Straddled on the banks of the northern Mississippi River are two Illinois and two Iowa cities that are often referred to as the Quad Cities. They share much in common with only a large, winding body of water separating them from each other. They are also home to a late spring beer week event now in its fourth year. It is known simply as the Quad Cities Beer Week (QCBW) and it is scheduled to run from May 16-21, 2016.
The Quad Cities refers specifically to Moline/East Moline & Rock Island in Illinois; Davenport & Bettendorf in Iowa; and surrounding communities. These four cities often share events and recognition with each other and QCBW continues the tradition. The six day event is organized by a group of local beer fanatics that use the week to recognize all the cool craft beer goings- on of the Quad Cities. It could be craft beer brewed by local home brewers, beer from other areas delivered via distributors, or beer specially paired with a delicious meal. Whatever the beer affiliation might be, the QCBW is ready to acknowledge and the Quad Cities craft beer community is ready to celebrate.
QCBW has featured events each day, culminating in a wrap-up party in the District of Rock Island that will feature 3 kegs of rare beer and 3 local bands. Attendance to any of the week’s events will get you a free ticket to the Saturday evening party- just make sure to mention it to the people in charge and you will receive a ticket. Here is a schedule of events:
Monday, May 16th – QCBW begins with a homebrew demonstration at 4:30 p.m. at O’Keefe’s Sports Bar, 1331 5th Avenue in Moline, Illinois. Brian Traughber, owner of UBrew local homebrew supply shop, teams up with Curt Johnson, President of the MUGZ homebrewing club, to teach curious attendees about the fine art and science of making beer at home. O’Keefe’s features 26 craft beers on tap and the event will include samples of homebrewed beer for your educational and drinking pleasure.
Tuesday, May 17th – QCBW carries on with a dinner at Sippi’s American Craft Bar & Grill, located at 406 W. 2nd Street in Davenport, Iowa. The establishment has 20 beers and will feature special prices as well as a mug of beer offered for the price of a pint. The food is great here, too, and guests are encouraged to pair their selected brew with the delicious homemade fare. You can even take a growler home with you.
Wednesday, May 18th – Local chef Brandon Zawada will host a Beer Class Beer Dinner at the Hy-Vee, 201 W. 10th Ave. in Milan, Illinois on this third day of QCBW 2016. Chef Zawada will serve a multi- course meal while educating guests on beer history, the brewing process, and the proper pairing of beer styles and food. Guests are strongly encouraged to make advanced reservations at 309-787-0273.
Thursday, May 19th – Radicle Effect Brewerks, located at 1340 31st Street in Rock Island, Illinois, will host a Quad Cities Tap Takeover at 6 p.m. There will be several locally brewed beers on tap and brewers from some of these local breweries will be present to chat about beer and life.
Friday, May 20th – Kavanaugh’s Hilltop, found at 1228 30th Street in Rock Island, Illinois, welcomes Potosi Brewing Co. for a tap takeover starting at 6 p.m. Potosi is actually located in nearby Wisconsin, but as all craft beer lovers know, the craft beer industry is about community and support so it makes sense to include a brewery from another nearby state, particularly if that brewery produces quality beer like that of Potosi Brewing.
Saturday, May 21st – The QCBW finale is going to be a great one when the Wrap Up Party takes place in the District of Downtown Rock Island. The festivities will include a Summer Vault Release at RIBCO, located at 1815 2nd Ave. in Rock Island, Illinois. At 7 p.m., the party begins with the tapping of 3 deliciously mean kegs of rare beer for all to enjoy. Live music will follow at 9 p.m. on the outdoor stage with local bands Subatlantic, Waking Robot, and Satellite Heart. An affordable and easily worth it $5 cover will get you a sample of the 3 Kegs and 3 Bands.
The Quad cities are known for their spirit of togetherness and Quad Cities Beer Week is a great way to get to know the local beer scene on a deeper level. To learn more about QCBW and keep up with the latest happenings and events, be sure to like Quad Cities Beer Week on Facebook and visit the website at www.qcbeerweek.com.
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