More than a market…

Mercado on Fifth advances its mission through weekly open-air markets, seasonal cultural festivals, and year-round business development programming that celebrate Latinx heritage and stimulate economic mobility in the Quad Cities. While located in Moline, Mercado serves the entire Quad Cities. Our Friday Night Markets in downtown Moline draw thousands of attendees with live music, folkloric dance, artisan vendors, food trucks, and free children’s activities. These events create family-friendly spaces that generate visibility for Hispanic culture while offering vital income-generating opportunities for immigrant and minority entrepreneurs.

Beyond the marketplace, Mercado empowers first-generation business owners through bilingual workshops, technical assistance, and microgrants. We commission local artists, host traditional performances, and collaborate with schools and museums on educational programs like piñata-making and folkloric dance. Annual events such as Día de los Muertos and Fiestas Patrias have grown in popularity, helping to strengthen cultural pride and community bonds. Our partnerships with libraries, faith-based organizations, and schools extend this impact across the region, cultivating inclusive spaces where economic empowerment, artistic expression, and cultural preservation go hand in hand.