Alternating Currents is a festival built on QC discovery. Discovery of artists, businesses, and beloved downtown spaces. The event has grown to include hundreds of musicians, film creators, comedians, and visual artists across 40+ venues.
One of the most beautiful things about the festival is our commitment to utilizing existing businesses as the backdrop. We love showcasing our vibrant downtown culture, providing an authentic experience and hospitality from our family of downtown businesses. Our goal is to make a lasting impression on how Quad Citizens and visitors feel about the quality-of-place in our region.
Alternating Currents festival will be held August 14 – 17, 2025.
If you would like your space to be considered as an official venue for the festival, and want festival staff to program your space, please complete the application below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can any business located in the Quad Cities participate in Alternating Currents?
A: Alternating Currents is produced and primarily funded by the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP). With DDP's affiliation with the Quad Cities Chamber, we are able to collaborate with other Chamber downtown affiliates in Bettendorf and Rock Island on AC programming.
While the dream is to expand this event to more places in the Quad Cities, our team is unable to take on additional locations outside of the downtown Davenport and Bettendorf SSMID's and the SSA in downtown Rock Island.
Q: What does it cost to be an official venue?
A: Venue participation fees are calculated based on the production needs of a venue, the number and type of activations coordinated by festival staff. Downtown staff will work with businesses on official venue contract amounts and expectations annually.
Q: What if I want to produce my own event and co-promote through AC?
A: We have a number of ways for organizations to engage as affiliate events and/or showcase performances. Have an idea you want to bring to the festival? Contact Alisha Espey at aespey@quadcitieschamber.com.
Q: When do I need to submit an application by?
A: The deadline to apply for AC 2025 is on December 31, 2024.
Q: When will I know if I've been selected as an official venue?
A: Festival staff will reach out to confirm participation with an official venue contract no later than March 30, 2025.