Your Insiders' Guide to Festival of Trees

The “official kick-off to the holiday season” happens later this month with the KwikStar Festival of Trees! There are many different reasons that people get excited for Festival of Trees, some like to see all the decorated trees, wreaths, stockings, ornaments, etc., others love our events like SugarPlum Ball or Celebrity Lunch, and for others, it is a family tradition. For me, I love it all, but there are two things that rise to the top for me.  
 
The first will always be the impact that Festival of Trees has. I’m not even talking about the impact on a person attending Festival of Trees, studies show events like these reduce stress, increase creativity, and so much more. I’m talking about the impact that is created in the year AFTER the event. Festival of Trees raises money for Quad City Arts. This 10-day event helps put a Visiting Artist into the schools for students, provides funding to pay students to create art through the Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program, helps provide gallery space for regional artists, and more.  
 
The second is the Holiday Parade. It is worth mentioning that I am not a parade person. I love that we have them, but I am not one to attend a parade! However, in 2019 I fell in love with our Holiday Parade (2019 was my first Festival of Trees with Quad City Arts). When you hear the marching bands play and see the helium balloons in the sky it is a truly magical feeling. The energy in Downtown Davenport cannot be replicated and it leaves you filled with JOY. Thanks to our community sponsors, not only is it FREE to see it is also televised on KWQC-TV6.  

​We have so many fun new twists this year, 
​we can’t wait to see you there!     
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What's New this year?

We'll have new character balloons at the parade,
a brand new floor plan at the RiverCenter, ​and so much more!

Skip the line! General admission tickets are on sale NOW on our website. NEW this year, Festival of Trees will be going cashless with the option to purchase general admission tickets online.

There will be a FAST PASS lane at the admission gates for all prepaid admission tickets. Discounted general admission tickets will be available for purchase at all area Kwik Star locations November 1-15. Tickets can still be purchased at the door with credit/debit card including IHMVCU BOGO offer.

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Toy Tree Donations

Quad City Bank & Trust is the premier sponsor of the Toy Tree this year and will be accepting donations of new & unwrapped toys to help fill the tree at any of their area branch locations now through November 10th. At the conclusion of Festival, all toys will be donated to the Marine’s Toys for Tots program to give needy children a magical holiday experience. 

Find a location near you or DONATE ONLINE 

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Special Event Tickets Now On Sale!
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Get in the holiday spirit with these fun festival traditions. Don’t miss our NEWEST event, A Rather Curious Brunch on Sunday, November 22 at 11 am. Sip on cocktails served out of teapots and munch on delicious “brunchitziers” as you expect the unexpected at this topsy-turvy garden party.

All your favorites are back this year including, Teddy Bear Tea, Premiere Party, SugarPlum Ball, and Celebrity Lunch!

 BUY TICKETS NOW!

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Festival After Dark: Silent Disco

Join us after Festival closes on Saturday, November 27th from 8pm -10pm for a unique silent party experience. For $10 upcharge with paid general admission ticket, grab a wireless headset and dance the night away as 3 live DJs battle it out for your attention. Glow sticks, raffles, and cash bar are available! Get your tickets at the door or online. This event is 21+ and you must bring a valid ID for check-in.  

 BUY TICKETS

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Mobile Bidding for Designer Displays

It’s easier than ever to bid on your favorite designs at Festival this year with our NEW online bidding platform. Simply can a QR code or enter a URL to browse the over 70 designer displays, enter your information and place a bid. Every dollar raised goes back to Quad City Arts and supports arts programs across the Quad Cities.

Mobile bidding will be available at the RiverCenter on November 20th.

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It takes a village of over 2,000 volunteers to bring the magic of Festival to our community each year and we are thankful for all who donate their time to make it a success. Sign-up for a shift and receive FREE admission to come back and visit us again with family and friends.

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View Available Shifts and Times

View the full festival guide

Our Special Events book is out now, take a peek!
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