Venue Applications Now Open for Alternating Currents 2026

Alternating Currents is back for another year of discovery, creativity and downtown energy. We’re officially opening applications for venues interested in being part of the 2026 festival, happening August 13–16, 2026.

Every year, AC transforms downtown Davenport, Bettendorf, and Rock Island into a walkable celebration of music, film, comedy and visual art. More than 40 venues come alive with hundreds of performances, bringing thousands of people through our downtown districts over four unforgettable days.

And at the heart of all of it?

Our downtown businesses.

Why Venues Matter to AC

Alternating Currents is built around the idea that creativity belongs in the spaces people already love: coffee shops, breweries, galleries, storefronts, bars and unexpected corners that make our region feel uniquely ours. We don’t just build stages in parking lots. We activate the spaces that define the Quad Cities.

By partnering with existing businesses, we’re able to offer festivalgoers a more authentic experience: real hospitality, real culture and real connection to the small businesses that make our downtowns special.

A Turn-Key Festival Experience for Businesses

When you participate as an official AC venue, our team takes the lead on programming your space. We curate the lineup, schedule performances, manage artist communication and provide you with the promotional materials you need to spread the word.

Your job?

Run your space the way you always do.

We only ask that venues provide:

• A dedicated day-of contact

• Standard staffing to manage occupancy and guest flow

• Any security or operational support your space typically requires

Beyond that, AC is designed to be simple for venues and transformational for the community.

How AC Programs Venues

Our programming process is fully curated by festival staff, with the goal of creating a cohesive, high-quality festival footprint across all three downtown districts.

Here’s how it works:

• We review your venue information from the application (capacity, performance area, hours, general vibe, etc.).

• Our team matches artists to spaces based on genre, production needs and the overall festival flow.

• Programming is scheduled within a festival-wide grid to support walkability and audience distribution.

• AC manages artist logistics, communication, scheduling and day-of needs.

• Venues receive finalized programming and all promotional assets leading up to the event.

We take your atmosphere and preferences into account but AC is a discovery-driven festival. One of the joys of the weekend is introducing new artists and new audiences to downtown businesses. To support this mission, final programming decisions are made by AC staff.

Financial Structure

Because Alternating Currents is funded through multiple downtown districts, each with its own budgets and priorities, venue agreements vary. The fee structure depends on district resources and production needs.

Festival staff will outline the appropriate model in your 2026 venue agreement after reviewing your application.

Ready to Apply?

If you’d like your business to be considered as an official venue for Alternating Currents 2026, now is the time to submit your application.

Deadline to apply: December 19, 2025

🔗 Apply here: https://www.jotform.com/form/253007091097151

Whether you’re a returning venue or brand new to AC, we’re excited to see how your space can help shape next year’s festival. Together, we’ll continue building a creative, vibrant and welcoming downtown experience for everyone.