Vintage Torque Fest
Friday and Saturday, May 1-2
Dubuque County Fairgrounds
A weekend of vintage hot rods, motorcycles, rockabilly music, swap meet, hot laps and races, hot rod-themed art and vendors, and a contest for pinup girls. This is a fundraiser for kids with congenital heart defects. Visit VintageTorqueFest.com.
First Fridays
Friday, May 1
@ Various Locations in Dubuque
First Fridays is a free downtown monthly community arts event with open galleries, artists’ studios, and live entertainment. Visit FirstFridaysDubuque.org.
Are You Ready For It: A Taylor Experience
Friday, May 1
7:30 PM @ Five Flags Theater
This event recreates the magic of the Eras Tour in a spectacular, unforgettable show starring Traci Marie as Taylor. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Dubuque Farmers’ Market
Saturdays through October 31
7 AM-12 PM @ Iowa Street from 11th and 13th Streets
Come for a variety of locally grown produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, hand-crafted items, on-site prepared food, and more. Over 125 farmers, bakers, artisans, and makers from within 100 miles. Visit DubuqueFarmersMarket.org.
Echo & Reflections Art Show Gallery Showing
Saturday, May 2
1-4 PM @ Bluff Strokes Art Center
Two Men with One Vision is an upcoming art show presented by Mike Doland and Dave Eischeid. Media exhibits will include oil, acrylic, and watercolor. Visit BluffStrokes.org.
Steven Ho: Not Your Hero Tour
Saturday, May 2
7 PM @ Five Flags Theater
Steven Ho is a former ER Technician turned stand-up comedian and content creator whose comedy brings the wild world of healthcare to the stage and screen. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Open Studio
Mondays, through May 18
1-4 PM @ Bluff Strokes Art Center
Drop-in only, open studio with no instruction. Bring your own materials. Adults must accompany children who need guidance. Visit BluffStrokes.org/Programming.
Teen Art Club
Tuesdays, through May 19
3:15-5:15 PM @ Bluff Strokes Art Center
Teens are welcome to hang out, make art, and make friends. Students can sketch quietly on their own with others, draw or paint, collaborate, and/or plan special projects together. No instruction provided, but staff offer guidance. Visit BluffStrokes.org/Programming.
Wild West Wednesdays
Wednesday, May 6, 13, 20 & 27
7-11 PM @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds
Come for country dance music and fun. All ages. Visit DBQFair.com.
Eco-Friendly Urban Landscapes
Thursday, May 7
6-7:30 PM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Educational Session. Discover sustainable, beautiful alternatives to traditional lawns and learn how eco-friendly landscaping can support wildlife, conserve water, and enhance urban spaces. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
Low Sensory Morning
Saturday, May 9
8:30-10 AM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Across campus at both the Mississippi River Center and the National River Center, the Museum will have limited extra and ambient sounds, no distracting exhibit motions, and KultureCity sensory bags available for checkout at the box offices. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Millwork Night Market
Thursday, May 14
5-8 PM @ Jackson Street between 7th and 9th Streets
The Millwork Night Market is an independent farmers’ market featuring local food, art, and other unique goods, while also providing a unique nightlife experience. Second Thursdays through October 8. Visit MillworkNightMarket.com.
Dubuque Audubon Monthly Program
Thursday, May 14
7-8 PM @ EB Lyons Interpretive Center, Mines of Spain
Jon Stravers, director of Driftless Area Bird Conservation, will present summaries of Red-Shouldered Hawk monitoring conducted each year since 1982, as well as summaries of Cerulean Warbler surveys conducted each year since 2009 in the Effigy Mounds/Yellow River Forest Bird Conservation Area of Northeast Iowa. Visit AudubonDubuque.org.
She Unites Annual Pickleball Tournament
Saturday, May 16
9 AM–3 PM @ Veterans Memorial Park
Grab a partner or register solo and be matched with someone. There’s a competitive division for those who like to play to win, and a recreational division for those who want to play, laugh, and enjoy the day. Spots are limited. Visit SheUnitesIowa.com/Events.
Painting the Iowa Landscape in Pastel
Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17
9 AM-4 PM @ Bluff Strokes Art Center
Each class day begins with a complete pastel painting demonstration. Attending artists will produce a pastel painting using award-winning techniques for textured underpainting in acrylics. During this painting period, the instructor will meet with each student independently to offer critiques and suggestions. Ages 16+. Visit BluffStrokes.org.
The Witch Market
Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17
12-5 PM @ Grand River Center
Inspired by all things witchy, metaphysical, nature, herbalism, gardening, sustainability, and healing, this traditional market and exhibition work to bring together various aspects of witchy works, green healing, nature and supplies, psychic energy, renaissance, couture, and bodyworks. Visit TarotGoddessEvents.com.
Kenny & Dolly Tribute
Saturday, May 16
7 PM @ Ohnward Fine Arts Center (Maquoketa, IA)
Come see award-winning country artists, Alan Turner and Laurie Lynn, perform a musical journey through decades of hits – just the way Kenny and Dolly did it. Visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.
She Unites
Wednesday, May 20
6:30–7:30 PM @ The Innovation Lab
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. Visit SheUnitesIowa.com/Events.
Honey Tasting & Cookie Decorating
Thursday, May 21
6-8 PM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Workshop. Registration required. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
Figure Drawing Open Studio
Thursday, May 21
6-8 PM @ Bluff Strokes Art Center
Experienced figure models, a great space, and a wonderful community. Nude models. No instruction provided. Ages 18+. Visit BluffStrokes.org/Calendar.
Hydrangea 101
Thursday, May 21
6-7 PM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
The Dubuque County Master Gardeners will share expert tips on growing, pruning, and caring for beautiful hydrangeas. Registration required. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
Honeybees & Beekeeping
Thursday, May 28
6-7:30 PM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Come for a sweet and educational evening. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
Native Plant Sale
Thursday, May 28
5-7 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Attend the Annual Native Plant Sale hosted by their conservation programs department. This event will take place in the plaza. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Billy Currington
Friday, May 29
8 PM @ Five Flags Arena
Billy Currington, with special guest Marlon Funaki, has spent nearly two decades topping the music charts, parlaying his rich, emotion-laden tenor and unerring song sense into some of the format’s most memorable hits. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Music in the Gardens
Sunday, May 31
5-7 PM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Relive the soulful sounds of Motown and R&B with The Moods. Bring a chair or a blanket. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
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