Events
Plaza 20 Flea Market, Craft, and Vendor Christmas Show
Noon–7 PM @ Former Save-A-Lot building
Dec. 9 at 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Browse 50+ vendors and bid in the silent auction! Auction and admission will go towards Dubuque Mission and a local family. Santa will visit Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and will be passing out goodies to the first 100 kids. $1 Ages 16+. 2600 Dodge St. 563-845-7036.
A Christmas Survival Guide
December 12–15 @ 7:30 PM
December 9, and 16 @ 2 PM
Bell Tower Theater (2728 Asbury Rd)
Join the Bell Tower for A Christmas Survival Guide, a light and fun holiday musical directed by Sue Riedel with music direction by Megan Gloss. Performances are Nov. 30–Dec. 16.
Do you find the holidays more than a little stressful? Then this is just what you need! Armed with a copy of A Christmas Survival Guide and an optimistic attitude, the characters charge into the holidays searching for the true essence of Christmas. With a mix of holiday tunes both traditional and new, they learn to cope with the season in ways that are both hilarious and heartwarming.
Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 are Early Bird Special performances with $10.50 tickets. All other performances are $21. Thursdays are Girls’ Night Out; all audience members get a free glass of wine. For information and to purchase tickets call 563-588-3377 or visit BellTowerTheater.net.
For a Blessed Christmas
Sunday, December 9 @ 2 pm
Clarke University Sacred Heart Chapel (1550 Clarke Dr)
Clarke University’s annual “For a Blessed Christmas” performances are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Chapel on the campus of Clarke University. “For a Blessed Christmas” is a touching portrayal of the Christmas story through a traditional lessons and carols service.
This holiday tradition features performances by Clarke choirs under the direction of Dr. Amanda Huntleigh, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities. The concerts also feature the Clarke String Ensemble under the direction of Ann Duchow, Associate Concertmaster for the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra. The special guest soloist is Dr. Kylie Gougler, a soprano soloist and Visiting Assistant Professor of Voice at Clarke. Musical selections will include works by Bach, Corelli, Distler, Gabrieli, Handel, Sweelinck, and Vaughan Williams, as well as lullabies in Czech, English, and French.
General admission tickets are $15, tickets for guests between the ages of 5 and 18 are $10, and tickets are free for guests under 5 years of age. Tickets are available for purchase online at clarke.edu/forablessedchristmas or by phone at 563-588-6575.
The Nutcracker Ballet
December 14 and 15 @ 7:30 pm
December 9 and 16 @ 2 pm
Grand Opera House (135 W 8th St)
The Dubuque City Youth Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is a yearly tradition for many families in the Tri-State area and beyond. This year’s production takes place on Dec. 8, 14, and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. at The Grand Opera House.
Join the incredibly talented students as they dance through the journey of Clara meeting her Nutcracker and the adventures they have through a world of mice and fairies. With something new each year, this production is always a treat.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for under 18 and can be purchased at the Box Office (Monday–Friday from noon–4 p.m.) or by calling 563-588-1305. Tickets can also be purchased at TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
The Galena Festival of the Performing Arts Presents
A Celtic Christmas Concert with Tallymoore!
Sunday, December 9, 2 PM
@ Turner Hall (115 S Bench St, Galena, IL)
Contemporary Irish folk band Tallymoore brings a host of holiday tunes to Turner Hall in Galena, IL on Dec. 9, at 2 p.m. Settle in for a fun-filled Sunday afternoon of Celtic music and charm!
Presented by the Galena Festival of the Performing Arts, Tallymoore’s holiday show features Christmas tunes (both classic and Celtic) mixed with traditional Irish tunes that fit beautifully within the holiday season. The show will be enhanced with stories of personal Christmas experiences and traditions as well as insights into the history of songs they perform.
Established in 2012, Tallymoore has made appearances at major Irish music festivals across the United States, combining acoustic and vocal material from broader Celtic traditional country with bluegrass and Americana sources. Their performance was a highlight of the 2015 Galena Festival of the Performing Arts, leaving the audience grinning and tapping their feet. They are best known for their strong vocals and complex harmonic treatments of tunes, with rich instrumentation and ambitious, polished fiddle stylings. Sharing their holiday music and traditions is sure to make this exciting performance even more entrancing. So come and Have a Hooley Holiday with Tallymoore!
The concert is free to the public and appropriate for all ages. Free will donations will be gratefully accepted. The Galena Festival of the Performing Arts is a non-profit organization entirely funded by donations and sponsorships and managed by volunteers. For more information, visit GalenaFPA.org.
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: Ho, Ho Homicide
Sunday, December 9, 5 PM
@ Stone Cliff
Join the Brew Ha Ha Players for a night of Murder Mystery fun! Everyone at the North Pole is working extra hard this year to make this a holiday to remember, but something’s amiss on Poinsettia Parkway. Reservations required. 600 Star Brewery Dr. 563-583-6100 x203. StoneCliffWinery.com.
Reflections in the Park
Now through January 1, 5–10 PM
@ Louis Murphy Park (1700 S Grandview Ave)
Join Hillcrest Family Services for the 24th annual Reflections in the Park, Festival of Lights! Drive through the park and enjoy the beauty of the twinkling lights this holiday You can pick up advanced tickets for $8 at any Hillcrest or DB&T location or pay $10 per car at the gate. For more information, visit hillcrest-fs.org or call 563-845-0378.
Sandy Hook Vigil
Monday, December 10, 4:30 PM
@ Washington Park
The Dubuque Coalition for Non-Violence hosts a vigil to remember the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012. Alan Garfield will speak on ways you can turn this trend around. Light a candle to remember each of the people who died on this tragic day in American history and raise your voice in songs of hope and peace led by Art Roche. 563-581-7690.
State Curator Leo Landis on “Iowa and the Great War”
Monday, December 10
6 PM @ Carnegie-Stout Public Library
Curator Leo Landis of the State Historical Society of Iowa will present “Somewhere In Iowa—Somewhere in France: Iowa and the Great War” at Carnegie-Stout Public Library in the 3rd Floor Aigler Auditoirum at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 10.
Leo Landis will discuss Iowans’ experiences in World War I during his presentation, including stories from Dubuque and Dubuque County. Dubuque native John Lewis, for example, was one of the first Iowans to die in the war. He served with Canadian forces and was killed in action in France on November 18, 1916.
Leo Landis is State Curator for the State Historical Society of Iowa, and is currently completing a Ph.D. in History from Iowa State University. He has worked at Living History Farms in Urbandale and Salisbury House in Des Moines, as well as Conner Prairie in Indiana and the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan.
This presentation is free and open to the public. Attendees are also invited to view the State Historical Museum of Iowa’s World War I Honor Roll Display, which is currently at Carnegie-Stout Public Library through December 17. For more information, please call the Library at 563-589-4225, or visit us online at www.dubuque.lib.ia.us.
Razor Sharp Tools Made Simple Workshop
Monday, December 10
6 to 9 pm @ Convivium Urban Farmstead
For a chisel, hand plane or any other edged tool to work properly and safely, it must be razor sharp. The problem is, getting a tool truly sharp can be elusive unless you have good sharpening equipment and a technique that yields fast and repeatable results. Luckily, we have a solution! Convivium’s class Razor Sharp Tools Made Simple will allow you to take home both the techniques and basic equipment so that with a bit of practice, you will never again have to suffer the aggravation of a dull tool! Bring your own hand plane and chisel to be sharpened during class. CLASS FEE: $15 plus $10 for materials. http://www.convivium-dbq.com/classes/
Theisen’s Wags at the Flags
Wednesday, December 11, 4:30–8 PM
@ Five Flags Arena
This indoor dog park that accommodates both large and small dogs. The Barka Lounge offers refreshments, food and adult beverages for purchase. Rules closely resemble the City of Dubuque’s dog park rules. Cleaning supplies will be available. Dogs that do not reside in Dubuque’s city limits need to be up-to-date on all immunizations, de-wormed and wear their rabies tags. $2 of every admission will be donated to the Dubuque Regional Humane Society. $5 per dog; free for humans. 563-589-4254. FiveFlagsCenter.com.
“Greetings” for Christmas, Hanukkah and the New Age
Wednesday, December 11, 7 PM
@ Galena Center for the Arts
“Greetings” by Tom Dudzick will be the Table Reading on December 11 at the Galena Center for the Arts. The play is a warm hearted holiday comedy that may also bring a tear. The Gorski family is the centerpiece of “Greetings”. Main character Andy deals with his sweet Catholic mother, his sour Catholic father and his handicapped brother named Mickey. On Christmas Eve, Andy brings his Jewish Atheist fiancée to meet his folks. It’s a family blow up of the worst kind with brother Mickey helping to heal the family. Featured readers include Tom Resnick, Mimi Resnick, Mark Haman, Ben Jenkins and Meggie Berning Jenkins, directed by Carole Sullivan. “Greetings” begins at 7 pm on December 11 at the Galena Center for the Arts, 219 Summit Street, Galena, phone 779-214-0261, website is www.GalenaCenterForTheArts.com. The suggested donation to attend is $8. The audience is invited to stay after the reading to share their thoughts about the play.
Movie Screening: The Big Year
Thursday, December 13, 6 PM
@ UD Science Center
Based to true events and book of the same name, The Big Year starting Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson follows three bird watchers as they compete to see the most species of birds within the United States in a single year. Dubuque Audubon members and University of Dubuque’s Web of Life Student group share some of their “big year” experiences as well.
Stonehill Christmas Craft & Vendor Fair
Friday, December 14, 7 AM–3 PM
@ Stonehill Franciscan Services
Continue your holiday shopping at this extension of Stonehill’s Christmas Craft & Vendor Fair. All proceeds benefit the residents of Stonehill. Free. 3485 Windsor Ave. 563-690-9650. StonehillDBQ.com.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party
Friday, December 14, 8 PM
@ Diamond Jo Casino Mississippi Moon Bar (301 Bell St)
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy jazzes up the season with their “Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party,” boasting both original tunes and their own smoking hot versions of Yuletide favorites from their album It Feels Like Christmas Time. BBVD heads to the Mississippi Moon Bar on Dec. 14 at 8 p.m.
Fans in search of toe-tapping, brass-honking, high-energy holiday swing revival need look no further. Dressed to the nines and brandishing upbeat favorites like “Go Daddy-O” and “Mr. Pinstripe Suit,” and holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and “Merry Christmas Baby,” be ready to celebrate this holiday in swingin’ style.
Tickets start at $30 and are available at the Moon Bar box office, by calling 563-690-4758, or online at MoonBarRocks.com.
Dubuque Winter Farmers Market
Saturday, December 15, 9 AM–Noon
@ Former Colts Center (1101 Central Ave)
Dubuque Winter Farmers Market continues their 12th season on Saturdays now through April 27, from 9 a.m. to noon in the former Colts Center, the same location as in previous years. Approximately 35 regional vendors offer seasonal produce, eggs, meats, cheeses, honey, maple syrup, starter plants, herbs, baked goods, and more. Dubuque Winter Farmers Market also features hot breakfast options by Holliberri Icelandics and coffee by Verena Street Roasters. Free parking is available in the parking lot on Central Ave. at 11th St. Metered street parking is available on Iowa St, Central Ave, and other downtown streets. Visit WinterMarketDbq.com for more information.
Parents Day Out
Saturday, December 15, 1–4 PM
@ Rockdale UMC
Drop your children off so you can go shopping! Kids will learn about the Christmas Story, sing Christmas Carols, create crafts, play games, and more. Must be potty trained. Donations are accepted. RSVP by Dec. 12. Free. 1500 Old Mill Rd. 563-556-2411. Rockdaleumc.org.
Urban Cowboy Christmas: Mickey Gilley & Johnny Lee
Saturday, December 15, 4 & 8 PM
@ Diamond Jo Casino Mississippi Moon Bar (301 Bell St)
Mickey Gilley, the 1976 Country Music Entertainer of the Year, and Gold Record recording artist Johnny Lee will perform their world-famous Urban Cowboy Reunion Tour along with songs from each of their Christmas albums at the Mississippi Moon Bar on Dec. 15 at 4 and 8 p.m. See full details on page 27.
Tickets start at $25 and are available at the Moon Bar box office, by calling 563-690-4758, or online at MoonBarRocks.com.
Illusions Midwest – Double the Holiday Drag Shows
Saturday, December 15, 7 & 10 PM
@ Smokestack
Celebrate the holidays with Illusions Midwest at two fabulous drag shows. All ages at 7 p.m. for $5. 21+ at 10 p.m. for $10. 62 E 7th St.
Breakfast with Santa
Sunday, December 16, 8 AM–Noon
@ DBQ Co Fairgrounds
Enjoy a pancake and sausage breakfast, shop from local vendors, and kids can decorate holiday crafts. Santa will visit from 9 a.m. to noon. $7 Adults; $4 ages 5–12; ages 4 and under free (limit of two free children per adult). 14569 Old Highway Rd. 563-588-1406. DBQfair.com.
Christmas Cantata
Sunday, December 16, 8:30–9:30 AM
@ St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
Cantata “Sing Christmas” by Joel Raney and Mary McDonald performed by St. Luke’s Singers and Friends directed by Keith Rippe. The public is welcome to join in song. 1199 Main St. 563-582-4543. StLukesUMCdbq.org.
Toys For Tots 2018 Kids’ Christmas Party
Presented by Theisen’s Home • Farm • Auto,
McGraw-Hill Higher Education and Paramount Ambulance
Sunday, December 16, Noon–3 PM
@ Five Flags Arena (405 Main St)
It’s the biggest, craziest party of the holiday season … it’s for kids ten and under … and it’s FREE!
Marine Corps Toys For Tots is excited to announce the 4th Annual Kids’ Christmas Party presented by Theisen’s Home • Farm • Auto, McGraw-Hill Higher Education and Paramount Ambulance. Taking place on Sunday, Dec. 16, from noon to 3 p.m., the Five Flags Arena will transform into a yuletide display of controlled chaos, as hundreds of Tri-State youngsters converge for the biggest party around. And the best part is it’s totally FREE!
The event is hosted by Marine Corps Toys For Tots of Dubuque and the Dubuque Police Department as a super fun, safe and festive chance for kids to play together, have a blast and go home with a few goodies along the way.
The three-hour party will have music and dancing with a live DJ that’s great with kids. Giant inflatable rides will return as will the Paramount Ambulance for kids to check out in person. Kids can also climb aboard a real fire truck and see how Dubuque heroes do their jobs when they get to talk with real firemen.
Especially exciting is the Theisen’s free toy giveaway to every child with other surprise goodies giveaways as well. There are plenty for everyone, so there’s no need to line up early, we promise.
Get your photo taken with Santa in his sleigh at the party, courtesy of DigitalDubuque.com, and this year you can also get your picture with Elsa, Anna and Olaf in front of a wintery palace backdrop. Photos will available for free download online. You can also take you own photos on your phone if you like. Plus face painting, kids games, free cookies, popcorn and milk and punch thanks to the generosity of 365ink Magazine, Diamond Jo Casino, Fareway Foods, Prairie Farms Dairy, DigitalDubuque.com, Five Flags Center, Dollar Tree, the Dubuque Fire Department and Radio Dubuque.
Put it all together and you’ve got a kids’ party to beat all kids’ parties… and it’s Christmas! Merry Christmas and Semper Fi!
Isthmus Brass
Sunday, December 16, 2 PM
@ Sinsinawa Mound (Sinsinawa, WI)
Isthmus Brass of Madison, WI, will perform a concert as part of their Christmas 10th Anniversary Tour. Enjoy old favorites as well as some new arrangements. Freewill offering. 585 County Rd Z, Sinsinawa, WI. 608-748-4411. Sinsinawa.org.
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: Cut Loose Tree Farm
Sunday, December 16, 5 PM
@ Stone Cliff
Join the Brew Ha Ha Players for a night of Murder Mystery fun! Cut Loose Tree Farm is known for their perfectly pruned pines and beautiful balsams. But, it’s just before Christmas and a parasite has proven to put inventory in peril. President Pine isn’t too concerned, but everyone else is, as jobs are on the chopping block. But wait! That chopping block just got more interesting… Who’s on it? Reservations required. 600 Star Brewery Dr. 563-583-6100 x203. StoneCliffWinery.com.
Reflections in the Park
Now through January 1
5–10 PM @ Louis Murphy Park (1700 S Grandview Ave)
Join Hillcrest Family Services for the 24th annual Reflections in the Park, Festival of Lights! Drive through the park and enjoy the beauty of the twinkling lights this holiday
You can pick up advanced tickets for $8 at any Hillcrest or DB&T location or pay $10 per car at the gate. For more information, visit hillcrest-fs.org or call 563-845-0378.
Dark Night To Daybreak Winter Breakfast
Tuesday, December 18, 7:30–8:30 AM
@ Shalom Spirituality Center
Iowa winter brings cold, snow, and longer periods of darkness to our days. Presenter Mary Potter Kenyon will share how a dark night of the soul led her to pinpoints of light, unexpected grace, and God’s mercy in the most unlikely of places and ways. RSVP by Dec. 14. $10. 1001 Davis St. 563-582-3592. ShalomRetreats.org.
An Unforgettable Nat King Cole Christmas
Wednesday, December 19, 7:30 PM
@ Five Flags Theater (405 Main St)
Artists Lounge Live presents An Unforgettable Nat King Cole Christmas starring Evan Tyrone Martin on Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. the Five Flags Theater.
Chicago sensation Evan Tyrone Martin (Jesus Christ Superstar, Side Show, Oklahoma) warmly resonates the velvety vocal style of musical legend Nat King Cole. Martin intimately relates Cole’s personal journey, while presenting a festive cocktail of hit including “L-O-V-E,” “Mona Lisa,” “The Christmas Song,” and “All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth.” BCR News praises, “Martin’s vocal ease would have done Nat King Cole proud.”
Tickets are $55 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and Five Flags Center box office, or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Five Flags Center Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information, visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Who’s Holiday!
December 21–23 and 25, 7:30 PM
@ Grand Opera House (135 W 8th St)
Cindy Lou brings a new Christmas show for the grownups! Who’s Holiday! hits the Grand Opera House stage on Dec. 21–23 and 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Who’s Holiday! is a wildly funny and heartfelt adults-only comedy that tells the story of Cindy Lou Who as she recalls that Christmas Eve she first met the Grinch and the twisted turn of events her life has now taken.
This show is recommended for mature audiences only.
Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the Box Office (Monday–Friday from noon–4 p.m.) or by calling 563-588-1305. Tickets can also be purchased at TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
2nd Annual KISS-Mas Party
Saturday, December 22 | 8PM
Q Showroom @ Q Casino
The longest running KISS tribute band with an unforgettable mix of classic KISS tunes, fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, explosive pyrotechnics, authentic costuming, full makeup, staging and special effects. Receive a free drink for coming in your best festive holiday gear! Plus, prizes for the best dressed and giveaways throughout the night! Tickets are just $10
Dubuque’s Divas After Dark
Drag’n In The Holidays
Saturday, December 22, 8 PM
@ Diamond Jo Casino Mississippi Moon Bar (301 Bell St)
Head to the Mississippi Moon Bar on Dec. 22 for the Dubuque’s Divas After Dark Drag’n In The Holidays show!
This lively and colorful performance showcases the true art form of Drag Queens! The Divas are known for their female impersonation show, as they wow the crowd with their side-splitting humor, exotic fashion and exciting illusions. Divas Live is based out of Dubuque, Iowa and features local and surrounding area talent, with combined experience of over 90 years. Tickets start at $8 and are available at the Moon Bar box office, by calling 563-690-4758, or online at MoonBarRocks.com. Must be 21 or older.
New Year’s Eve Dueling pianos
Monday, December 31 @ 8 PM
Mississippi Moon Bar, Diamond Jo Casino
Featuring Chicago-based Elisa Carlson and Alan Bukowiecki. End the year on a high note with groovy tunes and swing the night away. Includes a balloon drop, party favors, champagne toast, and more.
New Year’s Eve Bash featuring Boy Band Review
Monday, December 31, 9PM
Q Showroom @ Q Casino
Ring in the New Year ‘90s style! Boy Band Review has captured the hearts of fans with their #boyband shows that transport audience members back in time to the days of frosted tips and hunky frontmen professing their undying love. Tickets are just $10
Toddler Tuesday: V is for Vulture
Tuesday, January 8
9–10 a.m. and 10:30–11:30 a.m. @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Toddler Tuesdays are open to children ages 2-4, and a parent or caregiver. Sessions are held monthly from September to April. Programs include a variety of hands-on and active activities, including a craft and a game. Advanced registration is encouraged as space is limited. Members – $8 per toddler. Non-Members – $10 per toddler. A parent and/ or caregiver can attend the program for free with the toddler. General admission is not required for this program, nor is it included with this program. Rivermusem.com.
Shake Rag Alley Winter Writers-in-Residence Series: Matthew Guenette
Wednesday, January 9
7 PM @ Lind Pavilion (Mineral Point, WI)
Matthew Guenette, author of the award-winning book “Vasectomania” (University of Akron Press), received an MFA from Southern Illinois University. He is the author of two previous poetry collections: “American Busboy” (University of Akron Press, 2011) and “Sudden Anthem” (Dream Horse Press, 2008) as well as a chapbook, “Civil Disobedience” (Rabbit Catastrophe Press, 2017). Recent work has appeared in Forklift: Ohio, Spoon River Poetry Review, Sou’wester, Southern Indiana Review and TYPO. He lives in Madison and teaches composition and creative writing at Madison College. He is the 2017 Council for Wisconsin Writers Edna Meudt Poetry Book Award Winner.
The Winter Writers-in-Residence Series features award-winning Wisconsin writers and poets reading from their work and answering questions on select Wednesday evenings at the Lind Pavilion, 411 Commerce St. Hosted by Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts.
