DAVENPORT, IOWA (October 15, 2026) — Alternating Currents (AC) is now accepting artist and creative submissions for its tenth annual festival, returning August 12–15, 2027, to Downtown Davenport, Rock Island, and Bettendorf.
The annual Open Call helps shape the festival’s lineup of music, comedy, film, visual art, performances, and creative experiences across the three downtowns. For its tenth anniversary, organizers are also casting a wider net for ideas and experiences that may not have traditionally found their way into the submission process.
Musicians, comedians, filmmakers, visual artists, and performers are encouraged to apply, along with dancers, writers and poets, podcasters, speakers, chefs, makers, health-and-wellness practitioners, workshop leaders, and creators of interactive and participatory experiences.
“We’ve always wanted Alternating Currents to be a festival where you can turn a corner and discover something you weren’t expecting,” said Alisha Espey, Alternating Currents Festival Director.
“The Open Call is one of the biggest ways we discover new talent and ideas each year. For Year 10, we want to broaden who sees themselves as part of AC. There are so many people doing interesting, creative things who may not have thought to submit before, and we want this Open Call to reach them, too.”
Submissions are open to all, with no application fee. Submissions will be accepted through December 31, 2026.
Selected artists and participants will begin hearing from the festival team during the booking and programming period, generally February through May. Alternating Currents provides paid opportunities for participating artists and performers, with compensation varying by project, performance, and scope.
To submit for Alternating Currents 2027, visit https://form.jotform.com/262784527670164
Film submissions are handled separately through FilmFreeway. Filmmakers can submit at https://filmfreeway.com/AlternatingCurrents.
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 in downtown districts and local businesses. Festivalgoers move between dozens of venues and outdoor stages throughout the weekend, discovering local, regional and nationally-touring talent alongside experiences ranging from live music and indie film to stand-up comedy, mural installations, artist markets, and interactive programming.
Alternating Currents is powered by the Downtown Davenport Partnership and produced in partnership with the Downtown Bettendorf Organization and Rock Island Downtown Alliance.
