Alternating Currents Festival unveils first wave of 2025 music lineup

Festival expands with new block party after fan-favorite artists outgrow traditional venues; event returns August 14–17 across the Quad Cities 

Alternating Currents returns August 14–17, 2025, transforming Downtown Davenport, Rock Island and Bettendorf into a bi-state, multi-city festival featuring music, comedy, film and art.  

This one-of-a-kind event celebrates the creative vibe of the Quad Cities region. AC’s 2025 lineup blends exciting new voices with festival favorites at more than 40 venues. It features over 200 musical performances, comedy sets, film screenings, visual art displays, live murals, maker showcases and experiences. It’s where music lovers discover rising artists; film enthusiasts encounter stories that spark meaningful conversations; and art, performance and comedy ignite personal connections and community pride.  

Each performance takes place in and around beloved local landmarks along the Mississippi riverfront - from iconic indie venues like Sean Moeller’s Raccoon Motel, to the silent disco in the Skybridge, to unconventional pop-up stages like the loading dock behind Mississippi River Distilling Co.  

The first wave of artists hitting the Alternating Currents stages in Davenport include: 

Alborn • Avey Grouws Band • Beeson • Gloom Girl MFG • Gully Boys • Hembree • Me Like Bees • Michael Wilbur (of Moon Hooch) • Post Sex Nachos • Running Man • Siri Lorece • THOT Squad 

This year’s lineup brings fresh energy to AC with a dynamic mix of newcomers like Gloom Girl MFG blending gritty alt-rock with punk intensity, while Beeson delivers infectious, emotionally charged indie pop. Michael Wilbur, best known as the explosive saxophonist of Brooklyn-based trio Moon Hooch, brings his boundary-pushing blend of jazz, electronic and experimental sound to Alternating Currents for the first time. Siri Lorece offers soulful, powerful vocal-driven performances, Gully Boys bring raw, cathartic punk rock energy and Alborn adds a heavy rock edge. THOT Squad delivers bold, high-energy hip hop, showcasing the genre diversity and inclusivity that defines the AC experience. 

Festival favorites Hembree and Post Sex Nachos make a highly anticipated return with both having outgrown their previous festival venues, now helping anchor the expanded outdoor block party stage at Common Chord. The Avey Grouws Band returns with their signature blend of blues, Americana and roots rock, while Me Like Bees and Running Man bring back the high-octane performances that made them fan favorites in past years. 

Because of this incredible momentum, Alternating Currents is launching a new outdoor block party on 2nd Street outside of Common Chord in Davenport. What began as the Skybridge Courtyard Stage is evolving into a full-block party experience, allowing for larger performances, expanded family-friendly programming and even more ways to engage with the innovative pulse of downtown. 

“Alternating Currents is where you find your vibe,” said Alisha Espey, Festival Director. “When artists like Hembree and Post Sex Nachos outgrow every venue we've placed them in, that's something to celebrate - it means the community is showing up, discovering new favorites and demanding more. This year's expansion is a direct result of that excitement, and we can't wait to share what’s next. We're also inviting more community partners to join us in growing this incredible event.” 

The free Alternating Currents app is the go-to resource for discovering everything the festival has to offer. The app will be continuously updated as additional artists are announced. Users can browse artist bios, build custom schedules, navigate venues and create their own unique Alternating Currents experience. To download the app, visit alternatingcurrentsqc.com/acapp. 

Today’s announcement highlights the first round of musical acts, with many more acts to be added in the coming weeks. Full lineups for film, comedy and art will also be released soon. 

A full list of first-wave artists is available in the included lineup graphic. 

Festival Details: 

Dates: August 14–17, 2025 

Location: Downtown Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa; Rock Island, Illinois 

Admission: Free and open to all 

As Alternating Currents continues to grow, additional support from community partners and sponsors is essential to help the festival remain free and accessible to all. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for 2025. Businesses and organizations interested in getting involved can contact Alisha Espey at aespey@quadcitieschamber.com to learn more. 

ABOUT ALTERNATING CURRENTS 

Alternating Currents festival was founded in 2017 by the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber. Now the event is powered by DDP and has expanded through partnerships with Downtown Bettendorf Organization and Rock Island Downtown Alliance. The event thrives thanks to the many partners and businesses who collaborate to deliver a dynamic and inclusive experience.  

This year’s leading supporters include Presenting Sponsors Regional Development Authority (RDA) and Rhythm City Casino Resort, as well as Major Partner Rubberstamps.net and Accessibility Partner Bechtel Trust. Additional programming and supporting sponsors include Estes Construction, Palmer College of Chiropractic, The Last Picture House, MidAmerican Energy, and Express Employment Professionals. Hive Event Consulting serves as a producing partner. Media Partners include KWQC, Quad-City Times & Dispatch/Argus, Townsquare Media, Planet 93.9, and WQPT.