Alternating Currents Electrifying Quad Cities This Weekend With Over 200 Free Events
The Quad Cities will explode with tons of fun events (and literally with fireworks) this weekend as Alternating Currents returns August 13-16 with its biggest festival yet.
It will transform Downtown Davenport, Rock Island and Bettendorf into a four-day celebration of music, film, comedy, art, culture and creativity. With more than 230 events, representing 600+ individual artists and creatives, 50+ venues and free admission, the festival offers countless opportunities for attendees to discover something unexpected around every corner, according to an event release.
While headline performances and major attractions draw thousands of visitors each year, some of Alternating Currents’ most memorable experiences come from stumbling upon something completely unplanned, the Quad Cities Chamber release says. From roller derby and pop-up poetry to world-class canine athletes and comedy competitions, this year’s festival is packed with hidden gems that showcase the eclectic spirit of AC.
“Alternating Currents is built around discovery,” said Alisha Espey, Alternating Currents Festival Director. “Because the festival is free and spread throughout three downtowns, people can wander into a new venue, experience a new art form or find a performance they never expected to love.”
To make the most of your Alternating Currents experience, download the official festival app at alternatingcurrentsqc.com/acapp. The app allows attendees to browse events, create personalized schedules, discover artists and easily navigate venues throughout the festival. Complete festival information, including lineups and event details, is also available at alternatingcurrentsqc.com. Before the festival begins, music fans can explore the official Alternating Currents Spotify playlist to discover new artists and start planning their must-see performances.
Among highlights for this year’s festival are:
VHS in the Midwest at The Last Picture House
Thursday, August 13, 9 – 10:30 p.m.
The Last Picture House Rooftop, Davenport
VHS in the Midwest is a live screening and comedy show that explores the strange, hilarious and unforgettable world of Midwestern VHS. Join returning AC Fest guests Joe Pickett (Found Footage Fest), Scott Miller (Strange Tapes Zine) and Justin Beahm (Reverend Entertainment) as they take audiences on a state-by-state road trip through the heartland, uncovering everything from local TV oddities and homemade commercials to regional celebrities, forgotten instructional videos and unexpected pop culture connections.
One Liner Madness at The Urban Reserve
Thursday, August 13, 8 – 9:45 p.m.
Urban Reserve, Downtown Rock Island
One Liner Madness is a Time Out Critics’ Pick comedy competition that travels the country in search of the nation’s best joke writers. Comedians compete in a March Madness-style bracket, delivering their best one-liners in rapid-fire fashion as the field narrows from 64 competitors to one champion in just 100 minutes. Audience applause determines who advances and who takes home the trophy, cash prize and title of One Liner Madness Alternating Currents 2026 Champion.
Pop-Up Poetry | Presented with Quad City Arts
Thursday, August 13 through Sunday, August 16
Throughout the Alternating Currents Festival Footprint
Poetry will appear in some of the most unexpected places during Alternating Currents. In partnership with Quad City Arts, Pop-Up Poetry showcases original work from young artists in the Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program. Festivalgoers can discover lines of poetry displayed on signs throughout the festival footprint, transforming everyday spaces into moments of reflection, connection and creativity. Keep an eye out as you explore. You never know where a poem might find you.
Quad City Rollers Mixer
Friday, August 14, 6 – 8 p.m.
City of Rock Island Parking Lot, 304 17th St.
Experience the speed, strategy and excitement of flat-track roller derby as the Quad City Rollers host an energetic mixer in Downtown Rock Island. Featuring hard hits and hometown talent, the event spotlights the Quad Cities’ premier female and gender non-conforming roller derby league, which proudly represents the region on an international stage.
The Quad City Rollers celebrate 20 years of women’s roller derby in the QC with a free demo on Friday, Aug. 14, at the City of Rock Island lot, 304 17th St.
The FAQ!?
Friday, August 14, 7 – 8:15 p.m. at Skellington Manor, Rock Island
Saturday, August 15, 3:15 – 4:20 p.m. at The Last Picture House, Davenport
Hosted by Andrew King, The FAQ!? has been described as an antagonistic version of Jeopardy! where contestants test their knowledge through trivia, unexpected challenges and even a little varmint spotting. Equal parts game show, comedy and community competition, it’s unlike anything else you’ll encounter during the festival.
QC muralist Atlanta Dawn will create a new mural during the festival at Klemme Motorsports, 251 Pershing Ave., Davenport.
Heatbox
Friday, August 14, 8:30 – 10 p.m.
NTI Stage at Stompbox Brewing, Davenport
Professional beatboxer, loop artist, singer and voice actor Heatbox, has built an international career using nothing but his voice. The Davenport native has performed across nearly every U.S. state and around the world, creating full-band sounds, rhythms and musical textures entirely with his mouth in a performance that’s as impressive as it is entertaining.
Purina Incredible Dog Team Performance
Saturday, August 15: 11 – 11:30 a.m., 1 – 1:30 p.m., 4:30 – 5 p.m.
Pershing Avenue & East 2nd Street, Davenport
Watch some of the nation’s most talented canine athletes will showcase incredible agility, speed, precision and teamwork. This family-friendly performance delivers plenty of high-flying entertainment as dogs and handlers demonstrate the remarkable skills that have made the Purina Incredible Dog Team a crowd favorite across the country.
Big Head Mode
Saturday, August 15, Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Kaiserslautern Square Park, Davenport
What happens when a love of video games meets live jazz fusion energy? You get Big Head Mode. The Davenport-based band draws inspiration from artists and composers such as the 8-Bit Big Band, Koji Kondo, Casiopea and T-Square, creating an energetic performance that celebrates gaming culture through live music.
Fireworks seen from Arts Alley in downtown Rock Island. (credit: Red White & Boom)
Red, White & Boom Fireworks
Saturday, August 15, 9:30 p.m.
Mississippi River between Downtown Davenport and Rock Island
One of the Quad Cities’ favorite summer traditions found a new home at Alternating Currents this year. The Red, White & Boom fireworks spectacular, rescheduled from its original July 3 date, will light up the night sky from barges anchored between Downtown Davenport and Rock Island. The display will be synchronized to music broadcast live on 97X, creating a memorable cross-river festival finale.
Founded in 2017 by the Downtown Davenport Partnership, Alternating Currents has grown into one of the Midwest’s most unique festival experiences as a free, multi-city celebration of music, film, comedy and visual art that transforms downtown businesses, galleries, parks, bars, shops, museums and public spaces into a walkable cultural experience across the Quad Cities region.
Unlike a traditional gated festival, Alternating Currents is designed to immerse attendees directly into downtown districts and local businesses. Festivalgoers move between dozens of independently operated venues and outdoor stages throughout the weekend, discovering performances and experiences ranging from nationally touring musicians and indie filmmakers to stand-up comedy, mural installations, artist markets and interactive programming.
AC is powered through regional placemaking partnerships including Downtown Davenport Partnership, Downtown Bettendorf Organization and Rock Island Downtown Alliance.
Leading supporters include Presenting Sponsors, Regional Development Authority (RDA) and Rhythm City Casino Resort; Major Partners, The Jeff & Reggie Goldstein Family Foundation, Luxtown.com, Scott County Regional Authority; Music Partner, T-Fiber; and Accessibility Sponsor, Bechtel Trust.
For a full schedule of events, click HERE.
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