Events

Dubuque Area November Activities & Events

UD: Then and Now

Through Friday, November 8

@ The University of Dubuque Heritage Center

Take a trip down memory lane with Spartan Nation at UD: Then and Now, the newest exhibit at the University of Dubuque’s Bisignano Art Gallery. The exhibit will feature a variety of photographs and artifacts through the years showcasing student life, athletics, and campus growth. Visit Dbq.edu/HeritageCenter.

StoryWalk

November 1-30

7 AM-Dusk @ Legacy Tree Trail, Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Baby Bear Counts One by Ashley Wolff. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.

Nutrien Harvest Days

Through Friday, November 1

@ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Title 1 schools (up to 700 students) will receive free admission to the River Museum. Students will be able to self-guide through the exhibits highlighting conservation initiatives and promote sustainable agricultural practices that conserve soil, water, and wildlife habitats. Visit RiverMuseum.org.

National Farm Toy Show

Friday through Sunday, November 1-3

@ Various Locations (Dyersville, IA)

Toy Farmer magazine will host the 47th Annual National Farm Toy Show. This event is the largest of its kind in the United States. The show includes over 200 vendors in five locations. Features include more farm toys than you can imagine, a display contest, toy auction, and more. Visit ToyFarmer.com.

School’s Out Day Camps

Friday, November 1

9 AM-4 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Explore something new at an overnight camp focused on history, culture, biology, and STEM-topics. Camps are available year-round for school-aged children. Camps take place on weekdays when the Dubuque Community School District is not in session. These full-day camps are for students in K-5th grade. Visit RiverMuseum.org.

First Fridays

Friday, November 1

@ Various Locations in Dubuque

First Fridays is Downtown Dubuque’s monthly visual art series, hosted by galleries, museums, and venues, celebrating Dubuque’s great visual arts scene. Visit DbqArt.org.

DSO: Sound Bites Luncheon

Friday, November 1

Noon @ Dubuque Golf & Country Club

Enjoy a lunch buffet followed by insightful commentary by Dubuque Symphony Orchestra’s (DSO) Maestro William Intriligator and bandoneonist Charles Gorczynski. Guest artists often perform short excerpts from the featured concert. RSVP. Visit DubuqueSymphony.org.

Captain’s Ball

Friday, November 1

6-10 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Help the Dubuque County Historical Society, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Mathias Ham Historic Site, National Rivers Hall of Fame, and RiverWorks Discovery continue to be champions for conservation, preservation, and engaging educational opportunities as they celebrate their 70-plus years of success. Visit RiverMuseum.org.

DSO Open Rehearsal

Friday, November 1

7 PM @ Five Flags Theater

Open rehearsal is a great opportunity to watch how the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra (DSO) shapes and fine-tunes a piece of music before presenting it in concert. Stay for all or part of the rehearsal, which typically goes until 9:30 PM. Theater lobby doors open at 6:30 p.m. Please be seated by 6:50 PM. Visit DubuqueSymphony.org.

Afterlife: Spirits & Shadows Ball

Friday, November 1

9 PM-1 AM @ Five Flags Center

Attend this thrilling celebration on the Day of the Dead. Enjoy an unforgettable night of music, mystery, and mayhem featuring DJ Jevity and DJ Dirty Darren. Come dressed in costume. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.

Dubuque Winter Farmers Market

Saturdays, November 2 through April 2025

9 AM-Noon @ Kennedy Mall West Concourse

Regional vendors offer homemade and baked goods, meat, cheese, eggs, seasonal produce, and more. Bring a reusable shopping bag and drop off clean egg cartons, glass jars, and plastic clam shells. Visit WinterMarketDbq.com.

Fall Clean-Up Day

Saturday, November 2

9-11:30 AM @ Heinemann Visitor Center, Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Clean-up activities. Free food provided at 11:30. RSVP. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.

Walk into Christmas Gift Show & Bake Sale

Saturday through Monday, November 2-4

10 AM-4 PM @ Mercy Gift Shop, MercyOne Hospital

Mercy Service Club and Gift Shop are celebrating 75 years of service to MercyOne and the community. All proceeds and donations benefit children in the care of MercyOne.  Enjoy tax-free shopping and on Saturday and Sunday there will be valet parking. For more information, call (564) 589-9620.

Scout Public Overnight

Saturday & Sunday, November 2-3

6 PM Saturday through 8:30 AM Sunday @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

This overnight experience will be filled with fun and engaging activities. This opportunity is open to scouts, grades 2-6. Visit RiverMuseum.org.

DSO Classics 2: Latin-American Inspiracion

Saturday & Sunday, November 2-3

Saturday, 7:30 PM; Sunday, 2 PM @ Five Flags Theater

The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra (DSO) welcomes back Charles Gorczynski, a highly skilled bandoneon player known for his virtuosity and deep connection to tango music.  The orchestra will also perform dances by various Mexican and Argentine composers, as well as Ravel’s “Bolero”. The Saturday evening concert includes entry to the post-concert encore reception. At 1 PM, November 3, Maestro Intriligator will give a pre-concert lecture in the theater. Visit DubuqueSymphony.org.

GIT Improv

Saturday, November 2

7:30 PM @ Bell Tower Theater

GIT Improv master comedians offer improv comedy at its best. Every performance is a brand-new adventure as they create a unique show using suggestions from audience members. Visit BellTowerTheater.net.

Sunshine Holiday Fair

Sunday & Monday, November 3-4

Sunday, 10 AM-3 PM; Monday, 7 AM-1 PM @ UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital Auditorium & Sunshine Gift Shop

Showcasing homemade baked goods, floral arrangements, holiday decor, handmade items such as advent calendars, gifts and jewelry, and RADA cutlery. The Sunshine Circle has been raising funds for Finley Hospital supporting patients’ needs since 1889.

DSO: Musical Musings

Sunday, November 3

1 PM @ Five Flags Theater

Prior to each Sunday Classics Concert, Dubuque Symphony Orchestra (DSO) Maestro William Intriligator gives a pre-concert lecture. Visit DubuqueSymphony.org.

Early Explorers: J is for Jellyfish

Tuesday, November 5

10-11 AM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Early Explorers is open to children ages 2-5 along with a parent or caregiver. Programs include a variety of hands-on and active activities, including a craft and a game. A parent and/or caregiver can attend the program for free with the toddler. Visit RiverMuseum.org.

Wild West Wednesdays

Wednesdays, November 6, 13, 20 & 27

7-11 PM @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds

Come for country dance music and fun. Whether it’s couple dancing or line dancing, request your favorite dance music. All ages. Visit DBQFair.com.

Workshop: Indian Corn Centerpiece

Thursday, November 7

6-8 PM @ Heinemann Visitor Center, Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Create a fall Indian corn centerpiece. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.

Dubuque Fighting Saints

Friday & Saturday, November 8, 9, 16 & 23

7:05 PM @ ImOn Arena

The Dubuque Fighting Saints hockey team returns for another season. Visit DubuqueFightingSaints.com.

Family Movie Night at The Grand

Friday, November 8

6:30 PM @ The Grand Opera House

The Nightmare Before Christmas. Free. Visit TheGrandOperaHouse.com.

Gangstagrass

Saturday, November 9

8 PM @ Five Flags Theater

Gangstagrass, the multi-racial collective that’s breaking all the rules of country and hip-hop, promises to be a unique and powerful musical experience, blending America’s rural and urban traditions into something entirely new. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.

Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, November 10

9 AM-Noon @ Steeple Square, 101 E. 15th St.

Steeple Square welcomes NICC’s culinary students as chefs for a pancake breakfast. Enjoy pancakes, sausage, fresh cut fruit, coffee, milk, and juice. All proceeds go to Steeple Square. Visit SteepleSquare.com.

Homeschool Days: At Home in the Marsh

Thursday, November 14

10 AM-4 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Visit the Backwater Marsh to learn about some of the animals that live at the edges of the Mississippi River. Visit RiverMuseum.org.

Flippin’ for Habitat

Thursday, November 14

5 PM @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds 

Discover a night of community, creativity, and compassion at the Habitat for Humanity Fundraising Event. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere where flipped and upcycled items take center stage. Bid on furniture, home décor, and one-of-a-kind items all lovingly transformed by the talented ECIAR volunteers. Visit HabitatDJC.org.

Museum X: Wyoming Toads & Conservation Efforts

Thursday, November 14

6-8 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Join Mark Beshel, curator of freshwater fish & herpetology, as he discusses conservation efforts for the critically endangered Wyoming toads. Light refreshments will be available. Visit RiverMuseum.org.

Mississippi River Fish, Turtles & More

Thursday, November 14

6:45-8 PM @ EB Lyons Interpretive Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights Rd.

Plan to attend the Dubuque Audubon November Program featuring Denny Weiss, who worked 35 years for the Iowa DNR in fisheries research on the Mississippi River at the Fairport and Bellevue fisheries stations. Weiss will share his knowledge and hands-on experience about the unique and interesting fish, turtles, and animals that call the Mississippi River their home. For more information, email AudubonDubuquePresident@gmail.com.

Festival of Trees

Saturday through Sunday, November 16 through December 1

Monday-Friday, 10 AM-4 PM; Saturday-Sunday, Noon-4 PM @ Ohnward Fine Arts Center (Maquoketa, IA)
Bid on creative trees and beautiful wreaths and enjoy theater entertainment. Proceeds will go to the Ohnward Fine Arts Center. Visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.

The Cleverlys

Saturday, November 16

8 PM @ Five Flags Theater

The Cleverlys offer a one-of-a-kind, unique comedy and music experience. From the group’s humble beginnings in the Ozark Mountains to currently headlining festivals and PACs across the country. The group performs regularly on the coveted Grand Ole Opry stage. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.

Brew Ha Ha Players: Fast Times at Stone Cliff High

Sunday, November 17

5-7 PM @ Stone Cliff Winery

School spirit is still alive amongst graduates, and, according to the reunion planning committee, it’s time to bust out those shoulder pads and flip up those collars, as this year’s reunion is ‘80s themed. It’s all in good fun until the night takes a dark twist. Brace for a gnarly night of surprises, suspense, and, most of all, big hair. Includes an ‘80s trivia contest, and four “corpse” meal and a show. Visit StoneCliffWinery.com.

Puppy Pals Live

Sunday, November 17

6 PM @ Five Flags Theater

This action-packed show features adopted and rescued dogs performing spectacular stunts, hilarious tricks, and delightful antics that will captivate audiences of all ages. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.

Stay Independent: Cooking for 1 or 2

Tuesday, November 19

2-3 PM @ Stonehill Assisi Village, 1001 Assisi Dr.

One and two-person households are the fastest growing segment of the population. Learn to use “MyPlate” for meal planning and unpack toolbox of tips for planning, shopping, and preparing well-balanced meals. RSVP. For more information, email THummer@StoneHillDbq.com.

She Unites

Wednesday, November 20

6:30–7:30 PM @ The Innovation Lab, 210 Jones St.

Come together for an evening of socialization and education. She Unites features rotating speakers, talking about anything and everything pertaining to women in a chill environment. Make a new friend, have authentic conversations, and leave with inspiration to power you through. Visit SheUnitesIowa.com/Events.

Kids Night Out

Friday, November 22 & December 13

5:30-8:30 PM @ Loras College Graber Sports Center

Play sports, games, crafts, bounce house, swimming, and more. Hosted by Loras College Women’s Basketball. Open to boys and girls, pre-k–6th grade. Visit LorasGirlsBasketballCamp.com.

Attitude of Gratitude

Saturday, November 23

4:30-9 PM @ Grand River Center

The 23rd annual Attitude of Gratitude is the largest fundraiser of the year for Opening Doors. The event features entertainment, plated dinner, silent and live auction, three raffles, and an inspirational message from a woman who has achieved success through Opening Doors’ program. Proceeds support women and children who are experiencing homelessness. Visit OpeningDoorsDbq.org/AOG.

Yung Gravy

Saturday, November 23

8 PM @ Five Flags Center

The Yung Gravy concert originally scheduled for an August show has moved to November 23. All tickets will be honored for the new date. Yung Gravy is renowned for his innovative blend of soul music and contemporary trap beats, crafting a unique sound that resonates with audiences worldwide. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.

Annual Community Thanksgiving Service 

Sunday, November 24

4 PM @ Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Rd.

Community service led by area faith leaders. Nonperishable food items and paper goods for Dubuque Food Pantry and/or donations to PIN (People in Need) accepted. For more information, email shattel220@aol.com.

52nd Annual Turkey Trot

Thursday, November 28

9 AM @ Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School

There will be a 2.5-mile and 5-mile course route starting in front of Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School. The annual Turkey Trot benefits the Wahlert Catholic High School men’s and women’s track and field and cross-country programs. Registration and bib pick-up at Wahlert Catholic High School: 6-7:30 PM on Wednesday, November 22 and 7:30-8:45 AM, Thursday, November 23. Visit HolyFamilyDbq.org.

Reflections in the Park

Thursday, November 28 through January 1

5-10 PM @ 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 loved ones in a special way. Santa Claus will visit on Mondays 5-8 PM through Christmas. Visit Hillcrest-FS.org.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – The Musical

Friday & Saturday, November 29-30

7:30 PM @ 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. It’s up to the Bradleys and the reverend to help their community see the Christmas story and the Herdman kids through new eyes in this musical adaptation of the holiday classic. All ages. See website for December performances. Visit TheGrandOperaHouse.com.

Christmas on the Square

Saturday, November 30

10 AM-7 PM @ Cable Car Square

The day includes shopping on Cable Car Square with Christmas carolers. Hot chocolate, adult beverages, and food trucks beginning at 5 PM. Joie Wails, BK Music, and Brion and Chrystina Bowman will perform at 5 PM to include fire twirling. Visit Facebook.com/CableCarSquare.

A Johnny & June Country Christmas

Saturday, November 30

7 PM @ Ohnward Fine Arts Center (Maquoketa, IA)

Featuring the music of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. Come and hear great songs like “I Walk the Line,” “Ring of Fire,” “A Boy Named Sue,” as well as June Carter Cash hits including “Jackson,” and many more. Visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.

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