This weekend in Dubuque, IA

DBQFest Art and Makers Fair is a free, two-day juried arts festival taking place in downtown Dubuque. Expect a range of art and makers with vendors set up in Washington Park. It runs over the weekend of August 8–9, 2026.

Celebrate community wellness at a free walk and run featuring 3.1 mile and 1 mile routes, paired with a health and wellness expo that highlights resources and encourages connection. Participants can choose the distance that suits them, enjoy music from a live DJ after crossing the finish line, and learn about services available in the community. Everyone is welcome, including families, friends, and neighbors, for a friendly fitness experience that supports diversity and a healthier community.

Tatiana will be on site creating a new oil painting, offering a glimpse of the creative process as a fresh piece takes shape.

Free outdoor yoga returns with B-1 Yoga at the gazebo on the Dubuque Riverwalk. This summer series is open to the entire community and welcomes all experience levels. Classes are free to attend, and voluntary donations are collected each week to support a charity chosen by that session’s instructor. Bring a mat, a water bottle, and a friend to enjoy movement, fresh air, and a sense of connection in a relaxed setting.

Join the Loras College WBB Elite Camp, a women’s basketball prospect and ID camp for ages 16 to 19. The day includes registration, a college practice session, games, lunch with players and coaches, a campus tour, and a Q&A with Coach Busch.

At Captured on Canvas, Little Artists ages 6 and up will be guided step by step to paint a butterfly and mushroom scene on a 9x12 canvas. The session takes place in studio and is beginner friendly, with no prior experience required.

The longest-running arts fair and festival in Iowa fills historic Washington Park in downtown Dubuque with a free, family-friendly celebration of art, music, creativity, and community. Across two days, discover work from 57 regional artists and makers and enjoy performances by more than 150 professional musicians and performers, along with hands-on art activities, youth showcases, theater, yoga, poetry, community organizations, and local food trucks. The Visual Artists & Makers Market features original paintings, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, woodworking, glass art, photography, textiles, and more, all available directly from the artists. Live music and performances span two stages in the park, the Ironside Main Stage and the Gazebo Stage, with a diverse lineup that ranges from jazz, singer-songwriter, and R&B to classical ensembles, family entertainment, youth dance and music, live radio theater, electronic sets, Shakespeare theater, classical crossover violin, and spoken word. Headlining sets include Allison Mahal and Sun Centauri. A new After Hours program extends the festivities into the evening with free, no-cover performances at downtown venues, including The Goose with Lame Witch and Ion Alexakis and The Lift featuring Joel Sires and Run Dog. Beyond the music, look for yoga, poetry, theater, interactive art experiences, community booths, and a variety of food options, with beverage service provided by EJ’s Wine Shop. Some streets around Washington Park will be closed during festival hours and parking restrictions will be in effect. DBQFest is a volunteer-powered program of the Dubuque County Fine Arts Society, supporting artists and creative experiences throughout the region.

Fire up your appetite with a visit to Greg’s BBQ, where the smoker turns out St. Louis ribs, dino beef ribs, brisket, pulled chicken, and chicken plates, along with smoked chicken enchiladas. Round out your meal with two sides, choosing from options like potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, ranch beans, tossed salad, or ambrosia fruit salad. Enjoy it for lunch, bring dinner home, or have it delivered. To place a pickup or delivery order, call 563-845-1936.

Players gather for Pokémon Champions battles in a friendly, competitive setting. Participants should bring a mobile device or a Nintendo Switch with Pokémon Champions installed to take part in head-to-head matches. Aim for the top spot and test your skills against other players.

Settle in at Captured on Canvas for a relaxed paint and sip session centered on a metallic elephant design. An instructor will guide the group step by step, so beginners are welcome. All art materials are provided, and the studio offers beer and wine for purchase. Feel free to bring your own snacks, and please note that outside alcoholic beverages are not allowed.

The gazebo at Washington Park in Dubuque sets the scene for a live performance featuring a few favorite princesses.

A festive weekend features a waterball contest, a community parade, and a celebration afterward with music, food, concessions, and activities for families. Some streets will be temporarily closed during the waterball contest for safety. The festivities support local charitable organizations.

Tracy Lawrence is performing at Worthington Memorial Park for the benefit event. The show starts at 3:00 PM, with tickets available through Bandsintown.

Coulee Cards & Gaming - Dubuque hosts a fun session of battles, giving participants a chance to face off and enjoy friendly competition.

Celebrate the connections between food, community, and meaningful relationships at the second annual garden gala fundraiser for Convivium. The evening begins with a progressive tasting through four of Convivium’s gardens, where each stop pairs a bite made from that plot’s freshest harvests with a cocktail or mocktail infused with ingredients grown there. After the garden stroll, everyone gathers inside Convivium’s main building for a family style multi course dinner featuring local ingredients and a live music performance. Proceeds support Convivium’s work to improve life through food, including free meal programs, hands on classes, community gardens, and neighborhood outreach.

Join the Iowa Chapter for their 34th Annual Conservation Banquet, a fundraising evening with prizes, raffles, and a live auction featuring unique items. The event is organized to support conservation of forest wildlife and to benefit the local chapter, with time to fellowship alongside other conservationists.

Daniel Eric takes the stage at Wicked Dame for a solo performance. The show is part of this year's solo performances at the venue.

Elite Martial Arts Classic takes place at the Grand River Center and features competition rated by the Wisconsin Sport Karate League, including double elimination sparring, The Ultimate Striker, and a payout for the Adult Point Fighting Champion. Fourteen Grand Champion titles will be awarded. Registration is open, and advance registration is required. Lodging options highlighted include Grand Harbor Resort as the event hotel, along with Hotel Julien Dubuque and Holiday Inn Dubuque/Galena.

Enjoy a pool party at Spirits Bar in Dubuque, IA with Tangle Creek providing an afternoon soundtrack of familiar sing along tunes. Settle in by the water, soak up the atmosphere, and let the bartending team keep beverages cold and refreshed while the music plays.

Shannon Woulfe performs a solo acoustic rock set at Stone Cliff Winery, bringing live music to a riverfront spot in Dubuque.

Unwind with a relaxed evening focused on steak and cocktails. Each steak order includes a complimentary craft cocktail, creating an easy way to share good food and drinks with friends. Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere, delicious flavors, and a laid back wrap-up to the weekend.