For the fourth consecutive year, Rock Island is hosting Alternating Currents in the Quad Cities with a diverse mix of free, all-ages events Thursday, Aug. 15, through Sunday, Aug. 18, at some of downtown’s most unique public spaces and entertainment venues.
The Thursday night kickoff sponsored by the Quad Cities Cultural Trust begins with a celebration of the new murals in Arts Alley, featuring live music by Virginia-based artist Justin Golden; interactive family-friendly activities; and a food and beverage pop-up by downtown favorites. Chicago-based headliner Elizabeth Moen and her band will follow the Arts Alley event with a performance at Schwiebert Riverfront Park that will also serve as the launch to the City of Rock Island Parks & Recreation Department’s 2024 Thursday Night Groove Series.
“This year’s full slate of Alternating Currents events in downtown Rock Island goes beyond amazing live music and should give people a great opportunity to discover what our unique pocket of the Quad Cities has to offer,” said Jack Cullen, Executive Director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance. “From a rooftop silent disco and create-your-own art stations to a block party-style car show and professional wrestling at a brewery, there’s something for everyone, all within a walkable/bikeable distance.”
Below is the full schedule of festival events organized by the Rock Island Downtown Alliance:
5-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 | Arts Alley, 1719 2nd Avenue, Rock Island
7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 | Schwiebert Riverfront Park, 101 17th St., Rock Island
8:30-10:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 | The Urban Reserve, 1711 2nd Ave., Rock Island
9-10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 | Theo’s Java Café, 213 17th St., Rock Island
12-1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16 | Huckleberry’s Pizza & Calzones, 223 18th St., Rock Island
7-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 | Wake Brewing, 2529 5th Ave., Rock Island
12-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18 | Skeleton Key Art & Antiques, 520 18th St., Rock Island
12-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18 | Steve’s Old Time Tap & The Stern Center, 3rd Avenue and 17th Street
2-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18 | Wake Brewing, 2529 5th Avenue, Rock Island
For more information visit alternatingcurrentsqc.com
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), a division of the Quad Cities Chamber. Now the event is powered by DDP and has expanded to include host downtowns Downtown Bettendorf Organization and Rock Island Downtown Alliance. The event is successful because of the many creative partners and businesses who come together to create an amazing experience for all. This year, AC’s major contributors include Presenting Sponsors, Regional Development Authority (RDA) and Rhythm City Casino Resort and Major Partner, Rubberstamps.net. Programming support is provided by investments from Music Partner, GreenState Credit Union and Arts Partner, TBK Bank. Feature Stage Sponsors include Estes Construction, Nature’s Treatment of Illinois, Palmer College of Chiropractic and Quad Cities Cultural Trust. Supporting sponsors include Express Employment Professionals, MidAmerican Energy and Metronet. Hive Event Consulting is a producing partner in the event. Media Partners include KWQC, Quad-City Times & Dispatch/Argus, Townsquare Media and Planet 93.9.