365ink Festivals Calendar
This collection of festivals and special events in the Tri-State area will keep you entertained all season long from 365ink Magazine and Travel Dubuque
Vesperman Farms
Now–Oct 27 @ 8149 Stage Rd, Lancaster, WI
One of the largest and most challenging corn mazes in the Midwest is just the beginning of a big day! You gotta see the pumpkin trebuchet throw ‘em a quarter mile! Visit the pumpkin patch, play games, meet farm animals, watch the air cannon, the 100’ zip line, the snack barn with everything from BBQ pork to caramel apples, apple cider doughnuts, and ice cream. Open seven days a week. VespermanFarms.com.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s A Grand Night for Singing
Sept 27–29 @ Grand Opera House
Celebrate over 30 hit songs from all their musical treasures like Oklahoma!, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, Cinderella, and more. TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
Dubuque Fighting Saints
Sept 27–April 12 @ ImOn Ice Arena, Schmitt Island
Catch exciting home ice hockey action with Dubuque’s own USHL team, the Dubuque Fighting Saints. Home games: 9/27, 10/4, 10/5, 10/18, 10/25, 10/26, 11/8, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 12/6, 12/27, 1/3, 1/4, 1/11, 1/24, 1/31, 2/1, 2/5, 2/7, 2/15, 2/16, 3/1, 3/7, 3/8, 3/14, 3/21, 3/22, 4/11, 4/12. 7:05 PM. DubuqueFightingSaints.com.
Dubuque Latinx Fiesta
Sept 28 @ Smokestack
A free, all-ages celebration of Latino heritage through live music, food, dance, and resources. 1–7 PM. DubuqueUnidos.com.
Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen
Oct 4 @ Five Flags Arena
Straight from England, the most amazing Queen tribute in the land visits the Five Flags Arena. 7 PM. FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Dark Chambers Haunted Attraction
Oct 4–Nov 2 @ 1341 Frontage Rd, Hazel Green, WI
The Tri-States’ most exciting haunted attraction experience. With all the scares you love, dark turns and terrifying sights that will get your heart pounding. Grab your friends and anyone else you think will help you make it out and come test your mortality inside the Chambers. Light Fright, Full Fright, and Fast Pass options available. DarkChambersHaunt.com.
Galena Oktoberfest
Oct 5 @ Depot Park (Galena, IL)
Nonstop live music, wiener dog races, polka dancing and lessons, German-style food and beverages, bounce house and games for the kids, and more. Noon‑10 PM. GalenaLions.org.
27th Shullsburg Cheesefest
Oct 5 @ Shullsburg, WI
A full day of cheese love, from the fireman’s breakfast to vendors, foods, crafts and cheese tasting. Live music plus kids’ activities like a milking contest, pedal tractor pull, and more. Enjoy a wine, beer, and cheese tasting. 9 AM–4 PM. facebook.com/ShullsburgCheesefest.
Autumn Adventure on Schmitt Island
Oct 6 @ ImOn Arena
A free family event designed to spotlight the island’s current offerings while generating enthusiasm for its potential. Through guided tours, interactive exhibits, and fun activities, attendees will discover existing attractions and local businesses. The event also unveils plans for future amenities. 11 AM–2 PM. facebook.com/TravelDubuque.
Millwork Night Market
Oct 10 @ 7th–9th and Jackson St
Millwork Night Market has brought high-quality local food producers, artists, musicians, and brewers to the Millwork District for six years! They’re celebrating the independent evening farmers’ market with live music. Smoke free and pet free. BYO reusable grocery bags and lawn chairs. 5–8 PM. MillworkNightMarket.com.
Jeeps on the Mountain
Oct 12 @ Sundown Mountain Resort
Enjoy live music, food trucks, primitive camping, off-roading designated mountain trails, obstacles, and activities for the kids, lawn games, and more. 9 AM–7 PM. SundownMTN.com.
41st Annual Galena Country Fair
Oct 12–13 @ Grant Park (Galena IL)
More than 100 hand-selected vendors offering original, handmade arts, crafts, and fine arts. Delight your taste buds with fair favorites including caramel apples, homemade french fries, funnel cakes, fudge, baked potatoes, and ice cream plus farmers’ market goodies and country bake shop treats. Plus live bands, Irish dancing, and more. Children’s games, a silent auction, raffle, and more. 10 AM–5 PM. GalenaCountryFair.com.
The Rocky Horror Show
Oct 18–26 @ Grand Opera House
The original kitschy rock ’n’ roll sci-fi gothic musical is more fun than ever when it’s live on stage. 7:30 PM. TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
A Haunting on Lincoln Ave & Evening Tours
Oct 18–19 @ Mathias Ham Historic Site
Historic activities included with the tour will be family-friendly. Spooky, fun activities include crafts, games, fortune telling, and a witch’s cave. Apple cider and snacks are available. RiverMuseum.org/events.
Twenty Dirty Hands
Oct 18–20 @ Various Tri-State Studios
A free self-guided pottery tour highlighting the works of many local potters and regional guest artists at seven locations, now in its 23rd season. 10 AM–6 PM (4 PM Sun). TwentyDirtyHands.com.
JDIFF Halloween Parade
Oct 19 @ Main St Parade Route
Ghosts and goblins of all ages will converge once again for perhaps the most popular parade of the year in Dubuque. The parade starts at Washington Park and goes down Locust Street and 15th Street. Scores of groups come out in full costumed madness for a super-fun hour in the streets of Dubuque. Prizes for best film-themed float, walking group and band. 7 PM. JulienFilmFest.com.
DockDogs World Championship
Oct 22–27 @ Five Flags Center
25th Anniversary of the world’s premier canine aquatics competition. This year’s Championship will also be combined with the Dueling Dogs World Championship. Enjoy free admission for all the big events like fun-filled events including Big Air, Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical and Dueling Dogs. 8 AM–5 PM daily. FiveFlagsCenter.com.
The Struts
Oct 26 @ Diamond Jo Casino Mississippi Moon Bar
This high energy British rock band has amassed a giant following off hits like “Should Have Been Me” and toured with the biggest acts in music from the Stones to the Foo Fighters and Guns N’ Roses. This is their third visit to the Moon Bar. 8 PM. DiamondJoDubuque.com.
Galena Halloween Parade & Festival
Oct 26 @ Main St, Galena, IL
The legendary parade literally lights up Galena’s historic Main Street for the 44th year in one of the Midwest’s largest Halloween celebrations, featuring spectacular floats, local marching bands, hot air balloons breathing fire, costumed participants, and plenty of sweet treats. $5 shuttle from Walmart after 3 PM. 6–8:30 PM. GalenaChamber.com.
Mad Scientist Party
Oct 27 @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Join River Museum for their annual family Halloween event! Everyone is welcome to come in costume (not just kids!) Trick-or-treating and other activities including games, science experiments, music, and all of the regular daily programming. Discount admission can be purchase online. 9 AM–4 PM. RiverMuseum.org/events.
Sesame Street Live! Say Hello
Oct 30 @ Five Flags Arena
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! 6 PM. FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Afterlife: Spirits and Shadows Ball
Nov 1 @ Five Flags Center
A thrilling Day of the Dead costumed celebration featuring DJ Jevity and DJ Dirty Darren with high-energy music, mystery, and vibrant festivities. 9 PM. FiveFlagsCenter.com.
45th National Farm Toy Show
Nov 1–3 @ Dyersville, IA
Filling Beckman High School, The National Farm Toy Museum, and the Commercial Club Park, highlights include a Collectors Dinner on Saturday at Royal Lanes, a sanctioned Micro-Mini Pull at Commercial Club Park in South Building on Saturday at 11 AM and Sunday at 9 AM, plus the National Farm Toy Show Auction at 10 AM Saturday at Beckman Auditorium. The granddaddy of farm toy shows draws about 6,000 people each year. ToyFarmer.com.
Dubuque Winter Farmers Market
Sat: Nov 2–April 26 @ Kennedy Mall
An all-volunteer driven market, focusing on supporting our regional food system, eating from our food shed year-round, and providing annual funding to farmers through our grant program. Homemade and baked goods, plus meat, cheese, eggs, and, yes, vegetables! 9 AM–Noon. WinterMarketDBQ.com.
40th Annual Galena Nouveau Wine Weekend
Nov 22 @ Galena, IL
Celebrate the new vintage with wine inspired lunches, dinners, and tastings. The official release of the Le Beaujolais Nouveau wine is delivered by Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery via horse-drawn wagon. Galena comes alive with a multitude of offerings: vineyard tours, wine dinners, wine tasting, lodging, shopping, and spa specials. NouveauWeekend.com.
Reflections in the Park
Nov 28–Jan 1 @ Louis Murphy Park
Hillcrest Family Services’ annual lights festival celebrates their 30th anniversary. Visitors will see many new displays and have the option to participate in the featured Memory Lane, an opportunity to remember your loved one(s) in a special way at Reflections in the Park. Santa Claus will visit on Mondays 5–8 PM through Christmas. Walk through on Nov. 27. Hillcrest-FS.org.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever The Musical
Nov 29–Dec 8 @ Grand Opera House
The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world, so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
Christmas on the Square
Nov 30 @ Cable Car Square
The day includes shopping on Cable Car Square at 10 AM–7 PM with Christmas carolers; hot chocolate, adult beverages and food trucks beginning at 5 PM. Joie Wails, BK Music; Brion and Chrystina Bowman will perform at 5 PM to include fire twirling again! Shop local on Cable Car Square! Santa Claus comes down the Fenelon Place Elevator at 6 PM to greet and gather Christmas requests from families and get your photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus! facebook.com/CableCarSquare.
A Merry Millwork Market
Dec 6–7 @ Millwork District
A unique holiday shopping experience featuring the best of local crafts, sips, and bites benefiting nonprofits of the Dubuque Millwork Collective. MerryMillworkMarket.com.
Seasonal Allergies
Dec 6–22 @ Bell Tower Theater
What are the holidays without a little chaos? Julia’s life is turned upside down when her soon-to-be-divorced brother shows up unexpectedly and stays from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. BellTowerTheater.net.
DSO Holiday Concerts
Dec 7–8 @ Five Flags Theater
The DSO is joined by vocalist Kira Guloien, the Dubuque Chorale, and members of the Heartland Ballet in an enchanting collection of holiday favorites for two shows! A one hour kid-friendly matinee is also offered on Saturday. DubuqueSymphony.org.
Dubuque City Youth Ballet: The Nutcracker
Dec 14–22 @ Grand Opera House
The classic ballet featuring the music of Tchaikovsk and performed by the Dubuque City Youth Ballet. New design elements inspired by Dubuque. TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
Night of the Luminaria & Living Windows
Dec 14 @ Main Street, Galena, IL
More than 5,000 candlelit luminaries line the streets, steps, and sidewalks, and store windows come alive. Plus, store windows come alive with holiday-inspired animation. 4–7 PM. VisitGalena.org.
Toys for Tots Kids’ Christmas Party
Dec 15 @ Five Flags Arena
One gigantic and FREE Christmas bash hosted by Toys for Tots, the Dubuque Police Department, and 365ink and sponsored by Theisen’s, the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, and Paramount Ambulance. Hundreds of local kids enjoy music, dancing, inflatable rides, treats, plus photos with Santa as well as Frozen and Star Wars characters. Noon–3 PM. facebook.com/DBQToysForTots.
Home Free
Dec 17 @ Five Flags Arena
The all-vocal country group brings an unforgettable evening of incredible harmonies, mixing Christmas classics with Nashville-dipped pop hits and timeless country standards on their “Any Kind of Christmas” tour. 7 PM. FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Sinatra and Friends New Year’s Eve
Dec 31 @ Grand Opera House
Spend New Year’s Eve with Bryan Anthony’s Sinatra and Friends. Featuring Hunter Fuerste’s American Vintage Orchestra and the music of Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King Cole, Bobby Darin, and Old Blue Eyes himself. 8 PM. TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
Special Olympics Iowa Winter Games
Jan 13–14 @ Various Locations
More than 200 athletes with intellectual disabilities from across the state compete in Alpine and Nordic skiing, figure skating, snowshoeing, speed skating, and more. The Grand River Center, Sundown Mountain Resort, Camp Albrecht Acres, and ImOn Arena will host the competitions and activities. SOIowa.org/winter-games.
DSO: Ultimate Rock Hits
Jan 17–18 @ Diamond Jo Casino Mississippi Moon Bar
The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra joins with local rock bands to present an amazing symphonic rock experience! 8 PM. DubuqueSymphony.org.
IceFest
Jan 18–19 @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium will present special winter-related programs daily including historic ice harvesting on the river, winter crafts, snow sculptures. Featured activities include professional snow sculpting, outdoor winter games, live animal programs, winter safety demonstrations, and more. RiverMuseum.org/events.
Winter Iowa Games
Jan 24–26 @ Various Locations
The Winter Iowa Games is held annually late January and early February, mainly in Dubuque, offering over 20 sports and 4,000 athletes. IowaGames.org.
DRUMLine Live
Feb 19 @ Five Flags Arena
The show stopping attraction created by the musical team behind the hit movies, Drumline and Drumline: A New Beat, embodies the soulful, high-stepping style of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band experience. 7 PM. FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Dubuque on Ice Brewfest
Feb 22 @ Five Flags Center
Tri-State beer lovers, mark your calendars! Dubuque on Ice Brewfest will feature beer from more than 30 breweries, plus wine, spirits, specialty cheeses, sausage, and chocolates, and live music. 1–4 PM. DubuqueBrewfest.com.
365ink Impact Awards
Feb 25 @ Diamond Jo Casino Mississippi Moon Bar
The 365ink Impact Awards, sponsored by Premier Bank and the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, return to the Mississippi Moon Bar at the Diamond Jo Casino. The 365ink Impact Award is for those who choose to make an effort to impact the world around them 365 days a year. The event is FREE (must be 21). 7 PM. Tentative date. Dubuque365.com/impactawards.
Galena Whiskey Weekend
March 7–8 @ Turner Hall (Galena, IL)
Sip your way through winter with the extensive collection of bourbons and whiskeys. Cheers to over 200-plus whiskey offerings. GalenaWhiskeyWeekend.com.
Gilbertson’s Symphony No. 1
March 8–9 @ Five Flags Theater
The DSO has commissioned Dubuque-raised and Pulitzer Prize nominated Michael Gilbertson’s First Symphony. This piece makes its world premiere at the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra’s Classics Season finale. DubuqueSymphony.org.
Dyersville St. Patrick’s Day Festivities
March 15 @ Dyersville, IA
Ancient Order of Hibernians-Dubuque County #1 presents Dyersville’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Mass. A church celebration at 10:30 AM at St. Francis Xavier Basilica is followed by the huge parade which starts at 1 PM downtown. Dyersville.org.
BestFest 2024
March 20 @ Grand River Center
A benefit to support Hospice of Dubuque is just as it sounds: a celebration of the best Dubuque has to offer, as voted on by you, the people of Dubuque. Winners will gather and give away samples of their best products. Voting happens by ballot in the Dubuque Advertiser as the event nears. It always sells out in advance, so get your tickets early. 5–7:30 PM. HospiceOfDubuque.org.
Noises Off
March 28–April 6 @ Grand Opera House
This side-splitting play features a theater company desperately trying to get their act together. A peek behind the curtain-where everything that can go wrong, does! TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
The Heartland Ballet: Cinderella
April 6–14 @ Grand Opera House
Dubuque City Youth Ballet’s pre-professional company, Heartland Ballet, brings the popular fairy tale to life. Prokofiev’s Cinderella is notable for its jubilant music, lush scenery, romantic story, and comic stepsisters. TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
Community Easter Egg Hunt
April 19 @ Allison Henderson Park
Join hundreds of Dubuque kids for a morning of family fun as thousands of Easter eggs fill the field at the park awaiting the little hunters to do their thing. 10 AM. facebook.com/
TheAuthenticConnectionDBQ.
Julien Dubuque International Film Festival
April 23–27 @ Downtown Dubuque
Independent films, including features, documentaries, and shorts, are screened in venues throughout downtown Dubuque, The event also features special panels with film professionals and exciting evening events including the awards night and gala. Join directors, producers, actors, and filmmakers as they showcase their films and are available for Q&As. JulienFilmFest.com.
Vintage Torque Fest
May 2–3 @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds
A weekend of hot rods, motorcycles, music and more. Celebrating a range of hot rod culture, Vintage Torque Fest also features a swap meet, a model car contest, hot laps and races, hot rod-themed art and vendors, and a contest for pinup girls. VintageTorqueFest.com.
Swan Lake: Dubuque Symphony Orchestra & Heartland Ballet
May 3–4 @ University of Dubuque Heritage Center
A complete staged production of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake! The ballet’s themes of love, betrayal, and redemption resonate with audiences across generations, making Swan Lake a perennial favorite in the ballet repertoire. DubuqueSymphony.org.
This collection of festivals and special events in the Tri-State area will keep you entertained all season long from 365ink Magazine and Travel Dubuque
Vesperman Farms
Now–Oct 27 @ 8149 Stage Rd, Lancaster, WI
One of the largest and most challenging corn mazes in the Midwest is just the beginning of a big day! You gotta see the pumpkin trebuchet throw ‘em a quarter mile! Visit the pumpkin patch, play games, meet farm animals, watch the air cannon, the 100’ zip line, the snack barn with everything from BBQ pork to caramel apples, apple cider doughnuts, and ice cream. Open seven days a week. VespermanFarms.com.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s A Grand Night for Singing
Sept 27–29 @ Grand Opera House
Celebrate over 30 hit songs from all their musical treasures like Oklahoma!, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, Cinderella, and more. TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
Dubuque Fighting Saints
Sept 27–April 12 @ ImOn Ice Arena, Schmitt Island
Catch exciting home ice hockey action with Dubuque’s own USHL team, the Dubuque Fighting Saints. Home games: 9/27, 10/4, 10/5, 10/18, 10/25, 10/26, 11/8, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 12/6, 12/27, 1/3, 1/4, 1/11, 1/24, 1/31, 2/1, 2/5, 2/7, 2/15, 2/16, 3/1, 3/7, 3/8, 3/14, 3/21, 3/22, 4/11, 4/12. 7:05 PM. DubuqueFightingSaints.com.
Dubuque Latinx Fiesta
Sept 28 @ Smokestack
A free, all-ages celebration of Latino heritage through live music, food, dance, and resources. 1–7 PM. DubuqueUnidos.com.
Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen
Oct 4 @ Five Flags Arena
Straight from England, the most amazing Queen tribute in the land visits the Five Flags Arena. 7 PM. FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Dark Chambers Haunted Attraction
Oct 4–Nov 2 @ 1341 Frontage Rd, Hazel Green, WI
The Tri-States’ most exciting haunted attraction experience. With all the scares you love, dark turns and terrifying sights that will get your heart pounding. Grab your friends and anyone else you think will help you make it out and come test your mortality inside the Chambers. Light Fright, Full Fright, and Fast Pass options available. DarkChambersHaunt.com.
Galena Oktoberfest
Oct 5 @ Depot Park (Galena, IL)
Nonstop live music, wiener dog races, polka dancing and lessons, German-style food and beverages, bounce house and games for the kids, and more. Noon‑10 PM. GalenaLions.org.
27th Shullsburg Cheesefest
Oct 5 @ Shullsburg, WI
A full day of cheese love, from the fireman’s breakfast to vendors, foods, crafts and cheese tasting. Live music plus kids’ activities like a milking contest, pedal tractor pull, and more. Enjoy a wine, beer, and cheese tasting. 9 AM–4 PM. facebook.com/ShullsburgCheesefest.
Autumn Adventure on Schmitt Island
Oct 6 @ ImOn Arena
A free family event designed to spotlight the island’s current offerings while generating enthusiasm for its potential. Through guided tours, interactive exhibits, and fun activities, attendees will discover existing attractions and local businesses. The event also unveils plans for future amenities. 11 AM–2 PM. facebook.com/TravelDubuque.
Millwork Night Market
Oct 10 @ 7th–9th and Jackson St
Millwork Night Market has brought high-quality local food producers, artists, musicians, and brewers to the Millwork District for six years! They’re celebrating the independent evening farmers’ market with live music. Smoke free and pet free. BYO reusable grocery bags and lawn chairs. 5–8 PM. MillworkNightMarket.com.
Jeeps on the Mountain
Oct 12 @ Sundown Mountain Resort
Enjoy live music, food trucks, primitive camping, off-roading designated mountain trails, obstacles, and activities for the kids, lawn games, and more. 9 AM–7 PM. SundownMTN.com.
41st Annual Galena Country Fair
Oct 12–13 @ Grant Park (Galena IL)
More than 100 hand-selected vendors offering original, handmade arts, crafts, and fine arts. Delight your taste buds with fair favorites including caramel apples, homemade french fries, funnel cakes, fudge, baked potatoes, and ice cream plus farmers’ market goodies and country bake shop treats. Plus live bands, Irish dancing, and more. Children’s games, a silent auction, raffle, and more. 10 AM–5 PM. GalenaCountryFair.com.
The Rocky Horror Show
Oct 18–26 @ Grand Opera House
The original kitschy rock ’n’ roll sci-fi gothic musical is more fun than ever when it’s live on stage. 7:30 PM. TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
A Haunting on Lincoln Ave & Evening Tours
Oct 18–19 @ Mathias Ham Historic Site
Historic activities included with the tour will be family-friendly. Spooky, fun activities include crafts, games, fortune telling, and a witch’s cave. Apple cider and snacks are available. RiverMuseum.org/events.
Twenty Dirty Hands
Oct 18–20 @ Various Tri-State Studios
A free self-guided pottery tour highlighting the works of many local potters and regional guest artists at seven locations, now in its 23rd season. 10 AM–6 PM (4 PM Sun). TwentyDirtyHands.com.
JDIFF Halloween Parade
Oct 19 @ Main St Parade Route
Ghosts and goblins of all ages will converge once again for perhaps the most popular parade of the year in Dubuque. The parade starts at Washington Park and goes down Locust Street and 15th Street. Scores of groups come out in full costumed madness for a super-fun hour in the streets of Dubuque. Prizes for best film-themed float, walking group and band. 7 PM. JulienFilmFest.com.
DockDogs World Championship
Oct 22–27 @ Five Flags Center
25th Anniversary of the world’s premier canine aquatics competition. This year’s Championship will also be combined with the Dueling Dogs World Championship. Enjoy free admission for all the big events like fun-filled events including Big Air, Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical and Dueling Dogs. 8 AM–5 PM daily. FiveFlagsCenter.com.
The Struts
Oct 26 @ Diamond Jo Casino Mississippi Moon Bar
This high energy British rock band has amassed a giant following off hits like “Should Have Been Me” and toured with the biggest acts in music from the Stones to the Foo Fighters and Guns N’ Roses. This is their third visit to the Moon Bar. 8 PM. DiamondJoDubuque.com.
Galena Halloween Parade & Festival
Oct 26 @ Main St, Galena, IL
The legendary parade literally lights up Galena’s historic Main Street for the 44th year in one of the Midwest’s largest Halloween celebrations, featuring spectacular floats, local marching bands, hot air balloons breathing fire, costumed participants, and plenty of sweet treats. $5 shuttle from Walmart after 3 PM. 6–8:30 PM. GalenaChamber.com.
Mad Scientist Party
Oct 27 @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Join River Museum for their annual family Halloween event! Everyone is welcome to come in costume (not just kids!) Trick-or-treating and other activities including games, science experiments, music, and all of the regular daily programming. Discount admission can be purchase online. 9 AM–4 PM. RiverMuseum.org/events.
Sesame Street Live! Say Hello
Oct 30 @ Five Flags Arena
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! 6 PM. FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Afterlife: Spirits and Shadows Ball
Nov 1 @ Five Flags Center
A thrilling Day of the Dead costumed celebration featuring DJ Jevity and DJ Dirty Darren with high-energy music, mystery, and vibrant festivities. 9 PM. FiveFlagsCenter.com.
45th National Farm Toy Show
Nov 1–3 @ Dyersville, IA
Filling Beckman High School, The National Farm Toy Museum, and the Commercial Club Park, highlights include a Collectors Dinner on Saturday at Royal Lanes, a sanctioned Micro-Mini Pull at Commercial Club Park in South Building on Saturday at 11 AM and Sunday at 9 AM, plus the National Farm Toy Show Auction at 10 AM Saturday at Beckman Auditorium. The granddaddy of farm toy shows draws about 6,000 people each year. ToyFarmer.com.
Dubuque Winter Farmers Market
Sat: Nov 2–April 26 @ Kennedy Mall
An all-volunteer driven market, focusing on supporting our regional food system, eating from our food shed year-round, and providing annual funding to farmers through our grant program. Homemade and baked goods, plus meat, cheese, eggs, and, yes, vegetables! 9 AM–Noon. WinterMarketDBQ.com.
40th Annual Galena Nouveau Wine Weekend
Nov 22 @ Galena, IL
Celebrate the new vintage with wine inspired lunches, dinners, and tastings. The official release of the Le Beaujolais Nouveau wine is delivered by Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery via horse-drawn wagon. Galena comes alive with a multitude of offerings: vineyard tours, wine dinners, wine tasting, lodging, shopping, and spa specials. NouveauWeekend.com.
Reflections in the Park
Nov 28–Jan 1 @ Louis Murphy Park
Hillcrest Family Services’ annual lights festival celebrates their 30th anniversary. Visitors will see many new displays and have the option to participate in the featured Memory Lane, an opportunity to remember your loved one(s) in a special way at Reflections in the Park. Santa Claus will visit on Mondays 5–8 PM through Christmas. Walk through on Nov. 27. Hillcrest-FS.org.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever The Musical
Nov 29–Dec 8 @ Grand Opera House
The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world, so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
Christmas on the Square
Nov 30 @ Cable Car Square
The day includes shopping on Cable Car Square at 10 AM–7 PM with Christmas carolers; hot chocolate, adult beverages and food trucks beginning at 5 PM. Joie Wails, BK Music; Brion and Chrystina Bowman will perform at 5 PM to include fire twirling again! Shop local on Cable Car Square! Santa Claus comes down the Fenelon Place Elevator at 6 PM to greet and gather Christmas requests from families and get your photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus! facebook.com/CableCarSquare.
A Merry Millwork Market
Dec 6–7 @ Millwork District
A unique holiday shopping experience featuring the best of local crafts, sips, and bites benefiting nonprofits of the Dubuque Millwork Collective. MerryMillworkMarket.com.
Seasonal Allergies
Dec 6–22 @ Bell Tower Theater
What are the holidays without a little chaos? Julia’s life is turned upside down when her soon-to-be-divorced brother shows up unexpectedly and stays from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. BellTowerTheater.net.
DSO Holiday Concerts
Dec 7–8 @ Five Flags Theater
The DSO is joined by vocalist Kira Guloien, the Dubuque Chorale, and members of the Heartland Ballet in an enchanting collection of holiday favorites for two shows! A one hour kid-friendly matinee is also offered on Saturday. DubuqueSymphony.org.
Dubuque City Youth Ballet: The Nutcracker
Dec 14–22 @ Grand Opera House
The classic ballet featuring the music of Tchaikovsk and performed by the Dubuque City Youth Ballet. New design elements inspired by Dubuque. TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
Night of the Luminaria & Living Windows
Dec 14 @ Main Street, Galena, IL
More than 5,000 candlelit luminaries line the streets, steps, and sidewalks, and store windows come alive. Plus, store windows come alive with holiday-inspired animation. 4–7 PM. VisitGalena.org.
Toys for Tots Kids’ Christmas Party
Dec 15 @ Five Flags Arena
One gigantic and FREE Christmas bash hosted by Toys for Tots, the Dubuque Police Department, and 365ink and sponsored by Theisen’s, the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, and Paramount Ambulance. Hundreds of local kids enjoy music, dancing, inflatable rides, treats, plus photos with Santa as well as Frozen and Star Wars characters. Noon–3 PM. facebook.com/DBQToysForTots.
Home Free
Dec 17 @ Five Flags Arena
The all-vocal country group brings an unforgettable evening of incredible harmonies, mixing Christmas classics with Nashville-dipped pop hits and timeless country standards on their “Any Kind of Christmas” tour. 7 PM. FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Sinatra and Friends New Year’s Eve
Dec 31 @ Grand Opera House
Spend New Year’s Eve with Bryan Anthony’s Sinatra and Friends. Featuring Hunter Fuerste’s American Vintage Orchestra and the music of Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King Cole, Bobby Darin, and Old Blue Eyes himself. 8 PM. TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
Special Olympics Iowa Winter Games
Jan 13–14 @ Various Locations
More than 200 athletes with intellectual disabilities from across the state compete in Alpine and Nordic skiing, figure skating, snowshoeing, speed skating, and more. The Grand River Center, Sundown Mountain Resort, Camp Albrecht Acres, and ImOn Arena will host the competitions and activities. SOIowa.org/winter-games.
DSO: Ultimate Rock Hits
Jan 17–18 @ Diamond Jo Casino Mississippi Moon Bar
The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra joins with local rock bands to present an amazing symphonic rock experience! 8 PM. DubuqueSymphony.org.
IceFest
Jan 18–19 @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium will present special winter-related programs daily including historic ice harvesting on the river, winter crafts, snow sculptures. Featured activities include professional snow sculpting, outdoor winter games, live animal programs, winter safety demonstrations, and more. RiverMuseum.org/events.
Winter Iowa Games
Jan 24–26 @ Various Locations
The Winter Iowa Games is held annually late January and early February, mainly in Dubuque, offering over 20 sports and 4,000 athletes. IowaGames.org.
DRUMLine Live
Feb 19 @ Five Flags Arena
The show stopping attraction created by the musical team behind the hit movies, Drumline and Drumline: A New Beat, embodies the soulful, high-stepping style of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band experience. 7 PM. FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Dubuque on Ice Brewfest
Feb 22 @ Five Flags Center
Tri-State beer lovers, mark your calendars! Dubuque on Ice Brewfest will feature beer from more than 30 breweries, plus wine, spirits, specialty cheeses, sausage, and chocolates, and live music. 1–4 PM. DubuqueBrewfest.com.
365ink Impact Awards
Feb 25 @ Diamond Jo Casino Mississippi Moon Bar
The 365ink Impact Awards, sponsored by Premier Bank and the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, return to the Mississippi Moon Bar at the Diamond Jo Casino. The 365ink Impact Award is for those who choose to make an effort to impact the world around them 365 days a year. The event is FREE (must be 21). 7 PM. Tentative date. Dubuque365.com/impactawards.
Galena Whiskey Weekend
March 7–8 @ Turner Hall (Galena, IL)
Sip your way through winter with the extensive collection of bourbons and whiskeys. Cheers to over 200-plus whiskey offerings. GalenaWhiskeyWeekend.com.
Gilbertson’s Symphony No. 1
March 8–9 @ Five Flags Theater
The DSO has commissioned Dubuque-raised and Pulitzer Prize nominated Michael Gilbertson’s First Symphony. This piece makes its world premiere at the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra’s Classics Season finale. DubuqueSymphony.org.
Dyersville St. Patrick’s Day Festivities
March 15 @ Dyersville, IA
Ancient Order of Hibernians-Dubuque County #1 presents Dyersville’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Mass. A church celebration at 10:30 AM at St. Francis Xavier Basilica is followed by the huge parade which starts at 1 PM downtown. Dyersville.org.
BestFest 2024
March 20 @ Grand River Center
A benefit to support Hospice of Dubuque is just as it sounds: a celebration of the best Dubuque has to offer, as voted on by you, the people of Dubuque. Winners will gather and give away samples of their best products. Voting happens by ballot in the Dubuque Advertiser as the event nears. It always sells out in advance, so get your tickets early. 5–7:30 PM. HospiceOfDubuque.org.
Noises Off
March 28–April 6 @ Grand Opera House
This side-splitting play features a theater company desperately trying to get their act together. A peek behind the curtain-where everything that can go wrong, does! TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
The Heartland Ballet: Cinderella
April 6–14 @ Grand Opera House
Dubuque City Youth Ballet’s pre-professional company, Heartland Ballet, brings the popular fairy tale to life. Prokofiev’s Cinderella is notable for its jubilant music, lush scenery, romantic story, and comic stepsisters. TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
Community Easter Egg Hunt
April 19 @ Allison Henderson Park
Join hundreds of Dubuque kids for a morning of family fun as thousands of Easter eggs fill the field at the park awaiting the little hunters to do their thing. 10 AM. facebook.com/
TheAuthenticConnectionDBQ.
Julien Dubuque International Film Festival
April 23–27 @ Downtown Dubuque
Independent films, including features, documentaries, and shorts, are screened in venues throughout downtown Dubuque, The event also features special panels with film professionals and exciting evening events including the awards night and gala. Join directors, producers, actors, and filmmakers as they showcase their films and are available for Q&As. JulienFilmFest.com.
Vintage Torque Fest
May 2–3 @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds
A weekend of hot rods, motorcycles, music and more. Celebrating a range of hot rod culture, Vintage Torque Fest also features a swap meet, a model car contest, hot laps and races, hot rod-themed art and vendors, and a contest for pinup girls. VintageTorqueFest.com.
Swan Lake: Dubuque Symphony Orchestra & Heartland Ballet
May 3–4 @ University of Dubuque Heritage Center
A complete staged production of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake! The ballet’s themes of love, betrayal, and redemption resonate with audiences across generations, making Swan Lake a perennial favorite in the ballet repertoire. DubuqueSymphony.org.
