The skyline of downtown davenport iowa at night

Things To Do: Downtown Davenport Entertainment, Arts, Culture & Attractions

Whether you're a born-and-raised Quad Citizen, looking to relocate to Davenport, Iowa or just planning to visit, there are plenty of things to do for everyone. Downtown Davenport is the unique city center for arts and culture in the Quad Cities. Its restaurants, breweries, live music, baseball, ice skating, galleries and independent films are popular with young professionals, families and explorers looking for a unique urban experience along the Mississippi River. 


Live Music & Entertainment in Downtown Davenport

Downtown Davenport features a variety of music and entertainment venues and is a hub for live music, concerts and entertainment. A few local favorites to catch a concert at are the Raccoon Motel and Redstone Room. Larger shows like Broadway favorites and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra (one of the country's longest-continuously operating orchestras) are hosted at the Adler Theatre. Plus, performing arts fans can catch a show at Mockingbird on Main, a creator-driven arts incubator. 

Throughout the year annual events and festivals can be enjoyed, such as Icestravaganza and German Fest. And if you love live music downtown you won’t want to miss Alternating Currents and the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival. 


Arts & Culture

Downtown Davenport is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene. It’s where you can find upcycled clothing and blown glass to top-notch museums. The Figge Art Museum, a premier art exhibition and education facility, features national and international art from the 15th century to the present. The German American Heritage Center & Museum chronicles and preserves the history of German Americans in the Midwest region and offers historic and architectural walking tours of Davenport. Bix Beiderbecke Museum and Archives is the newest museum in downtown Davenport and a must-stop for jazz and history enthusiasts.   


Things to Do with Kids

Looking for family-friendly activities that the entire family will enjoy? Downtown Davenport has you covered. 

Catch a game at the top minor-league ballpark in the United States, Modern Woodmen Park, home to the Quad Cities River Bandits. Take the family out to explore the Freight House Farmers' Market, a year-round market featuring 200+ farmers, bakers, makers and artisanal food producers. Looking for a fantastic place to enjoy the river views and a great photo op? Then, you'll want to check out a tourist favorite, the Davenport Skybridge.


Bike Trails & Outdoor Attractions

The mighty Mississippi draws thousands of visitors to downtown Davenport each year. Its breathtaking views can be seen along the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) which passes through numerous riverfront communities and the countryside. Bikers, runners and families out on a stroll, enjoy the sweeping riverfront vistas that are abundant all along the bike trail. The northern route of the American Discovery Trail (ADT), provides one of only two Mississippi River crossing points in this significant national trail system.  

Centennial Park features a dog park, fishing area, spray ground and skateboard park for rollerblading, MBX bikes and skateboarders. 

And River Heritage Park features a gazebo and gorgeous views of the Mississippi River. It's the front porch to national cruise lines, Viking Cruise Lines, American Cruise Lines (ACL) and American Queen Voyages (AQV) when docking in the Quad Cities. 


Looking for an ole' fashioned map? Click here.

Eat & Drink
Eat & Drink
With over 44 restaurants, breweries, bars, and bites, Downtown Davenport is a power packed culinary experience.
Festivals & Events
Festivals & Events
No matter what time of year it is, Davenport has fun for all ages! Learn more about our yearly festivals.
Get Around
Get Around
Everything is walking distance when you’re downtown, but there are many other options to choose from when you need a ride!
Historic Downtown
Historic Downtown
Check out Downtown Davenports rich history.
Public Art
Public Art
Our city is alive with creativity, and the arts scene is flourishing like never before.
Riverfront
Riverfront
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, come see the view from our beautiful riverfront.
See & Do
See & Do
We’ve got a solid list of venues in our entertainment district that celebrate our culture and honor our history.
Shopping
Shopping
Shop ‘til you drop! Head out for the day and explore locally-owned businesses.
Stay
Stay
Stay within walking distance of our fantastic amenities.