There is something magical about a live performance, and those in the tri-state area are fortunate to have a wide variety of opportunities to experience the arts in person. From classical music, to plays, comedies, ballets, and holiday festivities, four major cultural organizations provide something to enchant just about every audience.
The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra
The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra (DSO)’s 2025–26 concert season, Soundscapes, opens the weekend of October 4th, inviting audiences to experience the orchestra’s power to paint vivid musical landscapes that resonate with the heart, mind, and soul.
Highlights of the season include orchestral masterpieces such as Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, Sibelius’ Finlandia and Symphony No. 1, Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, Barber’s Violin Concerto, and the monumental Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, featuring a massive choir and vocal soloists in the season finale.
The upcoming season also features an impressive lineup of world-class soloists, including the return of acclaimed cellist Zuill Bailey as Artist-in-Residence. Bailey will perform a new cello concerto by Dubuque native Michael Gilbertson and take part in a variety of community outreach events. Also joining the DSO on stage throughout the season are Grammy award-winning pianist Michelle Cann, violinist and former DSO Concertmaster Eleanor Bartsch, and vocalists Megan Gloss, Amanda Hauta, Iris Allen, and Álvaro Ramírez.
In addition to the Classics Series and season finale, audiences can look forward to annual Holiday Concerts, DSO Rocks! and Summer Melodies. Newly added this season are innovative chamber music concerts held at unique venues throughout Dubuque, including an October 16 performance at Convivium Urban Farmstead. These intimate performances will showcase soloists from within the DSO.
Season tickets offer the best seats at the best prices. To purchase, call 563-557-1677 or stop in the DSO office at 2728 Asbury Rd. (lower level of the Atrium building in Fountain Park). Open Mondays-Thursdays from 10 AM – 4 PM. Single tickets are available at venue box office or online at DubuqueSymphony.org.
The Bell Tower Theater
The Bell Tower Theater has great comedy and music all year long. They finish out 2025 with rollicking and fast-paced The Second-to-Last Chance Ladies League (October). Tired of the same old Christmas shows? Check out Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) in December.
The Bell Tower Theater’s newly announced 2026 Season includes five hilarious Subscription Series Shows, and two Youth Shows. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, enjoy Fortune, a witty and charming comedy about tempting fate. In April, Roommates shows that even a best friend can outstay their welcome.
The kids take over in the summer with two new shows. She Kills Monsters: Young Adventures Edition is a high-octane dramatic comedy filled with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture set in the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Charlie & the Chocolate Factory TYA Version is a modern spin on the Roald Dahl classic.
In August, Love…Or Best Offer mixes online dating and very bad advice from friends for a hilarious result. Keep watching for the yet-to-be-announced fall comedy in October 2026. The season closes with The Night Before the Night Before Christmas.
2026 Season Tickets are just $100 per person for five Subscription Series Shows plus $10 to spend at the concession stand. Visit BelltowerTheater.net for details.
The Grand Opera House
The Grand Opera House’s 2025-2026 season consists of a variety of plays, musicals, and ballets that will feature talented area residents both on and offstage. A new comedic adaptation of the classic monster story, Dracula—A Comedy of Terror, takes the stage in October. This lightning-fast, laugh-out-loud romp is like taking Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire tale and putting it into a blender with Mel Brooks and Monty Python.
Ring in the holidays with two exciting productions! Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas will warm the hearts of audience members of all ages. Dubuque City Youth Ballet’s annual Christmas tradition, The Nutcracker, features whirling Snowflakes and waltzing Flowers as Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker battle the dreadful Mouse King in a nightmare that becomes a beautiful dream.
The season continues in the new year with the theatre for young audiences’ production of Nate the Great. Based on the classic children’s book series, this musical is suited for the youngest of theatregoers. The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, a hilarious whodunit play, takes the stage in March. Following that, The Heartland Ballet presents the enchanting and comic ballet Coppélia.
Two musical co-productions with Rising Star Theatre Company finish the season. The timeless songs of ABBA serve as the backdrop to Mamma Mia! in June. Finally, head on down to Bikini Bottom for the annual youth production, The SpongeBob Musical, in July.
For tickets visit TheGrandOperaHouse.com or contact the box office from noon – 4pm Monday through Friday at 563.588.1305 or in person.
Ohnward Fine Arts Center
The Ohnward Fine Arts Center in Maquoketa features a variety of performances to wrap up 2025.
On October 18, The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute from Las Vegas comes to the Center. This is a high-energy show from Nashville, TN that recreates Garth’s greatest hits with world-class musicians. Shawn Gerhard is an unrivaled celebration of Garth Brooks’ music and has ignited crowds across the country.
Kicking off the holiday season is The Ozark Jubilee’s – Branson Country Christmas on November 29. Direct from Branson the OZARK JUBILEE features an all-star cast of Branson’s top entertainers. This year presenting, “An All New Christmas Show”, With new music and new jokes, but the same, world class talent that you have come to expect! This year the OZARK JUBILEE will be honoring and paying tribute to our veterans and thanking them for their service. The show features a variety of Christmas music from traditional standards such as Silent Night, White Christmas to more contemporary selections.
You can ring in the new year on December 31with On Fire, The Jerry Lee Lewis Story featuring David Brooks. David will reprise his iconic performance as Jerry Lee Lewis from “The Million Dollar Quartet.” David is Branson’s favorite piano man performer. He captivates audiences with his brash style and bold presence on stage. This two-hour production will leave you breathless as Brooks brings The Killer to life. Fronting his live band with his familiar brand of in-your-face talent and unforgettable style.
For tickets call 563-652-9815 or online at OhnwardFineArtscenter.com. Box office hours are 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Monday through Friday.
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