DAVENPORT, Iowa — It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the RiverCenter in Davenport.
The Festival of Trees, featuring more than 150 designs, including wreaths, other holiday decorations, and much more, is opening up to the public Saturday, Nov. 18 at 9 a.m.
The event is run by Quad City Arts, who started setting up the festival on November 1, but started planning for it months before. Executive Director of Quad City Arts Kevin Maynard said from start to finish it takes about 2,000 people to make this happen.
He said all the money from ticket sales and donations go right back into the Quad City community.
"The reason we do it is because we know that this 10 day period is going to allow us to put a visiting artist in front of over 25,000 students in our public schools, it's going to allow us to put in 26 new sculptures into our community next year, multiple murals pay young adults to create art in our community," Maynard said. "I mean, so it has a much wider impact than just these 10 days."
Maynard also emphasized this event is a Quad Cities holiday tradition.
"It is the kickoff to the holidays here in the Quad Cities," Maynard said. "And it's become a family tradition. I mean, a lot of people like to come and enjoy this design as a way to you know, take some family photos, create some memories."
General admission is $10 for adults and $5 dollars for children ages 2-10. Children under the age of 2 get in for free. You can purchase tickets by clicking/tapping here.
Festival of Trees runs through Sunday, Nov. 26.
Here's all the events the festival has planned for 2023:
- Premiere Party - Friday, Nov. 17
- Celebrate the festival's opening with all the glitz and glam of a night in Las Vegas! There will be live music, casino games, photo ops, hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.
- Helium Balloon Parade - Saturday, Nov. 18
- The largest helium balloon parade in the Midwest returns for its 31st year! This free event features balloons, floats, dance groups, bands, Santa Claus and more.
- Teddy Bear Tea - Sunday, Nov. 19
- Children are invited to bring their favorite plushie to this adorable tea party. Guests of all ages can enjoy snacks, activities and appearances from festival characters.
- SugarPlum Ball - Tuesday, Nov. 21
- Sugarplums and their favorite adult are invited to this elegant family dance! Costume characters will greet you while Circa '21 presents Christmas excerpts.
- Celebrity Lunch - Wednesday, Nov. 22
- Help raise money for the arts while being entertained and waited on by local celebrities. Music, fun, food and a whole lot of laughter is experienced each year.
- Silent Disco Party - Saturday, Nov. 25
- The festival goes clubbing this year with a unique silent disco! Grab a wireless headset and dance the night away as 3 DJs battle it out for your attention.
Watch more news, weather and sports on our YouTube channel