BETTENDORF, IOWA (May 14, 2026) — Alternating Currents has officially released the first wave of musical artists for the 2026 festival, offering an early look at the performers set to energize Downtown Davenport, Rock Island and Bettendorf August 13–16.
This initial drop features more than 65 artists spanning indie rock, punk, hip hop, funk, blues, jazz, metal, and genre-bending experimental sounds, reflecting the diverse creative spirit that defines the Alternating Currents experience.
Organizers are encouraging attendees to download the Alternating Currents mobile app now to begin exploring the lineup and building their plans. Fans can also stream the official Alternating Currents 2026 Spotify playlist, featuring artists from the first lineup drop and offering an early preview of the sounds shaping this year’s festival.
“This lineup reflects exactly what Alternating Currents is designed to do, creating moments of discovery and energy throughout our downtowns,” said Alisha Espey, Alternating Currents Festival Director.
“We’re bringing together artists from across the country alongside some of the Quad Cities’ most exciting creative voices and inviting people to experience music in spaces that feel immersive, unexpected and uniquely local.”
First Drop Music Lineup
7Ark, Achromatic of Time, Adam Greuel and The Space Burritos, Alborn, American Devil Sound, Andrew Hoyt, Angela Meyer, Barefoot and Sunshine, BCMC, Beth Lizano Band, Big Head Mode, Black Note Graffiti, BurntMcMelbaToast, Camp Regret, Chris Otepka (of Troubled Hubble / The Heligoats), CJ Parker, CMD/LINES, Colt Ball and the Git Down, Dan Hubbard, Dodge Street Duo, Dr Lee, Eva Kendall, The Ex-Bombers, Flabbergastor, The Forty Twos, Graveyard Choir, Hard Love, Heatbox, Heavy Quitters, Iris Marlowe, Jason Walsmith Storyteller, Jeni Grouws, Jenny Lynn Stacy, Jim Swim, Joe Policastro Trio, Jumbies, Lady Igraine, Lainey Jean, Lauren Anderson, The Lavender Project, Loess Hills, LowDown Brass Band, Matt Woods, McKinley James, Mercury's Crown, Mo Carter and Alex Axup, Mountain Swallower, Nicole Dean, Nur-D, Panic River Band, Paxton Sherbeyn, Pretoria, Pump Action, Randall Hall, Randy Leasman, Rudy Love and the Encore, The Rumours, Stacked Like Pancakes, SUNVOLUME, Tanner Dane, The Toxhards, The Tripp Brothers, Violets, wht.rbbt.obj and Worst Impressions.
This announcement offers an early look at the 2026 music lineup, with additional music acts still to be announced alongside upcoming comedy, film, mural and visual art programming releases — along with the full schedule information and performance times — rolling out throughout the spring and summer.
The 2026 festival is expected to feature more than 200 performances, screenings, exhibits and events across four days and more than 50 venues and public spaces throughout the region.
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.
“This festival is really about discovery, collaboration and creating energy throughout our downtowns,” said Alisha Espey, Alternating Currents Festival Director.
“One of the most exciting parts of ACQC is that attendees can build their own experience throughout the weekend, whether that means discovering a new local artist in a small shop, catching a nationally-touring act on a downtown loading dock, or stumbling into something completely unexpected around the corner.”
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 Goldstein Family Foundation, Luxtown.com; Music Partner, T-Fiber; and Accessibility Sponsor, Bechtel Trust.
Additional programming and supporting sponsors include Nature’s Treatment of Illinois, The Last Picture House, Bent River Brewing Company, Express Employment Professionals, Front Street Brewery, Hive Event Consulting, and Visit Quad Cities. Media partners include KWQC TV-6, WQPT, The Planet 93.9 and Townsquare Media.
Official website: www.alternatingcurrentsqc.org
