Events in Dubuque, IA

This free public meet-up offers a relaxed preview of the Mines of Spain 100 course ahead of the October race weekend. Runners of every pace and experience level can choose how many miles to cover, then gather for a potluck picnic social at the start and finish area at Louis Murphy Park to refuel, rehydrate, and talk through race plans. Support is planned around mile 10.5 near Cattesse AS#2 with water, Tailwind, and snacks. If the weather is warm, additional water is expected near miles 4 and 12 by Sauk Fox AS#1. Experienced trail runners familiar with the route will lead pace groups so participants can focus on the trails and the camaraderie of new and old friends. The course will not be marked as it is on race day, so staying with a group or treating it as light exploration is recommended. A GPX file will be available for devices, and common phone apps can provide real-time course following. Anticipate several pace groups for the approximately 20 mile loop with finish times around 3.5 to 5 hours, along with options to shorten the route. After the run, hot food will be provided. Attendees are welcome to bring appetizers, sides, or desserts to share, along with a cooler of favorite beverages.

The celebration and sale keep going, with additional artwork being installed throughout the event. Explore fresh pieces as they appear, enjoy offerings from food vendors, and take in live music while you browse. There is no charge to attend.

Celebrate the season with a family-friendly day at Derby Grange Homestead featuring face painting, hayrack rides, music, concessions, and plenty of games and activities for kids. Visitors can pick their own pumpkins and enjoy even more fall fun.

Learn the basics of woodcarving in a welcoming beginners class focused on creating a Comfort Bird. This session is free for veterans and spouses and will be held at the Veterans Freedom Center. To register or ask questions, contact the Veterans Freedom Center at 563-845-0034.

A friendly Pokémon Champions event centered on head to head battles. A mobile device or a Nintendo Switch with Pokémon Champions installed is needed for play as participants face off and aim to be the very best.

Coulee Cards & Gaming - Dubuque hosts a Yu-Gi-Oh! Genesys tournament featuring head-to-head duels in a welcoming, competitive setting for fans of the game.

Steaks & Sips offers a free craft cocktail with every steak ordered. Settle into a relaxed evening with friends, savoring flavorful plates and refreshing drinks. It is an easygoing way to wind down at the end of the week.

Dinger's D'lite's arrives with its food truck for a lunchtime service, offering selections from the menu. Pick up a meal and enjoy a quick midday break.

The Dubuque Latinx Fiesta fills the Millwork Historic District with music, dance, art, food, and community spirit. For the first time in the festival’s history, the stage will open with Mariachi Sol de Madison. The lineup also includes a folkloric performance by Fuerzas Culturales Ballet Folklórico from Cedar Rapids and the return of Edi Rey y su Salsera for another lively set. Families can enjoy fashion braids by Bessa Beauty, balloon creations from Twist & Shout Balloons, a meet and greet with Latin Thunder, and face painting by Captured on Canvas. Explore delicious food options, browse work by local artisans and crafters, connect with community vendors, and try traditional Lotería. As part of the celebration, visitors can view the “Entre Tonos” art exhibit at the Dubuque Museum of Art at no cost during the event.

Leaf Run! at Knickers Saloon features Willie and the Poe Boys.

The Asbury Community Fire Department will host the 51st annual Las Vegas Night. Additional information about the event will be announced soon.

Celebrate the music of Heart and Pat Benatar with a dynamic tribute at Packard Pavilion Amphitheater, delivering soaring vocals and favorite rock hits that honor two groundbreaking women of rock. Enjoy food and treats from Delaney’s Ice Cream Shoppe, Birdie’s Lunch Box & Catering, and Langworthy Kettle Corn, along with an additional food truck on site. This free concert is supported by ImOn, and donations are appreciated to help sustain live music and future events.

Enjoy dinner at Pizza Ranch while supporting the Dubuque Regional Humane Society. During this share night, a portion of meal proceeds and all tips collected by DRHS volunteers are donated to the organization. This fundraiser is part of a series taking place in 2026, with additional dates in June, August, October, and December.

Enjoy a festive fall evening in the gardens with costumes, lively Halloween music, a kid friendly scavenger hunt, and a family friendly movie shown outdoors beneath the night sky. Bring lawn chairs and cozy blankets for a comfortable spot on the lawn. Brandon’s Sound Check will provide the soundtrack with seasonal tunes. Cornerstone Nursery will be on site with mums, pumpkins, and other autumn favorites. Fresh kettle corn will be available from Amazing Kettle Corn, and Delaney’s Ice Cream Shoppe will serve sweet treats. Admission is free, and voluntary donations help support future events.

Competitive youth softball takes the field at the Dubuque Girls Independent League Softball Complex in Dubuque, featuring divisions for 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, and 16-18U high school teams. One day focuses on 8U, 10U, and 14U play, while the other highlights 12U and 16-18U. Every team is guaranteed three games. Entry is $100 for 8U and $325 for 10U, 14U, and high school. Event information also references three leather, certified .47 core optic yellow softballs.

Mayhem on the Mountain brings a full day of off road excitement back to Sundown Mountain Resort, featuring trail rides, rock crawling, obstacle course challenges, mud filled action, live music, and plenty of food. Whether driving your own rig, riding along, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, it promises a standout fall gathering for off road fans in Eastern Iowa. Extend the experience with primitive camping the night before, with time around the campfire under the stars, then wake ready to explore the trails alongside fellow enthusiasts. Registration will open later in the summer. Vendor applications are being accepted for trade show booths, food trucks, and bands, and a limited number of sponsor opportunities remain. For inquiries, contact events@sundownmtn.com. The countdown to mayhem is underway.

Hosted by the Prairie States Mushroom Club, this event begins inside the Visitor Center at the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens with an introduction to using the iNaturalist app to identify mushrooms and other organisms, then continues with a guided mushroom foray. The event is free. Space is limited for the iNaturalist learning session, so registration is required for that portion. The starting location for the foray will be announced soon, and drop ins are welcome.

Veterans and their spouses can take part in a no-cost beginner woodburning class at the Veterans Freedom Center. The class is intended for those new to woodburning. To register or get more information, contact the Veterans Freedom Center.

Experience a special screening of Just One Backyard, a documentary that delves into the influence of urban food gardens and the ties between food, heritage, and community. The story follows John, who left the rural upper Midwest at 18 for an unfamiliar city and set aside his early connection to growing food. More than thirty years later, drawing on inspiration from his ancestors and pushing against local conventions, he replaced every patch of turf grass in his urban backyard with a productive garden. Along the way, he examines social, environmental, and economic outcomes, revealing how previous generations relied on these spaces and how they can help confront current challenges. The film is directed by Dr. John Zahina-Ramos, a Dubuque native whose family traces back to the city’s North End neighborhood. He has studied urban agriculture since 2009 and authored an award-winning book on the subject, with features in the Palm Beach Post and on the PBS series Victory Garden’s Edible Feast. He serves as Professor and Horticulture Department Chair at the College of Lake County in the Chicago area, and also enjoys painting, composing music, blacksmithing, and tending a large backyard food garden. Tickets are offered on a sliding scale.

This Vegas-style nightclub tribute brings together the music and stories of Paul Anka and Bobby Darin, a pairing they never shared in real life. Starring Lou Villano and Ron Gartner, the show features a lively seven-piece band and multimedia elements. The program highlights signature songs alongside anecdotes that follow the Hall of Fame journeys of both performers.

Swan Lake: Symphony of Lights presents a major new staging of the classic ballet, pairing Tchaikovsky’s celebrated score with a bold visual approach. Dynamic lighting, luminous costumes, and a cast drawn from around the world reshape the tale into an immersive fusion of narrative, movement, and music. Each scene appears like a curated art piece, blending long-standing tradition with contemporary design to highlight a story of love and enchantment. The result is a renewed vision of Swan Lake, rich with striking imagery and emotion carried by the music.

At Hotel Julien Dubuque, this annual gathering raises support for Dubuque Y Crisis Services. The program honors survivors and victims of domestic violence while sharing how the organization’s past, present, and future services continue to help those who need it most. Proceeds benefit the emergency shelter and extended stay programs. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Jason Davis at jdavis@dubuquey.org.

The 2nd Annual Live Like Cam Fall Fundraiser brings the community together to celebrate Cameron’s life and support the work of the Live Like Cam Foundation. Hosted at The Key Hotel, which is connected to Q Casino, Island Social, and the Hilton Garden Inn, the gathering features an afternoon and evening of music, great food, raffles, live and silent auctions, and Live Like Cam merchandise. The Kids Corner returns with activities for younger guests, creating a family friendly experience. In less than a year, supporters have helped award 13 scholarships to local students, contribute more than $30,000 to communities, and expand opportunities for youth through the Cascade Archery Program, the Potosi Trap Shooting Team, youth snowmobiling, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The foundation has also provided donations to local schools, the Grant County Humane Society, and other community organizations, co-hosted a free Kids Fishing Day, and promoted motorcycle safety and organ donation awareness through education and outreach. Funds raised continue a mission centered on investing in youth, strengthening communities, and advancing motorcycle safety and organ donation awareness, while honoring Cam by encouraging kindness, generosity, compassion, and purpose. Announcements will share sponsorship opportunities, previews of the live and silent auctions, Kids Corner details, volunteer opportunities, and entertainment updates. Forever 22.

As part of the 90s Country Gold Series, Pam Tillis performs at Five Flags Center. The series also features Kathy Mattea and Collin Raye, and tickets are sold for each concert separately.

A casual gathering for car enthusiasts offers coffee, donuts, and soda in a relaxed setting. All proceeds go directly to The Veterans Freedom Center.

Experience taiko in a garden setting as the Madison Japanese Taiko Drumming Group performs at the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at the Packard Pavilion. Expect driving rhythms, precise choreography, and a celebration of cultural tradition that resonates with all ages. Food will be available near the pavilion from The Rice is Nice, LLC. Bring a lawn chair, relax among the blooms, and enjoy the pulse of the drums in a serene outdoor space. Support for this performance is provided by Spahn & Rose.

At the Dubuque County Fairgrounds & Event Center, this trunk or treat offers a night filled with fun and plenty of sweets. Admission is $1 per person for all ages. Trunker registration is open, and with more than 2,000 kids attending last year, those handing out treats are encouraged to prepare for 1,000 or more visitors. For safety, trunkers are asked to remain until everyone has gone through the line. Creative trunk setups will be on display, with trophies awarded for the most imaginative designs, the best treats, and the coolest trunker costumes.

Experience a live performance by Logan Lynch.

Artisanal creations and handmade wares take center stage alongside a bake sale featuring a broad selection of sweet treats. It is an opportunity to pick up gifts while supporting locally owned businesses, with vendors on site sharing their goods. Invitations and official updates will come only from host Elizabeth Butler, and everyone is encouraged to stay alert for fraudulent comments on event posts. A complete vendor list will be announced, and The Butler Homestead with Elizabeth Butler is among the participants.

Opening Doors presents an evening centered on compassion, community, and impact at the Attitude of Gratitude Gala. This annual fundraiser brings together supporters, advocates, and local leaders to recognize lives being changed through safe shelter, supportive services, and pathways to long-term stability for women and children experiencing homelessness. The celebration moves to a new setting at Reflections Event Space at Q Casino. Attendees can expect a silent auction, a mission moment featuring a Resident speaker, and five standout live auction experiences that conclude with a paddle drop led by BRAVO Auctioneers alongside the Opening Doors team. Every contribution supports healing, hope, and home for women and families across the Dubuque area. Tickets are $125, and sponsorship opportunities are available. It is a tribute to resilience, generosity, and the difference a community can make together.

Five Flags Center hosts MaskedMania Lucha Libre Mexicana, showcasing an ever‑evolving lineup of renowned luchadores from Mexico. The action ranges from star-packed trios and hard-hitting tag team clashes to championship matches, plus the tour-exclusive Copa de MaskedMania special attraction. Every ticket includes access to a pre-show meet and greet.

This event spotlights Becky Robinson, a comedian, writer, actor, and voice over talent originally from Portland, Oregon and now based in Los Angeles. After breaking out online, she has grown into a theater headliner with sell out shows around the world. Her on-screen appearances include Netflix’s The G Word with Adam Conover, Hulu’s Coming to the Stage, MTV’s Acting Out, ABC’s The Bachelor, and Kevin Hart’s sketch series Writer’s Room. As a writer, her credits include Comedy Central’s Not Safe, Snoop Dogg’s Joker’s Wild, and Funny Or Die. Recent milestones include launching the She Gone Tour in 2024 and the Member’s Only Tour in 2025, along with recognition on Deadline’s The Future of Funny: 15 Comedians to Watch in 2025. Admission is limited to guests 21 and older. All ticket sales are final and cannot be refunded or exchanged. Tickets are valid only when purchased directly through the official website or the box office at the property. Third party resellers or brokers are not used for ticketing, and tickets obtained from them are not accepted for entry or eligible for refund or exchange.

The Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is holding a fall community cleanup to close out the season and get the gardens ready for winter. Check-in takes place at the Visitor Center. Volunteers receive complimentary lunch and drinks served inside the Visitor Center as a thank you for their help, and the effort supports a beautiful space for the community.

Rodney Carrington brings his stand-up and musical comedy to Mississippi Moon Bar. A comedian, actor, singer, and writer, he has played to sold-out audiences around the world and ranked among the top 10 highest-grossing touring comedians for the past two decades. A platinum-selling recording artist, he has released eight albums on major labels and three more on his own Laughter’s Good Records. His book, Rodney Carrington, Coming Clean, was published by Hatchette Books. On screen, he starred in the ABC sitcom Rodney for two seasons, co-wrote and co-starred with Toby Keith in Beer for My Horses, which earned the Tex Ritter Award from the ACM, and headlined the Netflix special Here Comes The Truth. His television appearances include the American Country Awards, hosting American Country New Year’s Eve Live on FOX, and earning Supporting Character of the Year from the CMT Music Video Awards for his appearance in Trace Adkins’ I Got My Game On. Attendees must be 21 or older, and the material is intended for mature audiences only.

Steeple Square hosts a bridal show created for brides-to-be. Explore ideas for your celebration while meeting local vendors, sampling services, and gathering inspiration, all in one location. Additional details will be shared soon.

Take part in a hands-on workshop to craft a personalized winter porch pot, complete with all materials for a festive display. Supplies include planters, fresh evergreens, decorative branches, pine cones, ribbon, and seasonal accents such as red berries, sparkling twigs, and gold and silver accents. Step-by-step guidance, example designs for inspiration, and care tips are provided to help your creation look its best throughout the season and into the New Year. Suitable for beginners and experienced makers alike, with treats included. Takes place at the Heinemann Visitor Center. The cost is $70. Sponsored by Rech Family Gardens.

Puddle of Mudd brings its multi-platinum rock catalog to the stage for an event restricted to guests 21 and older. With a career spanning more than two decades, the band has sold over seven million albums worldwide and delivered chart-topping singles including "Blurry," "She Hates Me," and "Control." Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Wes Scantlin has driven the group’s sound from the start with his distinctive voice and songwriting. After being discovered and signed by Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst, the band broke through with its major-label debut, Come Clean. Their most recent album, Kiss The Machine, underscores their longevity and ongoing evolution.

Paint a ceramic Christmas tree that lights up, with guidance from artist Mercedes of Captured on Canvas. The activity includes the tree, colored lights, a light bulb with a plug-in base, and all the supplies needed to complete your piece. Suitable for ages 6 and up. Registration information will be announced soon.

Part of the Rock & Roots Series at Five Flags Center, John McEuen & The Circle Band present an evening that blends masterful string work with storytelling. With more than fifty years on stages around the world, McEuen moves among banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin while sharing tales from the road and from family life, including raising seven children. Often nicknamed the String Wizard, he guides listeners through the many turns of his musical journey. River Glen opens with emotionally rich folk-pop, pairing thoughtful, rhythmically sharp lyrics with a powerful, agile voice. A skilled multi-instrumentalist and natural performer, he fosters a sense of connection with songs that carry real substance.

Christmas in Vienna spotlights the renowned Vienna Boys Choir. For six centuries, these young musicians have captivated audiences around the world with crystal clear tone, enduring charm, and a beloved repertoire. The chorus travels as four ensembles with members from many countries, together presenting more than 300 performances each year. This seasonal program blends Austrian folk tunes, classical masterworks, popular selections, and cherished holiday songs, all carried by voices of striking beauty. The Fort Worth Star Telegram has praised the incomparable sound of children singing and described the Vienna Boys Choir as the most polished ensemble of young voices.

Craft a festive winter porch pot at an interactive workshop at the Heinemann Visitor Center. All materials are provided, including a planter, fresh evergreen foliage, decorative branches, pine cones, ribbons, and seasonal touches like red berry accents, glittering twigs, and metallic gold and silver details. Participants receive guided instruction, example designs to spark ideas, and helpful tips to keep their creation looking great throughout the season and into the New Year. The experience is suitable for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, with sweets provided to make it extra cheerful. The cost is $75. Sponsored by Rech Family Gardens. Bring your holiday spirit and leave with a custom piece for your porch.

Step up to the line for a blind-draw dart tournament where women are drawn first. Play includes 501, Cricket, and a choice game. Entry is $10, with optional honey pot and a mystery out available. Payouts rise with the number of players, offering 150 percent for up to 49 participants, 200 percent for 50 to 99, and 250 percent for 100 or more.

Experience live music at Sundown Mountain Resort.