ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (July 9, 2026) — Alternating Currents is bringing an exciting mix of stand-up, improv and one-of-a-kind comedy experiences to the Quad Cities with the announcement of its 2026 comedy programming for the festival held August 13-16 in Downtown Davenport, Bettendorf, and Rock Island. With a lineup of comedians from across the Midwest and beyond, this year's festival also features nationally recognized comedy concepts, new local partnerships and original collaborations that continue to make comedy a standout part of the Alternating Currents experience.
One of the festival's biggest additions this year is One Liner Madness, the acclaimed bracket-style comedy competition produced by comedian Emily Winter. In this rapid-fire tournament, comedians go head-to-head using only their best original one-liners until a champion is crowned. Winter will also perform as part of this year's stand-up lineup. A limited number of competitor spots remain available, with the full tournament field to be announced ahead of the festival.
Alternating Currents is also proud to partner with ComedySportz Quad Cities to present the Kidz Improv Show. A fixture of the Quad Cities comedy scene for decades, ComedySportz has introduced generations of audiences to the art of improv through its fast-paced, interactive and family-friendly performances. The new partnership brings an exciting comedy experience to younger festivalgoers while celebrating one of the region's most beloved comedy organizations.
Created, produced and hosted by Quad Cities comedian Andrew King, The FAQ!? returns to Alternating Currents with two performances this year. The interactive comedy game show has been described as "an antagonistic Jeopardy!," blending general trivia, audience participation and delightfully absurd challenges, including the now-famous varmint-spotting.
In another collaboration that reflects the creative connections fostered through Alternating Currents, returning festival guests Joe Pickett (Found Footage Fest), Scott Miller (Strange Tapes Zine) and Justin Beahm (Reverend Entertainment) will debut VHS in the Midwest. The live screening and comedy show explores the strange, hilarious and unforgettable world of Midwestern VHS through local television oddities, homemade commercials, forgotten instructional videos and unexpected pop culture treasures.
The collaboration has a special Alternating Currents connection. Pickett and Miller first met while participating in last year's festival, where they discovered a shared passion for regional VHS collecting. That friendship sparked the creation of VHS in the Midwest, making this year's performance a fitting debut at the festival where it all began.
"Comedy has become such an important part of the Alternating Currents experience because it creates opportunities for discovery and connection," said Alisha Espey, Festival Director for Alternating Currents.
"This year's lineup brings together incredible stand-up comedians, nationally-recognized comedy experiences, longtime local favorites, and collaborations that simply wouldn't exist without the relationships built through this festival."
2026 Featured Comedians
- AJ Grill
- Al Nimpson
- Austin Black
- Blake Burkhart
- Brandon Ream
- Chris Calogero
- Chris Schlichting
- Chris Starman
- Dana Ehrmann
- Dannie T
- Donny Townsend
- Emily Winter
- Heath Thornton
- Ian Pope
- Jake Snell
- James Draper
- Jen Kuhle
- Josh Plant
- Leslie Mitchell
- Luise Noé
- Matthew Jacobsen
- Raegan Niemela
- Ryan Mason
A limited number of competitor spots remain available for the inaugural One Liner Madness tournament. Interested comedians can learn more and apply at the Alternating Currents website here.
Performance schedules, venues and additional festival details will be announced as the full Alternating Currents schedule is released at AlternatingCurrentsQC.com and in the Alternating Currents mobile app.
About Alternating Currents
Founded in 2017 by the Downtown Davenport Partnership, Alternating Currents has grown into one of the Midwest’s most unique festival experiences as a free, multi-city celebration of music, film, comedy, and visual art that transforms downtown businesses, galleries, parks, bars, shops, museums, and public spaces into a walkable cultural experience across the Quad Cities region.
Unlike a traditional gated festival, Alternating Currents is designed to immerse attendees directly into downtown districts and local businesses. Festivalgoers move between dozens of independently-operated venues and outdoor stages throughout the weekend, discovering performances and experiences ranging from nationally-touring musicians and indie filmmakers to stand-up comedy, mural installations, artist markets, and interactive programming.
AC is powered through regional placemaking partnerships including Downtown Davenport Partnership, Downtown Bettendorf Organization, and Rock Island Downtown Alliance.
Leading supporters include Presenting Sponsors, Regional Development Authority (RDA), and Rhythm City Casino Resort; Major Partners, The Jeff and Reggie Goldstein Family Foundation, Luxtown.com, Scott County Regional Authority; Music Partner, T-Fiber; and Accessibility Sponsor, Bechtel Trust.
Additional programming and supporting sponsors include Nature’s Treatment of Illinois, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Bent River Brewing Company, Express Employment Professionals, Quad Cities Film Office, Front Street Brewery, Hive Event Consulting, The Last Picture House, and Visit Quad Cities.
Media partners include KWQC TV-6, WQPT, The Planet 93.9, and Townsquare Media.
Official website: AlternatingCurrentsQC.com.
