Events in Dubuque today

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.

Make the most of a play session with a special that lets you pay for one hour and enjoy 90 minutes, giving an extra 30 minutes of climbing, imaginative play, building, exploring, and memory making at no added cost. The space is intended for ages 0 through 8, and a full coffee bar and cafe are available for adults. Socks are required for everyone who enters the play area. It works well for playdates, a weather-friendly outing, or simply a chance for little ones to burn off energy.

Mom walks return for the summer at Berfield Pond Trail. It is a shared walk with other moms along the trail.

Create at your own pace in an open studio for ages 14 and up. Work independently without instruction, bring your own materials, and drop in as you like to share the space with others. Admission is $5 per person, no registration is required, and two adults are always present. There is no Open Studio on Memorial Day or Labor Day, and winter holiday schedules may change. A Tuesday evening session is also available for those who prefer evenings.

Get ready to kick up your heels with Carnegie-Stout. This adult (18+) line dancing class teaches the basics of line dancing with instructor Adam Kieffer from Adam's Dance Connection. Whether you’re a beginner or returning dancer, you’ll learn fundamental steps and routines set to popular music styles like country, pop, and R&B. Registration is required, and space is limited, so be sure to sign up before registration closes on the day of the class.

This free bimonthly support group at Smokestack welcomes adults across the LGBTQ+ spectrum as well as anyone who is exploring gender identity or sexual orientation. Typical attendance is 8 to 12 people, often from their early 20s through early 50s, and participation is open to anyone 18 and older. No advance registration is required, and both attendance and discussion remain confidential. The meeting takes place on the second floor and is accessible by elevator, and accessible restrooms are available. Masks are encouraged but optional. Gatherings begin with casual time to connect, with complimentary refreshments available. A facilitator shares announcements, then the group moves into a structured sharing period in which anyone who wishes may speak for several minutes without interruption or feedback. The session concludes with additional informal conversation, where participants can receive feedback if they want it.

Riftbound Nexus Nights at Coulee Cards and Gaming Dubuque offers a friendly, competitive atmosphere where players square off and a champion title is awarded by the end of the evening.

A summer rooftop yoga session at The Smokestack led by Kaity Kemp welcomes all experience levels. Practice outdoors with fresh air and sunshine throughout the season. B-1 members attend through their membership, and non-members can drop in for $15. Capacity is limited and spots tend to fill quickly, so please register in advance.

Life Skills is a practical course focused on navigating everyday responsibilities while prioritizing mental wellness. Participants develop sustainable habits in time management, budgeting, setting healthy boundaries, and practicing self care. Strengthening these core skills can build confidence and autonomy, reduce daily stress, and improve overall quality of life. The curriculum supports long-term stability throughout each person's recovery.

Coulee Cards and Gaming - Dubuque hosts a Lorcana store tournament where players face off in friendly matches using decks that showcase favorite Disney characters. It offers a chance to meet new opponents and reconnect with familiar faces in a welcoming setting.

At Goose & Giggles Play Cafe, Craft Tuesday features a simple, hands-on project that little ones can make during open play. Setup and cleanup are handled, making it easy to enjoy a coffee while kids create. It is designed for toddlers and young kiddos who love to explore and stay busy. The craft is included with the purchase of an Open Play Pass and is available all day on Tuesdays. This session focuses on a Name Craft.

Dubuque Pizza Ranch offers a family friendly deal where kids eat free with a qualifying purchase. Buy an adult buffet at the regular price and receive one complimentary kid’s buffet. Children 12 and under are eligible for the free kids buffet, and that includes ages 11 and 12. It is a simple way to enjoy a meal together while keeping costs in check.

This open studio offers unstructured creative time for ages 14 and up. Two adults will be on site throughout. There is no instruction, and participants bring their own materials to work in the studio and connect with the creative community. This is a drop-in format with no registration required.

Envision 2030 is a community-wide visioning process focused on how to strengthen library services. Building on the larger, monthslong effort, Carnegie-Stout Public Library is hosting an open forum where you can help continue the discussion on deepening connections between local libraries and the communities they serve, including ideas for reaching more neighborhoods, expanding services, and improving access to everyday needs like technology and tools.

An adult-focused forest therapy session invites participants to slow their pace and engage the senses in a guided immersion in nature. The practice centers on lowering stress, supporting immune health, and lifting mood through mindful breathing, guided meditation, time to release what you are carrying, quiet moments for peace, and group reflection. Tickets are $45 and include a meditation session, a ceremonial tea, oracle readings, and a crystal and wish paper ceremony. Rooted in sensory awareness, this experience encourages a gentle reconnection with the natural world for personal healing and calm.

Every Wednesday, Pizza Ranch guests can rack up double points. Earn 2 points per dollar on eligible purchases including the buffet, dine-in, carryout, delivery, online orders, and when paying with a Pizza Ranch gift card. Reach 100 points and get a $5 reward to use on a future visit.

Explore emotions and the world around you through hands-on art that pairs creativity with mindfulness. Activities draw inspiration from nature to spark ideas, encourage reflection, and build calm focus while you create. Open to every skill level, this free program offers a relaxed setting to experiment, connect with feelings, and develop your own creative expression.

Qigong sessions are offered in a garden setting. Led by Tom Goodman, the series is presented by B-1 Yoga in collaboration with the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Classes take place by the Koi Pond, weather permitting. This ongoing fundraiser features donation-based classes, with 100% of proceeds directly supporting the Arboretum. Participants can register under Classes or attend without advance registration.

Coulee Cards and Gaming Dubuque hosts a weekly Digimon tournament featuring friendly head-to-head battles, with a champion crowned each week.

Put your Modern deck to the test at Comic world & Games in a constructed event that uses Swiss pairings based on attendance. The entry fee is $10, and matches are run at Regular Rules Enforcement Level, making it a comfortable place to practice, fine-tune sideboards, and compete in a welcoming setting. Registration takes place first, followed by round one pairings. Prizes are awarded per match win, with one booster pack given for every victory. A 3-0 record earns three play or draft booster packs, 2-1 earns two packs, and 1-2 earns one pack. Players who do not secure a win can still receive a consolation pack or a promo while supplies last. To speed up check-in and pairings, have the MTG Companion app installed on your phone. Many participants bring playmats, spindowns, and their favorite sideboard tech.

A brief storytime tailored to little ones with a playful weekly theme. This session features the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and celebrates ABC Day. Attendees are encouraged to wear letters or bring an item with their name on it. The program is free and open to the public. Open play is available before or after storytime.

Greg’s BBQ serves up slow-smoked specialties alongside generous plates, sandwiches, and traditional sides. Look for St. Louis style ribs, large beef ribs, pulled chicken, brisket, chicken plates, and smoked chicken enchiladas, with meals that include two sides such as potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, ranch beans, tossed salad, or ambrosia fruit salad. Pickup and delivery are available by calling 563-845-1936.

At the Little Goose Makers Club tie dye party, young creators turn a plain T-shirt into wearable art. Participants play with bright colors and playful patterns while exploring color mixing and simple design ideas as they personalize their shirts. Each child crafts a unique piece and takes it home to wear and show with pride. Wear clothing that can get messy and enjoy a bright, hands-on afternoon filled with creativity and fun.

Toast the week with friends at Riverboat Lounge, where Happy Hour lasts all evening. Enjoy delicious drinks, an upbeat vibe, and plenty of toasts. Raise a glass, relax, and take in a warm thank you.

NAMI Peer to Peer offers a free, eight-part education series for adults living with mental health conditions who want to deepen self-understanding and strengthen recovery skills. Led by facilitators with training and lived experience, the sessions blend hands-on activities, guided discussion, and video learning. The program emphasizes a private, supportive setting where participants can connect with peers, exchange encouragement, and grow together. Expect a welcoming focus on recovery education, compassion, and practical insights from people who truly relate.

Thursday evenings feature wings on the buffet, with both boneless and traditional options and a selection of sauces.

Dine at Pizza Ranch’s FunZone Arcade in Dubuque while supporting the Dubuque Regional Humane Society. A portion of each meal and all tips collected by DRHS volunteers will be donated to the organization. This event is one of several fundraisers scheduled for June, August, October, and December in 2026.

During extended hours, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium offers more time to explore galleries and experiences. Catch special 4D showings of Animalopolis and Turtle Odyssey. Enjoy continued access to the Narwhal: Reveal an Arctic Legend and PAW Patrol exhibits. Food and drinks are available for purchase on the Plaza, including hot dogs, chips, ice cream, and soda, and a cash bar serves beer. Discounted admission is available, with adult tickets at $14.95, youth ages 3 to 17 at $11.95, and $5 for Museums for All guests. Museum Summer Extended Hours is presented by TH Media and Townsquare Media.

Hosted by House of Travel and its travel designers at Backpocket Dubuque, this evening offers travel inspiration and expert guidance for couples planning meaningful journeys. Highlights include ideas for honeymoon adventures, wedding celebrations away from home, anniversary trips, intimate elopement experiences, and romantic getaways across the globe. Attendees can meet with travel professionals, explore destination options, learn about current travel trends, and receive personalized suggestions to shape a celebration that reflects their style. It is well suited for those newly engaged, couples preparing a vow renewal, or anyone mapping out a future romantic trip. Guests are welcome to attend with a fiancé, spouse, partner, or friends.

Now in its 44th year, this weekly car gathering has a new home in the parking lot shared by Best Western and 7 Hills Brewing, with 7 Hills Brewing as the main sponsor. Participation is limited to vehicles from model year 1979 or earlier to maintain the classic atmosphere that defines the event. A designated area is available for modern muscle cars to park, although those vehicles are not eligible for attendance awards or prizes. Inspired by the film American Graffiti, the show highlights a 1950s and 60s vibe and a long-standing appreciation for vintage automobiles. The tradition continues through the dedication of Gary Duster, who leads Graffiti Nights out of a love for these older classics.

A casual in-town bike ride built around a regroup style, where the route is decided together at the start and larger turnouts may split into smaller groups if that works best. Expect flexible pacing with many in-town options so riders can choose what feels right, and plan on pausing at intersections or the tops of hills to bring everyone back together. Bring lights, plenty of water, and an extra layer in case it gets cool or rainy. This is set up as a recurring ride and any changes will be shared with the group. All cyclists are welcome, from seasoned riders to those curious about what this community ride is like. Keep those pedals turning.

Clinical Herbalist Briana Cushman leads an educational session focused on creating herbal medicinal preparations. Participants will explore different types of preparations, learn how they are made, and find practical ways to include them in a personal wellness routine. This session is suitable for beginners and for those wishing to build on existing knowledge. It takes place at the Visitor Center. The cost is $7.50 per person. Registration is required and space is limited.

Join us for a fun, step-by-step paint party in the studio where you will create a sunflower bee porch sign. No experience is needed, and the painting will be done on an 8x36" wood board with all supplies included. You are welcome to bring your own snacks, and local beer and wine are available for purchase in the studio. Please plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so everything can get started on time.

DBQ Pride Book Club meets at River Lights Bookstore for a discussion of Woodworking by Emily St. James. Readers who have finished the book, just started it, or simply enjoy book conversations are welcome to take part. Copies may be available at a discount through River Lights Bookstore, and your local library is another place to find the book. For information about the email list, contact Haidee at cardosohaidee@gmail.com.