every Sunday, only on your site for fun, free, local entertainment, QuadCities.com!
So what’s on the FUN10 for this week? Read on …
Cruise Into Elvis Tribute
Originally scheduled for Saturday Oct 3, the Cruise Into Fall Event at the Moline Township Activity Center (620 18th Street Moline) has been moved to this Monday Oct 4.
Bring your lawn chair and Blue Suede Shoes to this fun-filled Tribute to Elvis!
From 4 – 5:30 p.m. Sloppy Joe baskets and desserts will be sold. Enjoy an amazing Elvis Show from 5 – 6:30 p.m., featuring Mike Clardie, formally with Coupe DeVille band. This performance will take place outside in the park. Mike has performed in Vegas and puts on a really good show. Enjoy some vocals by former Coupe Deville, Jim Clark.
Take part in the 50/50 ($1 per ticket, $5 for 6 tickets or $10 for 20) and enter to win gift baskets and prizes $ 1 per ticket, $5 for 6 tickets or $10 for 20), from 4 – 6 p.m. The drawing for the 50/50 will take place at 6:30 p.m. Must be present to win!
For more information on this event, please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/415629002752153.
Hocus Pocus & Beetlejuice at Blue Grass Drive-In
It’s finally October and the Blue Grass Drive-In (774 W Mayne St. Blue Grass) has a great lineup of spooky family films coming your way!
This week, you can catch classics Hocus Pocus and Beetlejuice in the big screen! For a full list of showtimes, visit https://bgdrive.in/.
Hocus Pocus (1993) – 1h 36m
After moving to Salem, Mass., teenager Max Dennison (Omri Katz) explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani (Thora Birch) and their new friend, Allison (Vinessa Shaw). After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy) who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches’ book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.
Beetlejuice (1988) 1h 33m
After Barbara (Geena Davis) and Adam Maitland (Alec Baldwin) die in a car accident, they find themselves stuck haunting their country residence, unable to leave the house. When the unbearable Deetzes (Catherine O’Hara, Jeffrey Jones) and teen daughter Lydia (Winona Ryder) buy the home, the Maitlands attempt to scare them away without success. Their efforts attract Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), a rambunctious spirit whose “help” quickly becomes dangerous for the Maitlands and innocent Lydia.
Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest
Pack up your pup and join the Moline Parks and Recreation Department for a Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest at Greenvalley Dog Park (6009 50th Avenue Moline) on Wednesday October 7 from 5 – 6 p.m.!
Dress up your pup (and possibly yourself) in their best costume to join the costume contest. Let your dog mingle in the dog park, visit with paw-some vendors, Rewarded Rescues and D.O.G & Friends, and take home a dog goodie bag. You must register each dog attending to receive goodie bags and/or participate in the costume contest. *Select your quantity of registrations before adding to cart*
Register today at https://secure.rec1.com/IL/moline-il/catalog.
Parks Recreation Director, Eric Griffith, will be the official costume contest judge, judging will take place at 5:50pm.
Prizes will be given for the following categories:
1) Best dog & owner costume combo
2) Most unique dog costume
3) Cutest dog costume
Masks are mandatory for all humans.
– Dogs must be in view and under the control of their handlers at all times. All handlers must be at least 16 years of age.
– No more than 2 dogs per handler are permitted in the park at a time. Dogs cannot be left alone in the Dog Park.
– Dogs must wear collars with current vaccination tags and the appropriate licenses attached.
– Dogs must be vaccinated for Rabies and Distemper/Parvo and should be vaccinated for Bordetella.
– Puppies under 5 months of age and female dogs in heat are prohibited. No aggressive dogs.
– Owners are required to pick-up and dispose of your dog’s waste.
– Dogs must be on leash when they are outside of the Dog Park.
– Remove and apply leashes while your dog is in the staging area. Please do not enter the play area with your dog on-leash.
The Age of Nature Outdoor Drive-In Screening
Join WQPT at the Blue Grass Drive-In Theater (774 W Mayne St. Blue Grass) for a FREE special outdoor screening of PBS’ 3-part film, The Age of Nature this Thursday Oct 8 at 7 p.m.
The Age of Nature series (narrated by Um Thurman) brings together inspirational contributors, rare archive material and stunning imagery from around the world, to give us a deeper understanding of Nature and our place within it.
Before the screening begins, visit the WQPT table near the big screen and receive a FREE stainless steel water bottle and other cool swag!
Attendees can also stay after the screening for a second feature film, the movie TWISTER!
To register today, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drive-in-theater-age-of-nature-screening-tickets-115914815333.
Outbreak! at QC Haunted Forest
You are invited to a VIP only tour of the top secret QCHF International containment facility.
Outbreak! at the QC Haunted Forest (3501 207th St. N. Port Byron), an outdoor walk through attraction, opens this Friday Oct 9 and will continue every Friday and Saturday from 7 – 11 p.m. throughout the month of October.
QCHF has been performing genetic test developments of animal and human subjects, in order to weaponize these beings for military use. Your visit starts with at outpost APL (in the main building) where you will be checked in and briefed. From there, you will walk to the outdoor gates of the 207N containment site. You will see firsthand the amazing developments the QCHF team of scientists have made. That is until a security breach causes all hell to break lose. You will find yourself alone, deep in the wooded site, where fear takes a hold. Should you make it successfully you will return to the outpost. They’re waiting for you…
The CDC recently published health guidelines on Halloween activities, listing ‘open-air, one-way, walk-through haunted forests’ as a lower risk activity than most traditional holiday fun. So get out, have fun and stay safe!
Visit https://qchauntedforest.com/ for more information.
Joe Nichols Live at Murphy Park
Country music artist Joe Nichols will bring his socially-distanced approved outdoor concert to Murphy Park (900 Bend Blvd East Moline) this Saturday Oct 10. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Supporting acts include both Jay Allen and Bobby Ray Bunch.
Party Pods will be available for 4-6 people, starting at just $53 per person! Get your Party Pod today at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/joe-nichols-tickets-120420056631.
Every aspect of the event is designed to follow the recommended social distancing and safety guidelines.
- 68 – 10′ x 10′ square pods are spread out over the fenced 160′ x 385′ area.
- The pods will be clearly designated, spaced at least 6-feet apart, and are sized for groups of up to 6 people.
- Pod prices are tiered by distance from the stage. They can accommodate up to 6 people. In order to purchase a pod, you must purchase 4-6 tickets.
- General Admission Lawn Tickets are available as well for $29.99.
- Pod prices are tiered by distance from the stage. They can accommodate up to 6 people. In order to purchase a pod you must purchase all 6 tickets.
- Guests should bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the grassy lawn. Please ensure that both the people in your group and items you bring can comfortably fit within the designated pod area.
- Aisles and space provided for required social distancing must be kept clear.
- Facial masks or coverings will be required for entry, while waiting for entry, exit, and to move about the common areas. Facial masks or coverings are strongly recommended but not required when attendees are in their seating pods.
- Attendees should be asymptomatic for at least 14 days prior to attending the event in person.
- Anyone feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms such as but not limited to fever, cough, or shortness of breath should stay home. Anyone who has been in contact with someone who has been experiencing these symptoms in the last two weeks should also stay home.
- By purchasing a ticket to this event, audience members are agreeing to adhere to these health and safety precautions. Those who choose to ignore these health and safety measures will be removed from the event.
Pete the Purple Bull’s Humane Race
October is National Bully Prevention Month!
Pete the Purple Bull and the City of Riverdale, Iowa together will host Pete’s 5K Humane Race to support bully prevention programs in QC schools this Saturday Oct 10 from 9 – 11 a.m.
The race will be offered two ways:
1) Real-time with CDC Covid recommendations followed
2) Virtually, to allow runners/walkers more flexibility.
Virtual entries can pick their own time and place to run their 5k race between 10/1 and 10/23/20. The in-person race will take place.on Saturday, October 10th, 2020, 9am, at Riverdale City Hall. The event is sponsored by Arconic’s HABLO group and Royal Neighbors Chapter 20046. Each participant who registers online by Oct 4th gets a custom-made t-shirt, a special neck scarf and other goodies. The live-event participants have a chance to win a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place medal for males and females. All participants, once they submit their race times and a picture to Pete the Purple Bull. will be entered for a chance to win $100. The drawing will take place October 24th, 2020. For more information, email: qcunited1@gmail.com.
Register here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/QCUnited1/Petes20205KHumaneRaceInpersonVirtual
Cody Road Artoberfest
Make your way to the beautiful LeClaire for Cody Road Artoberfest, this Saturday Oct 10 and Sunday Oct 11 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. This 2-day arts and craft event will be held at the LeClaire Civic Center, located at 127 S Cody Rd. LeClaire.
Local artists and crafters will be displaying their talent and selling items. Perfect opportunity to get your fall craft items and presents for Christmas. There will also be fine gifts for purchase.
Join local artists and crafters for a socially distanced shopping spree! Travel a one-way journey through booths of local artisans and small businesses selling their products, local art, baked goods, fine gifts and crafts. Items will include River City Pottery, Wheaten Woolens, Wood Carvings by Tim, Tracy’s Wool Mittens, Charmed by Mueller, Junk Refunkery, The Happy Hobbyist, Connie’s Quilts, Sisters Hip Hats, Stephanie’s Jewelry, Guest appearance by local author and watercolor artist Sandy Winborn, Michelle’s Gnomes and Aprons, Diane’s jewelry and art, Mary’s stockings, lanyards, dips, scrunchies, scrubbies, fall decor, fine gifts, table runners, cloth facial coverings for all ages including Halloween and more. Proceeds from the bake sale will benefit the LeClaire Civic Club.
Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise on the Celebration Belle
Board the Celebration Belle for their Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise this Saturday Oct 10 from 10:30 – 3 p.m.!
This 4-hour cruise will include famous homemade sticky rolls and fruit, a hot lunch, dessert, coffee, iced tea, and fabulous entertainers will perform your favorite tunes. They take requests too!
Take in the beautiful Fall scenic views along the Mississippi and you’ll also have the BEST view of the new bridge arch! It’s an amazing view from our top 2 outside decks. It’s the perfect time to cruise!
Cruise times: boarding at 10:30 am departs at 11:00 am returns at 3:00 pm.
Reservations are being taken at reduced capacity, seating is being social distanced, meals are plated meals at this time, we have 2 UV sanitizing machines onboard running throughout our cruises, and we have plenty of room to social distance onboard also on our 2 outside observations decks. Make your reservations now and join us for a fun afternoon.
Make reservations online at https://www.celebrationbelle.com/ or by calling their office at 800-297-0034 or 309-764-1952. Senior rates and child rates are offered too.
Oktoberfest by the Numbers
Don your Dirndl or Lederhosen, crack open your favorite beer, and virtually join the German American Heritage Center & Museum on Sunday Oct 11 from 2 – 3 p.m. for Oktoberfest by the Numbers.
Oktoberfest by the Numbers is a fun-fact filled presentation about Germany’s largest Volksfest by Kelly Lao, Executive Director of the GAHC. This presentation will be presented live over Zoom.
This event is free to the public. Donations are greatly appreciated.
Donation-based tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oktoberfest-by-the-numbers-tickets-121434117715. A zoom link will be sent on Saturday to those who purchase tickets.
Stay tuned to QuadCities.com, your site for fun, free, local entertainment for upcoming events in our weekly column, FUN10, every Sunday!
