MUSIC+FILM+ART+COMEDY | QUAD CITIES | AUGUST 13-16, 2026
Q: What’s this Alternating Currents festival all about?
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A: Alternating Currents is designed to immerse attendees in the Quad Cities' downtown districts. Festivalgoers move between dozens of stages and venues, discovering everything from nationally touring musicians and indie filmmakers to stand-up comedy, mural installations, artist markets and more. Every festival experience is a little different, offering countless ways to build your own weekend.
Q: What are the dates and times of the festival?
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A: Alternating Currents takes place August 13–16, 2026, across Downtown Davenport, Bettendorf and Rock Island. Festival programming takes place throughout the day and evening, with schedules varying by venue and event. Download the AC app for the most up-to-date schedule and event information.
Q: Do I need tickets or reservations?
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A: No tickets are required for official Alternating Currents programming. Most events operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating capacity and availability may vary by venue.
Q: How do I plan my festival experience?
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A: The Alternating Currents app is the best way to see what’s happening during the festival. Browse events by day, city, venue or category, receive real-time schedule updates and access the festival map. Download the AC app.
Q: How do I get around the festival?
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A: Alternating Currents is designed to encourage exploration between venues, stages and downtown districts. Most festival locations are easily accessible within their respective downtowns, and festivalgoers can also take advantage of the free trolley service and pedicabs throughout the weekend. Download the AC app for maps, venue locations and transportation information.
Q: Are there any road closures?
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A: Yes. Temporary road closures may be in place throughout the festival weekend to accommodate performances, vendors and pedestrian activity. A list of planned closures and traffic impacts will be posted closer to the festival. We encourage attendees to review parking and transportation information before arriving.
Q: Should I bring a lawn chair?
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A: Lawn chairs are welcome at many outdoor performances and can be a great option if you plan to spend time at a particular stage. Seating is available at many festival venues and outdoor locations, but availability varies. Since Alternating Currents encourages exploration between venues and performances, many attendees find it easier to travel light.
Q: What about food and drink? 
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A: One of our favorite aspects of Alternating Currents is the opportunity to support local businesses. Grab a meal, snack or beverage from one of the many restaurants, bars and food vendors located throughout the festival footprint. From burgers and pizza to craft beer and cocktails, there’s something for everyone across the downtown districts.
Q: Is this event all-ages with kid-friendly events?
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A: Alternating Currents is an all-ages festival, but some venues have age restrictions, particularly during evening programming. Participating venues maintain their normal admission policies throughout the festival. Please review event details before attending with children.
Q: Are pets allowed?
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A: Policies vary by venue. Many outdoor festival spaces are pet-friendly, but individual businesses and venues may have their own rules regarding pets. Please check with specific venues before bringing your pet. All animals should be leashed and under their owner's control at all times.
Q: Where do I park?
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Downtown Davenport
Street parking is free after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all weekend long. 
Downtown Davenport parking info and ramp locations.
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Downtown Rock Island
Street parking is free. On Thursday, free parking is also available in the lot at 112 18th Street between the riverfront and Arts Alley. Downtown Rock Island parking info.
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Downtown Bettendorf
Street parking is free throughout downtown.
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Q: What venues are participating? 
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A: Dozens of venues in Downtown Davenport, Bettendorf and Rock Island participate in Alternating Currents, including shops, restaurants, bars, theatres, galleries and public spaces. Download the app for a full list and start crafting your perfect schedule!
Q: What happens if it rains?
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A: Alternating Currents utilizes both indoor and outdoor venues, which gives us flexibility when weather becomes a factor. Depending on conditions, performances may move indoors, shift locations or be adjusted on the schedule. Download the AC app and follow festival social media channels for real-time updates.
Q. Coming from out of town?
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A: Welcome to AC! We're excited for you to explore the Quad Cities. Getting around is easy with the help of the Alternating Currents app and these local resources:
​Q: Where should I stay?
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A: Visiting from out of town? Alternating Currents has partnered with local hotels to offer special rates for festival attendees. Check out our official hotel partners, Hotel Blackhawk and The Current Iowa. Click here for booking information.
Hotel rates are available for festival weekend and subject to availability.
Q: Is there camping?
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A: There is no camping within the festival footprint, but campground options are available throughout the Quad Cities region.
Q: Is there a Spotify Playlist? 
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A: Yes! The 2026 AC Spotify playlist is a great way to preview the bands and find your favorites.
Q: Will there be official Alternating Currents merchandise?
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A: Yes! Official Alternating Currents merchandise will be available during the festival and online while supplies last. Look for limited-edition designs created by artists selected through our 2026 Artist Merch Series. Merchandise locations, hours and purchasing information will be announced closer to the festival.
Q: Will ASL interpreters be available?
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A: Yes! Alternating Currents works with an amazing team of ASL interpreters throughout the festival weekend to support accessibility across a variety of performances and events. Because interpreters move throughout the festival, coverage may vary by day and location.
Use the ASL Interpreters filter in the Alternating Currents app to view performances where interpreters are currently scheduled to be present. If you'd like to attend a performance that is not listed, we encourage you to speak directly with an interpreter or an Alternating Currents staff member during the festival. While accommodations cannot be guaranteed for every event, we will do our best to help connect you with accessible programming.
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We believe music, film, comedy and art should be enjoyed by everyone and are committed to creating a welcoming festival experience.
Q: Is it possible to record this event?
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A: Personal photos and videos are welcome. Professional audio, video and photography equipment is prohibited unless authorized by festival organizers. Unauthorized recording may result in removal from festival venues or event areas.
Interested in creating content for Alternating Currents? We recruit photographers, videographers and content creators each year to help capture the festival experience. Follow our website and social media channels for the creative crew application announcements and deadlines.
Q: Are media passes available?
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A: Yes. Members of the media interested in covering Alternating Currents should contact festival organizers in advance. Approved media representatives may receive credentials and access to designated media resources. Please contact Alisha at aespey@quadcitieschamber.com for additional information or to request a media pass.
Q: Lost & Found
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A: Please call 563.322.1706 after the festival if you’ve lost an item. We will hold items for 30 days. The Downtown Davenport Partnership will not be held liable for any unclaimed items.
Q. Who organizes this event?
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A: Alternating Currents festival was founded in 2017 by the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber. Today, the festival is powered by DDP and produced in partnership with Downtown Bettendorf Organization and Rock Island Downtown Alliance, along with dozens of creative partners, venues and businesses throughout the Quad Cities.
The festival's footprint reflects the communities and downtown organizations that help fund, produce and support the event. Investments from downtown improvement districts, sponsors, venues and community partners in Davenport, Bettendorf and Rock Island make Alternating Currents possible each year.
Q: How do I become a partner or sponsor of Alternating Currents?
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A: Alternating Currents is made possible through the support of sponsors, community partners, venues and businesses throughout the Quad Cities. Organizations interested in partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact the festival team to learn more about sponsorships, activations and custom partnership opportunities.
Contact: Alisha Espey at aespey@quadcitieschamber.com
Q: Can I submit an event for Alternating Currents?
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A: Yes! Alternating Currents welcomes independently produced events, collaborative programming, community activations, specialty events and partner-led experiences that align with the festival's creative spirit and values. Event submissions may be made through our Event & Activation Submission Form. Submission does not guarantee inclusion, and all proposed programming is reviewed for festival fit, feasibility and overall programming balance.
Q: How can my venue participate in Alternating Currents?
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A: Businesses interested in serving as an official festival venue may apply during the venue application period, which typically opens shortly after each year's festival and remains available through the end of the calendar year. Official festival venues work directly with Alternating Currents organizers to host festival-curated programming as part of the festival lineup.
Venues interested in producing their own events or activations should complete the Event & Activation Submission Form.
Q: When do artist applications open?
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A: Applications for Alternating Currents typically open in the fall. Musicians, filmmakers, comedians, visual artists and other creatives interested in participating are encouraged to follow Alternating Currents on social media and visit our website for application announcements and deadlines.
Q: I applied. When will I hear back?
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A: Alternating Currents receives hundreds of applications each year across multiple artistic disciplines. Because programming decisions depend on venue availability, scheduling and other festival considerations, review timelines vary and some decisions may not be finalized until closer to the festival. Applicants will be contacted directly regarding opportunities to participate.
​Q: What is the AC App Privacy Policy? 
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