Each year, Alternating Currents celebrates the creativity of the Quad Cities through music, film, comedy, visual art and interactive experiences across downtown Davenport, Bettendorf and Rock Island. As a free, bi-state, multi-city festival, it connects communities across the Quad Cities while encouraging thousands of people to discover artists, explore local businesses and experience the Quad Cities in new ways.

📅 August 13–16, 2026

Downtown Davenport, IA • Downtown Bettendorf, IA • Downtown Rock Island, IL

Admission is always free.

Alternating Currents was built on the idea that arts and culture should feel open, exciting and accessible to everyone.

Each year, the festival brings live music, film, comedy, visual art and interactive experiences to downtown Davenport, Bettendorf and Rock Island. Thousands of people discover new artists, explore local businesses and experience the Quad Cities in new ways.

Keeping the festival free is central to that mission. Free admission welcomes everyone, encourages discovery and ensures that arts and culture remain accessible to the entire community.

Friends of AC helps sustain that commitment today while investing in the festival's future.

Your support helps:

Support artist stipends and creative programming
Maintain free and accessible festival experiences
Activate independent venues and public spaces
Strengthen arts and culture across the Quad Cities

Every contribution, whether it's $5 or $500, helps support the artists, energy and experiences that define Alternating Currents.

Become a Friend of AC

Join a community of supporters who believe a thriving arts scene benefits everyone.

Annual Giving Levels:

Spark: $1 - $99
Friend: $100-$249
Amplifier: $250-$499
Power Source: $500+

Friends of AC receive:

Recognition on the Friends of AC webpage (list updated semi-annually)
Friends of AC email updates with behind-the-scenes festival news
Invitation to a special Friends of AC gathering
Access to occasional supporter-exclusive opportunities and offers, as available

Founding Friends (Limited Time)

2026 marks the launch of Friends of AC. Become one of the inaugural supporters helping build this program from the beginning.

Anyone who makes a gift of $100 or more by September 15, 2026, will receive permanent recognition as a Founding Friend of AC, including:

Permanent recognition as a Founding Friend of AC
Listing on the Friends of AC webpage
Founding Friend digital badge
Recognition in the Alternating Currents festival app

Thank you for helping keep Alternating Currents free, accessible and growing for years to come.

Interested in corporate sponsorships or larger partnership opportunities?

Please contact Alisha Espey at aespey@quadcitieschamber.com.

For artist submissions, vendor information, volunteer opportunities, festival updates and general questions, please visit www.alternatingcurrentsqc.com

Friends of AC

Community support for a free and accessible festival.