ALTERNATING CURRENTS 2025
What To Know
Alright y’all, I’m so excited to announce Alternating Currents 2025 has announced their lineup, app, and comedy lineup! Taking place in Quad Cities, this festival has a very “build your own adventure” concept to it – where attendees can decide what they want to do. Featuring over 200 musical performances, comedy sets, film screening, visual art displays, live murals, maker showcases, and more – all times and dates have been announced for August 14th-17th. NOTE: This is a completely free event!
“Alternating Currents is a festival you build for yourself,” said Festival Director Alisha Espey. “The app gives you a first look at what’s coming to Downtown Davenport, and it’s just the beginning. Programming in Rock Island, Bettendorf and other pop-up activations will be rolling out in the coming weeks. Whether you’re into indie film, live music, family-friendly fun or street art, this festival is about discovering your vibe and experiencing something unexpected.”
Download the Alternating Currents app or visit alternatingcurrentsqc.com to explore the schedule and start planning your weekend. Follow @alternatingcurrentsqc on social for the latest updates.
Alternating Currents Film Fest
This year marks a bold expansion of the Alternating Currents Film Fest, evolving beyond traditional screenings into a curated experience of panels, premieres, and interactive storytelling.
Featured programming includes:
- “Life and Special Features,” an inspiring, behind-the-scenes deep dive from filmmaker and preservationist Justin Beahm, who shares his wild journey through documentary filmmaking, journalism and genre storytelling, blending humor and practical wisdom to encourage audiences to take creative risks.
- “Strange/Found VHS,” a wild VHS-powered ride with Chicago cult archivists Joe Pickett (Found Footage Festival) and Scott Miller (Strange Tapes Zine), who bring rare, never-digitized oddities straight from their 15,000-tape collection — from workplace safety PSAs to obscure horror flicks.
- CAP CITY, a neo-noir political thriller written by Max Allan Collins (Road to Perdition) and directed by David Wexler, adapted from a Mickey Spillane novella. Collins will appear in person for a post-screening Q&A, offering an inside look into the storytelling process and the film’s inspiration.
- PAVEMENTS, a visually rich documentary on the beloved American indie band Pavement, fusing scripted elements, archival footage, and a soundtrack woven from their discography.
The festival also introduces new opportunities for AC alumni and regional filmmakers to connect with audiences, including select Q&A sessions and spotlight programming that celebrate the creative voices shaping our local film scene.
Visual Arts and Maker Culture
- The Made Market expands to 60+ vendors, with handmade goods, treasures and artists filling downtown streets.
- Art vendor pop-ups will return to K-Square and Killpop Studio, continuing to activate creative corners with installations and local showcases.
- The AC Mural Fest will bring to life five new walls, two in Davenport, two in Rock Island, and one in Bettendorf; selected artists will be announced in the coming weeks.
The AC Block Party at Common Chord
Common Chord will serve as a central hub, with a full weekend of family-friendly programming in partnership with the Quad Cities Cultural Trust, featuring engaging activities from legacy arts and culture organizations across the region.
Early highlights include:
- Putnam Museum’s Jurassic Jeep
- Quad City Botanical Center’s Plant Bus
- David Casas Magic Show, a high-energy, family-friendly performance blending mind-bending illusions, hilarious comedy, and plenty of audience participation.
- Toto the Clown’s balloon art, face painting, caricature artists, strolling magic, and more hands-on fun for all ages.
Arts & Entertainment Lineup
For the fifth consecutive year, Downtown Rock Island is hosting Alternating Currents events with a diverse mix of free, all-ages programs Thursday, Aug. 14, through Sunday, Aug. 17, at a variety of public spaces and venues hosted by festival placemaking partner Rock Island Downtown Alliance.
The Thursday night kickoff begins with a wide range of fun activities at the Arts Alley Block Party, including the progressive soul band out of L.A. – Siri Lorece, a photo scavenger hunt, and pop-up shops, along with food and beverages for purchase from downtown businesses. Silent disco under the lights in Arts Alley will close out the first night of festivities.
The conclusion to Alternating Currents on Sunday in Downtown Rock Island features a car show, professional wrestling, live music, and more at a variety of venues.
“As Alternating Currents continues to grow, we are prioritizing creative programming on Thursday and Sunday to maximize our exposure and incentivize festivalgoers to explore the region during this exciting weekend in the Quad Cities,” said Jack Cullen, Executive Director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance. “There’s something on this schedule for everyone and we’re proud of that.”
New public art will surface in Downtown Rock Island as part of Alternating Currents Mural Fest. Artists will paint murals on walls at M&J International Food Market, 1706 3rd Ave., and WHBF-TV, 231 18th St.
See the full schedule of festival programs in Downtown Rock Island at alternatingcurrentsqc.com/line-up.
Free parking is available Thursday in the lot at 112 18th Street between the riverfront and Arts Alley. Bicycle taxis called pedicabs will be on site offering free rides to attendees between downtown businesses and participating venues on Thursday and Sunday.