BETTENDORF, IOWA (July 17, 2025) — For the fifth consecutive year, Downtown Rock Island is hosting Alternating Currents events with a diverse mix of free, all-ages programs Thursday, August 14, through Sunday, August 17, at a variety of public spaces and venues hosted by festival placemaking partner Rock Island Downtown Alliance.
The Thursday night kickoff begins with a wide range of fun activities at the Arts Alley Block Party including the progressive soul band out of LA — Siri Lorece, a photo scavenger hunt and pop-up shops along with food and beverages for purchase from downtown businesses. Silent disco under the lights in Arts Alley will close out the first night of festivities.
At Schwiebert Riverfront Park on Thursday evening, headliner New Breed Brass Band of New Orleans will take the stage.
The conclusion to Alternating Currents on Sunday in Downtown Rock Island features a car show, professional wrestling, live music, and more at a variety of venues.
“As Alternating Currents continues to grow, we are prioritizing creative programming on Thursday and Sunday to maximize our exposure and incentivize festivalgoers to explore the region during this exciting weekend in the Quad Cities,” said Jack Cullen, Executive Director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance. “There’s something on this schedule for everyone and we’re proud of that.”
New public art will surface in Downtown Rock Island as part of Alternating Currents Mural Fest. Artists will paint murals on walls at M&J International Food Market, 1706 3rd Ave, and WHBF — TV, 231 18th St.
See the full schedule of festival programs in Downtown Rock Island at alternatingcurrentsqc.com/line-up.
Free parking is available Thursday in the lot at 112 18th Street between the riverfront and Arts Alley. Bicycle taxis called pedicabs will be on site offering free rides to attendees between downtown businesses and participating venues on Thursday and Sunday.
The AC App:
Want to customize your AC weekend and decide what you want to see and where? The Alternating Currents app is your go-to resource for discovering everything that the festival has to offer. The app will be continuously updated as artists are announced. Users can discover the acts that interest them and customize their personal festival schedule, enabling the creation of their own unique Alternating Currents experience. To download the free app, visit alternatingcurrentsqc.com/acapp.
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.
