As thousands of runners, spectators and visitors arrive in downtown Davenport for the annual Quad-City Times Bix 7 race, the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), in collaboration with community partners, will present a full lineup of free events and activities throughout the weekend.
“Bix Weekend has always been about more than a race. It’s a tradition that brings people home, reconnects friends and families, and fills Downtown Davenport with an energy that’s unlike anything else we experience all year,” said Alisha Espey, senior director of programs and events for Downtown Davenport Partnership. “Our goal is to create opportunities for people to stay, explore and celebrate together through live music, family activities and experiences that showcase the best of downtown.”
Those events include:
- Bix Jazz & Family Jam: This will be 4 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Kaiserslautern Square, 119 E. 3rd St. This free event celebrates the musical legacy of Bix Beiderbecke with performances by the Ron Tegeler Jazz Trio and The Blackhawk Broadcasters. Enjoy local food vendors and a variety of free family activities including caricatures, balloon art, face painting, magic and more.
- Motor Row Victory Lane: This starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 25, on East Second Street, between Iowa and Perry streets. Immediately following the race, Motor Row Victory Lane closes down East 2nd Street and spills into the adjacent businesses with live music, family activities and local vendor booths through the afternoon. Anchoring the event is the T-Fiber Stage, featuring a full day of live music curated by Sean Moeller of Raccoon Motel, an industry-recognized talent buyer known for bringing nationally and internationally acclaimed artists to the Quad Cities.
Additional highlights include:Free Family Fun Zone with bounce houses, caricatures, balloon art, face painting, games and kids’ activities; food and beverages from top local vendors; shopping and specials from Motor Row businesses; family-friendly entertainment and activities throughout the corridor.
Motor Row Victory Lane is supported by The Bechtel Trusts, T-Fiber, Nehlsen Creative, OneStep Printing and the Downtown Davenport Partnership.
- Jazz in the Courtyard: This will be 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 25, at the Skybridge Courtyard, 141 W. River Dr.Enjoy a free outdoor jazz performance by The Blackhawk Broadcasters as part of a collaboration between Common Chord and the Bix Jazz Society.
- Bix Mix Street Party: This will be 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 24, and starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25, on West Third Street, between Ripley and Harrison streets. The Bix Mix Street Party brings live music, vendors, food and drinks to W. 3rd St. throughout race weekend. Expect great music, dancing and a Downtown Davenport vibe that stretches late into the night.
Highlights include:
- Friday night band, Dirt Road Rockers, 7:30 – 10:30 p.m., free admission.
- Saturday, QC Rock Academy on the outdoor stage beginning at 11 a.m.; most businesses along W. 3rd St. open early
- Saturday night, Wyatt Weipert and For Those About to Yacht at 6 p.m., admission $10
- Saturday headliner and last show of the evening, Pork Tornadoes
Bix Mix Street Party is supported by Daiquiri Factory, The Carriage Haus, Kilkenny’s, Mac’s Tavern, Collette’s Dueling Piano Bar, B100 and Downtown Davenport Partnership.
Additional highlights throughout the week include:
- Brady Street Sprints
- Arconic Jr. Bix
- Common Chord’s Live @ 5 featuring Beaker Brothers Band
The Downtown Davenport Partnership is focused on the strategic growth and beautification of Downtown Davenport. DDP oversees placemaking, event planning, marketing, business support and clean and safe initiatives within the Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID).Learn more at downtowndavenport.com.
