Dubuque County Fair
Tuesday through Sunday, July 28-August 2
@ Dubuque County Fairgrounds
Visit DbqFair.com.
The SpongeBob Musical
Thursday through Sunday, July 30-August 9
@ The Grand Opera House
When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt anddestroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. The annual youth production features area students. See website for show times. Visit TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
Dubuque Farmers’ Market
Saturdays through October 31
7 AM-12 PM @ Iowa Street from 11th to 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.
Whimsical Stitching: Prairie Blooms
Sunday, August 2
1-4 PM @ Bluff Strokes Art Center
Learn and practice a straight stitch, stem stitch, cross stitch, lazy daisy, and French knots with an instructor-designed prairie bloom sampler. Ages middle school+. Visit Bluffstrokes.org.
Open Studio
Mondays and Tuesdays, August 3 through December 28
Mondays, 1-4 PM; Tuesdays, 5:30-8:30 PM @ Bluff Strokes Art Center
Open studio, drop-in only; no instruction. Bring your own materials. Adults must accompany children who need guidance. Visit Bluffstrokes.org.
Summer Camp: Living History
Thursday through Saturday, August 4-6
8 AM-4 PM @ Mathias Ham House
Through hands-on activities and simulations, campers will live the history of Westward Expansion, the Victorian era, the Driftless Area, early settlers of Dubuque, and life along the Mississippi River. Grades 1 to 5. Registration required. Visit RiverMuseum.org/summer-camps.
Wild West Wednesdays
Wednesday, August 5, 12, 19 & 26
7-11 PM @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds
Come for country dance music and fun. All ages. Visit DBQFair.com.
Taste of Summer
Thursday, August 6
4:30-10 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
The family-favorite summer food and music festival returns. Come on down to the boatyard after hours to enjoy music along with local and regional food options. All ages. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
First Fridays
Friday, August 7
@ 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.
Art on the River Grand Opening Reception
Friday, August 7
5-7 PM @ Grand River Center Patio
Enjoy music, a short program, and the opportunity to explore new sculptures spanning the length of the Mississippi Riverwalk. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served with a cash bar available. Visit CityofDubuque.org/AOTR.
Steppin’ It Up
Saturday, August 8
8:30 AM @ Crescent Community Health Center
5k /one mile walk/run. Registration opens at 7:30 AM. Proceeds benefit the Crescent Community Health Clinic. No dogs allowed. Visit CrescentCHC.org.
DBQFest Arts Festival
Saturday and Sunday, August 8-9
Saturday, 10 AM–7 PM; Sunday, 10 AM–4 PM @ Washington Park
The free two-day event welcomes thousands of visitors each year to experience a juried art fair, live music and performances, food vendors, and interactive arts activities for all ages. Visit DbqFest.com.
Millwork Night Market
Thursday, August 13
5-8 PM @ Jackson Street from 7th to 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.
Food Festival Fridays
Second & Fourth Fridays, August 14-September 26
11 AM–1 PM @ Washington Park and on 2nd Fridays
@ Pocket Park on 4th Fridays.
More food. More music. More reasons to head downtown. Food Festival Fridays is expanding by bringing you two chances every month through September to step away for lunch, gather with friends, and enjoy the best local food trucks and musicians. Visit DubuqueMainStreet.org.
Rick Lindy: Salute to Roy Orbison
Saturday, August 15
7 PM @ Ohnward Fine Arts (Makoqueta, IA)
Versatile vocalist Rick Lindy from Chicago and his dynamic band perform the hits of the legendary Roy Orbison. Lindy sings using his four-octave vocal range backed by some of the nation’s best musicians. Visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.
Illuminate – A Spotlight on our Future
Saturday, August 15
7:30 @ The Grand Opera House
This event brings together local talent for a one-night-only concert featuring unforgettable songs, show-stopping voices, and inspiring stories that highlight the impact of The Grand in the community. From Broadway favorites to beloved classics, this event will showcase the artistry, creativity, and passion that have made The Grand a cultural cornerstone for generations. Visit TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
Music in the Gardens
Sunday, August 16
6-8 PM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
The Arboretum has filled the grounds with free, family music every summer since 1991. Bring a chair or a blanket. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
Distinctively Dubuque
Wednesdays, August 19 through September 16
5:30-8:30 PM @ Various Dubuque Locations
This is a free, five-night interactive course designed to connect newcomers with one another and their new hometown. Visit Bit.Ly/DD_Registration, or call (563) 557-9049.
4th Annual Alzheimer’s Social
Friday, August 21
5-9 PM @ Happy’s Place
Join Team Stonehill in a fundraiser for the Dubuque Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This is a social night out with a silent auction, raffle drawings, and music. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. For more information, call Halle Nichols at (563) 690-9643.
On the Job with PAW Patrol
Saturday, August 22
10 AM–2 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
This event is held alongside the summer exhibit, PAW Patrol: Adventure Play!, and highlights real-life community heroes who inspire the beloved PAW Patrol characters. Enjoy hands-on activities and interactive experiences designed to connect with local professionals, explore a variety of career paths, and build a stronger sense of community. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Summer’s Last Blast
Friday and Saturday, August 28-29
@ Back Waters AMP
Check out the website for additional information to come. Visit BackWatersAMP.com.
Old 20 Market: Fall Edition
Sunday, August 30
10 AM–3 PM @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds
Shop curated handmade and upcycled items from some of the best makers, artisans, crafters, upcyclers, bakers, and antiquers from across the Tri-State area. Visit FB.com/JodiAndKT.
Read Julien’s Journal, CHOICES For Fifty Plus and Tri-State Home TRENDS from the Comfort of Your Home!
Click Here or call 563.557.7571 to subscribe for convenient delivery to your home or business by mail of all three magazines for one low subscription price.
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