Red, White and Boom Fireworks In Davenport And Rock Island Rescheduled
The Red, White and Boom! fireworks have been rescheduled to Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, and will now take place during the Alternating Currents festival. The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m. and will be launched from two barges on the Mississippi River between Downtown Davenport and Rock Island. The show will be synchronized to music broadcast live on 97X.
Bad weather originally postponed the planned fireworks on July 3, and due to forecasted weather conditions, organizers decided to cancel the Red, White & Boom! fireworks show on July 4. Alternating Currents, held August 13-16 across Downtown Davenport, Rock Island and Bettendorf, is a celebration of music, film, comedy and visual arts. The festival features more than 200 artists performing in dozens of venues, with all official programming free to attend.
The rescheduled Red, White & Boom! will be on the night of Aug. 15 during Alternating Currents Festival.
“After the show was postponed, many people asked when we’d be able to reschedule. The answer wasn’t simple,” says the event Facebook page. A fireworks display of this size requires extensive coordination between the cities of Davenport and Rock Island, the fireworks vendor, barge operators, the U.S. Coast Guard and many other partners, organizers said. “Finding a date that worked for everyone took time, and we’re incredibly thankful to every organization that helped make it possible. We’re especially excited that the new date coincides with Alternating Currents, creating an unforgettable Saturday.”
“We’re excited to bring fireworks to Alternating Currents, adding to the incredible lineup of events already planned throughout our downtowns,” Kyle Carter, VP of Place Management for the Quad Cities Chamber, said in an Aug. 4 release. “The festival already draws thousands of people to the Quad Cities each year, making it the perfect opportunity to celebrate our community with an unforgettable fireworks display and a full weekend of arts, entertainment and culture.”
Fireworks seen with the Davenport Skybridge in the foreground. (credit: Red White & Boom)
Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the fireworks from riverfront viewing areas throughout Downtown Davenport and Rock Island.
- In Rock Island, activities at Schwiebert Riverfront Park begin at 6 p.m., with food concessions on the main lawn and the Bent River beer garden and DJ Jeff James will provide live entertainment from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- A Quad Cities River Bandits game is scheduled that evening at Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport.
- Please note that LeClaire Park in Davenport will not feature event activities, music or food and beverage vendors.
- No outside alcohol, glass containers or personal fireworks are permitted.
Updated event schedules, artist information and festival details are available at alternatingcurrentsqc.com. Visitors can also download the Alternating Currents mobile app to explore events, artists and venues, and build a personalized festival schedule. For more information, visit www.redwhiteandboomqc.org.
Fireworks seen from Arts Alley in downtown Rock Island. (credit: Red White & Boom)
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