The best arts & culture spots in Dubuque

“Dubuque Museum of Art is cooking up fresh exhibitions and creative programs in its Millwork District space, with more on the horizon as they build a new arts campus. If you need a low-stress spark this week, pop in for thoughtful shows, experiences, and community events that make Dubuque feel more inspired.”

From the Dubuque newsletter, September 10, 2026

“The Grand Opera House keeps Dubuque’s arts heartbeat steady with crowd-pleasing productions in a historic 1890 theater. The SpongeBob Musical returns Aug 6-9, with Dear Evan Hansen queued up next, so snag tickets and let your week get a little more dramatic.”

From the Dubuque newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Touch sea stars at the Tidepool Touch Tank, meet upside-down jellyfish, and wander through river lore at the National Rivers Hall of Fame while the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium does what it does best... turning our backyard waterways into hands-on wonder.”

From the Dubuque newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Voices Studios has three galleries and a sculpture courtyard buzzing with new work, including Mario “Zore” Gonzalez’s graffiti and urban contemporary art and Amanda (Amy) Fuller’s quietly observant paintings, on view Aug 7 to Sept 26.”

From the Dubuque newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Shake off this week at Captured on Canvas, with a beer and wine bar for paint-and-sip sessions, a splatter booth that lets you go full Jackson Pollock, and DIY stations for ceramics, candles, mosaics, and signs. Bring friends or kids, leave with painty sleeves and bragging rights.”

From the Dubuque newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Costumed guides walk you through Mathias Ham Historic Site, a 19th-century Italianate mansion packed with period finery and stories of Mathias Ham, a founding leader of Dubuque.”

From the Dubuque newsletter, September 13, 2026