On the heels of its successful Zip Code Day in 2022, the City of Bettendorf now is celebrating its 120th birthday with another bash.
Last year on 5/27/22, dozens of the city’s businesses, attractions and other organizations marked Zip Code Day by hosting their own parties, family fun events, open houses and other festivities. Hoping to repeat the fun, Bettendorf now is celebrating its history with a 120th Birthday Bash on Friday, June 2.
“Zip Code Day captivated our entire area, and we intend to do the same with an annual event that commemorates Bettendorf’s Birthday every June,” Bettendorf Mayor Bob Gallagher pledged earlier this year.
The Birthday Bash will commemorate June 5, 1903, when the City of Gilbert incorporated under a new name of “Bettendorf.” The new name honored brothers William and Joseph Bettendorf, who had relocated their railroad car factory – the Bettendorf Company – to prime riverfront property. The brothers paid $100 for the land that now is home to Isle of Capri Bettendorf, Waterfront Convention Center, the Alter Building and more.
Similar to Zip Code Day, the city is encouraging businesses in Bettendorf to host their own celebratory events throughout June 2. (The day also happens to be “National Leave The Office Early” Day, the city said.)
Businesses and organizations that join the fun can share their plans at www.bettevents.org.
Among the festivities will be a 120th Birthday Bash and Tangled Wood music festival as well as the annual Be Downtown event. Details include:
Friday –
- 120th Birthday Bash, 3:30 p.m., at Faye’s Field, located near the city’s Family Museum and Bettendorf Public Library. The one-hour long event will include live music, activities for kids, treats, and more.
- The Tangled Wood at 3636 Tanglewood Road, Bettendorf, will hold a music festival starting at 5 p.m. It will host five of the city’s breweries – Crawford Brew Works, Twin Span, 5 Cities, Adventurous and Nerdspeak, all of which will return for a Tap Takeover. The breweries will re-launch the special brews they created for Zip Code Day last year.
Saturday –
- Be Downtown returns to downtown with a day of fun. Hosted by the Downtown Bettendorf Organization (DBO), the free outdoor event will be from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 15th St. Landing (15th and State streets).
The annual Be Downtown event is presented by Ascentra Credit Union and Bettendorf Business Network (BBN) with additional sponsorship from City of Bettendorf, Isle Casino Hotel, K&K Hardware, Mediacom, MidAmerican Energy, Smart Automotive and Quad-City Times.
The family-friendly event will feature live music, food trucks, multiple bags tournaments, bounce houses, food trucks, and hours of live music at 15th Street Landing right along the riverfront.
Beginning at noon, live music will be provided in two-hour sets by area bands: Doug Brundies, Threat Level Midnight, Panic River Band and Diplomats of Solid Sound. Late night live music will continue at three downtown businesses: Harley Corin’s, Purgatory’s Pub and Riverside Grille.
During the day, K&K will host a Family Fun Zone from noon to 6 p.m. and feature bounce houses, bubble stations and a hands-on science station by Absolute Science.
Verde, a contemporary Mexican restaurant located at The Bridges, will offer food and an outdoor bar for alcohol and other beverage sales.
Other food trucks will be serving from noon to 6 p.m. including: Quick E’s Tacos, Schaa-Bo’s Korean Fusion, Smokin Goodness BBQ and Sweet Tooth Snacks.
New this year, DBO will partner with 4 City Cornhole for two to three separate bags tournaments, sponsored by Isle Casino Hotel and MidAmerican Energy. Tournaments will be at noon and 3 p.m. with a possible third tournament at 6 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded. Players should download the ScoreHolio app and arrive early to register.
Parking for the event includes on-street parking on State and Grant Streets plus at multiple lots in downtown Bettendorf, including:
- 15th and Grant streets (TBK Bank building lot, available after 1 p.m.).
- 18th and Mississippi streets (Asbury Methodist Church lot).
- 18th and Grant streets (City of Bettendorf lot).
- Bettendorf City Hall.
- Former Village Inn parking lot at 1210 State St.
- Motorcycle parking on 15th Street will be available.
Additional event details can be found at downtownbettendorf.org or on the DBO Facebook page. Patrons are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.
For updates and information on other Bettendorf birthday events, visit www.bettendorf.org/Birthday.
