DAVENPORT, IOWA (July 8, 2025) — The 2025 Alternating Currents festival schedule is officially live on the free festival app and website, inviting fans to start crafting their own weekend of fun. The majority of the 200+ musical performances, comedy sets, film screenings, visual art displays, live murals, maker showcases, and experiences now have locations, times, and dates scheduled August 14-17.
Attendees can now explore most of the Downtown Davenport schedule, with additional programming from Downtown Rock Island, Bettendorf, and remaining Davenport experiences being added in the coming weeks. Previously, a variety of bands and comedy acts were announced.
“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.”
With hundreds of performances, vendors, installations, and nearly all programming free to attend, Alternating Currents leads as one of the Midwest’s most accessible and creative festivals.
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.
New AC announcements on the Film Fest, visual arts and maker culture, and new block party are below:
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 more than sixty 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.
About Alternating Currents
Alternating Currents festival was founded in 2017 by the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber. Now powered by DDP and expanded through placemaking partnerships with Downtown Bettendorf Organization and Rock Island Downtown Alliance, the festival thrives thanks to the many partners and businesses who collaborate to deliver a dynamic and inclusive experience.
With more than 200 performances and events across music, film, comedy, and visual art, Alternating Currents transforms downtown spaces into stages, galleries, and gathering places. Nearly all programming is open to the public with no ticket required, inviting audiences to discover a wide range of creative experiences throughout the weekend.
This year’s leading supporters include Presenting Sponsors Regional Development Authority (RDA) and Rhythm City Casino Resort, as well as Major Partners Rubberstamps.net and Scott County Regional Authority, Accessibility Sponsor Bechtel Trust, and Arts Partner Quad Cities Cultural Trust. Additional programming and supporting sponsors include Estes Construction, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Nature’s Treatment of Illinois, The Last Picture House, MidAmerican Energy, Express Employment Professionals, and Quad City Arts. Hive Event Consulting serves as a producing partner. Media Partners include KWQC, Quad-City Times and Dispatch-Argus, Townsquare Media, Planet 93.9, and WQPT.
