Easter Egg Hunt Outdoors
Monday, April 1
Mines of Spain, John & Alice Butler Trail, 8991 Bellevue Heights Rd.
Get outside with the family during the holiday weekend in search of hidden eggs near EB Lyons. After finding eggs, please leave them in their original location for the next family on their search for eggs. Visit MinesofSpain.org.
Author Talk & Discussion: Austin Frerick
Monday, April 1
6-7 PM @ River Lights Bookstore, 1098 Main St.
Join Austin Frerick and staff of Iowa CCI at River Lights Bookstore for a discussion about his new book, Barons, and how we can create a more fair and equitable food system. Admission is free. Visit RiverLights.com.
Dubuque County Reads 2024: The Personal Librarian
April 1 through April 13 @ Various Times & Locations
This is the remarkable story of Belle da Costa Greene, J. P. Morgan’s personal librarian, who became one of the most powerful women in New York despite the dangerous secret she kept to make her dreams come true. The Personal Librarian, by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher, tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go to preserve her carefully crafted identity in the racist world in which she lives. Visit Libguides.dbq.edu/DubuqueCountyReads.
Early Explorers: Fur
Tuesday, April 2
10-11 AM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Programs include a variety of hands-on and active activities, including a craft and a game. Admission for members, $8 per toddler; non-members, $10 per toddler. Ages 2-5 with parent/caregiver. RSVP suggested. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Dubuque Area Humanists Social Hour
Wednesday, April 3
6 PM @ Backpocket Dubuque, 333 E. 10th St.
Enjoy a craft beer and join the Dubuque Area Humanists for lively, informed discussions centered around values, philosophy, and life experiences. Admission is free. Visit Facebook.com/DubuqueAreaHumanists.
Distinctively Dubuque
Wednesday, April 3 & 10
5:30-8:30 PM @ Varied Locations in Dubuque
Distinctively Dubuque is a five-night course hosted by high-energy presenters with in-depth knowledge of the Greater Dubuque area and is designed for individuals who are new to the region within the last five years. Location for each course varies. Admission is free. Visit GreaterDubuque.org/Live-Here/Distinctively-Dubuque.
YoGala 2024
Thursday, April 4
6-9 PM @ Hotel Julien Dubuque
YoGala is a celebration of yoga and mindfulness helping to support education and brain health in our Tri-State community. Join for a night of live music, a cash bar, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and more—all while making tax-deductible donations to help support Mindful Minutes for Schools. Admission: $75. Visit Bit.ly/YoGala2024.
The SpongeBob Musical
Thursday through Saturday, April 4-6, 7 PM
Sunday, April 7, 2 PM @ George Washington Middle School Roling Auditorium
The Visual and Performing Arts organization at Washington Middle School brings more than 150 middle school students together to perform on stage and work behind the scenes to produce The SpongeBob Musical. The show is approximately two hours and includes one 15-minute intermission. Tickets available on March 11 or at the door. Admission: $12. Visit Seatyourself.biz/gwms.
Prairie’d Primer
Friday-Sunday, April 5-7
9 AM-4 PM @ Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts, 18 Shake Rag St. (Mineral Point, WI)
In this immersive art experience, you will be creating a storied art journal using elementary binding principles that will create a quaint fragility to your book. You will explore cyanotype printing on fabric and distress your favorite fabrics to give them a forever-loved look and feel. Mindfully create pages with hand-sewn details and art marks of your own. Visit ShakeRagAlley.org.
Silver Saddles
Friday, April 5 & 19
10:30-11:30 AM @ Shenandoah Riding Center, 200 N. Brodrecht Rd. (Galena, IL)
The Silver Saddles program contains many elements to allow a relaxing bonding experience between the horses and the seniors. Individuals 55+ are invited to brush the horses, groom them, feed them treats, and lead them around the property. Admission:
$25. Visit ShenandoahRidingCenter.com.
Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Sound Bites Luncheon
Friday, April 5
11:30 AM–1 PM @ Dubuque Golf & Country Club
Enjoy a lunch buffet followed by insightful commentary by Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Maestro William Intrilligator and the concert guest artist, Terence Tam. RSVP by April 3. Visit DubuqueSymphony.org.
First Friday/Sequel Saturday ft. Jonathan and Allison Metzger
Friday & Saturday, April 5-6
Friday 4:30-7:30 PM, Saturday 10 AM-12 PM @ Outside the Lines Art Gallery
Outside the Lines features a different artist each month for the First Friday Art Walks and is excited to feature Des Moines artists Jonathan and Allison Metzger at the gallery’s Dubuque location. They will be demonstrating their screen-printing technique. This is a relaxed, family-friendly opportunity to visit the artists of our community and learn a little about how they make their art. For more information, contact otlag@aol.com.
100 Years of Hank
Friday, April 5
7:30 PM @ University of Dubuque Heritage Center John and Alice Butler Hall
Jason Petty, acclaimed for his portrayal of Hank Williams in the off-Broadway musical Lost Highway, continues to captivate audiences with his authentic rendition of Williams’s classics. Don’t miss Petty and his band pay tribute to Hank and his influences. Admission: $30+. Visit DubuqueArtsCouncil.com.
Josh Blue
Friday, April 5
8 PM @ Diamond Jo Casino Mississippi Moon Bar
After his groundbreaking win on Last Comic Standing in 2006, Blue has risen through the ranks to become a well-established headliner at venues throughout the world. His stand-up routine is in a constant state of evolution and his off-the-cuff improvisational skills guarantee that no two shows are alike. Blue represented the United States as a member of the U.S. Paralympic Soccer Team. Admission is free. Ages 21+. Visit MoonBarRocks.com.
Dubuque Largest Flea Market & Garage Sale
Saturday, April 6
8 AM-3 PM @ Tri-State Independent Blind Society, 1068 Cedar Cross Rd.
Browse more than 100 tables full of great items at the garage sale/flea market plus baked goods, direct sales, crafts, and more. Visit DSDelights-101810.square.site.
Dubuque Winter Farmers Market
Saturdays, through April 27
9 AM-12 PM @ Kennedy Mall West Concourse
Over 30 regional vendors offer seasonal produce, eggs, meats, cheeses, honey, maple syrup, starter plants, herbs, baked goods, and more. Market Tokens are available for purchase at the Winter Market Information Booth. Bring your own reusable shopping bags and drop off clean egg cartons, glass canning/mason jars (only), and plastic grocery bags. Visit WinterMarketDBQ.com.
Platteville Winter Farmer’s Market
Saturday, April 6 & 20
9 AM-12 PM @ Rountree Gallery, 120 W. Main St. (Platteville, WI)
Find homegrown and handmade products from fresh produce and prepared food, to stained glass and bath bombs. Visit PlattevilleFarmersMarketWI.com.
Cracker Barrel Legislative Forum
Saturday, April 6
9:45 AM @ Diamond Jo Casino
Members of the Dubuque delegation to the state legislature will provide updates from Des Moines and answer questions. Admission is free. Visit Facebook.com/DBQWIN.
Becoming an Outdoor Woman
Saturday, April 6
10-11:30 AM @ EB Lyons Interpretive Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights Rd.
Join other like-minded women for a day of learning outdoor education skills and topics. RSVP required. Visit MinesofSpain.org.
1933 Speakeasy Murder Mystery
Saturday, April 6 & 13
5:30-9 PM @ Sundown Mountain Resort
It’s March 22, 1933, and Tiffany “Gold” Digger’s guests want to know: Was her dead husband, Sterling Digger’s, career as an archeologist on the level? Was his death an accident? What will his friends dig up when they gather at The Cellars Speakeasy to drink a toast to his days on earth? Was it foul play? And if it was, will the killer get away with it? Includes dinner, cash bar, and a chance to guess whodunnit. Admission: $75. Visit DieLaughingMurderMystery.com.
Dubuque Fighting Saints Hockey
April 6, 12 & 13
7:05 PM @ ImOn Arena
The arena is rocking this exciting season of USHL Hockey. Visit DubuqueFightingSaints.com.
Public Overnight
Saturday & Sunday, April 6-7
6 PM-8:30 AM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Now’s your chance to participate in a unique scout overnight experience without the required minimum number of scouts to make it happen. Participate in a scavenger hunt, animal program, hands-on science program, a movie, breakfast, and more. Admission: $50. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Dubuque Symphony Orchestra: Classics 5
Saturday & Sunday, April 6-7
Saturday, 7:30 PM; Sunday, 2 PM @ Five Flags Theater
Terence Tam returns to perform Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto. Don’t miss the sensational finale of this powerful symphony as it concludes the DSO’s 65th Anniversary Classics Series. Saturday evening concert attendance includes entry to the post-concert Encore Reception at Five Flags. Enjoy refreshments and visit with DSO musicians. Visit DubuqueSymphony.org.
Cinderella
Saturday, April 6 & 13, 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 7 &14, 2 PM @ 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. The enduring rags-to-princess story offers the promise of “happily ever after” with a dose of humor mixed with the majesty of classic ballet. Heartland Ballet’s exquisite production is sure to enchant audiences of all ages. Admission: $25, adults; $18, 17 and under. Visit TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
DBQ Bridal Expo Spring 2024
Sunday, April 7
11 AM–3 PM @ Five Flags Arena
Now in its third year, the DBQ Bridal Expo strives to be an accessible and affordable event for all bridal-focused businesses in and around the Tri-State area. Vendors offer traditional and alternative options for any couple at all stages of their engagement. Exhibitors include attire, jewelry, makeup/hair, venues, hotels, travel, decor, DJs, musicians, photography, videography, photo booths, planning, stationary, favors and gifts, catering, bakery/desserts, wineries/breweries, florists, officiants, rentals, and more. Visit DbqBridalExpo.PlanningPod.com.
Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Musical Musings
Sunday, April 7
1 PM @ Five Flags Theater
Prior to each Sunday Classics Concert, Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Maestro William Intriligator gives a pre-concert lecture. Admission is free. Visit DubuqueSymphony.org.
Boxing Squirrels & Taxidermy Collection
Sunday, April 7
5-6 PM @ The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums, 405 E. Main St. (Platteville, WI)
In Fall 2023, the museum collections team worked with Conservator Terry Brown to learn how to clean and preserve the museum’s taxidermy collection. Collections Manager Christina Grev illustrates the process of testing these specimens for heavy metals, cleaning the mounts, and restoring our 1917 golden eagle and the famous boxing squirrels. Admission: $4 or $20 for the entire lecture series. Visit Mining.Jamison.Museum/Programs.
Beginner’s Level Class Portrait Drawing Workshop
Tuesdays, April 9-30
1-3 PM @ Galena ARC Art Studio, 11084 W US HWY 20 (Galena, IL)
This is a beginner portrait drawing class. Learn techniques to draw eyes, noses, mouths, and hair, then create a proportional face. You will learn how to use drawing tools to achieve realistic effects. Must bring your own supplies. Admission: $85. Visit GalenaArc.org.
Toastmasters Speakeasy Club
Wednesday, April 10 & 24
6:30–7:45 PM @ Dubuque County Library Asbury Branch (Asbury, IA)
Develop your public speaking and leadership skills. This safe and fun environment will help you become a more skilled and confident speaker. Each meeting will have a few prepared speeches, time to practice your ability to think on your feet with short, improvised speeches, and feedback to guide growth. Admission is free. Visit Facebook.com/ToastmastersSpeakeasyClub.
Churchill, Manitoba – Past & Present
Thursday, April 11
6-7 PM @ EB Lyons Interpretive Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights Rd.
Dubuque Audubon board members Maggie O’Connell, Bob Walton, and Sandy Walton will speak about their 1986 and 2019 trips to Churchill, Manitoba. Churchill is known as the polar bear and beluga whale capital of the world, and is considered a bird watcher and aurora borealis viewing paradise. The program will focus on excerpts from a 1986 canoeing and camping trip on the Churchill River, which ended with a stay in the town of Churchill, as well as their 2019 stay in the modern Churchill of today. Hosted by Dubuque Audubon Society. Admission is free. Visit AudubonDubuque.org.
City Life
Thursdays, April 11 through May 16
6-9 PM @ Various Locations in Dubuque
City Life is the City of Dubuque’s fun, free, and interactive course on local government. By participating in City Life, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the operations and services that make Dubuque a great place to live. Through presentations, tours, and conversations with neighbors you’ll see taxpayer investments at work and be able to share your thoughts. The City Life program consists of six in-person sessions. Dinner is provided, and accommodations can be arranged. Admission is free. Visit CityofDubuque.org/CityLife.
Musical Menus: Sound & Screen
Friday & Saturday, April 12-13
6 PM @ Clarke University Wahlert Atrium and Jansen Music Hall
Musical Menus features Clarke alumni, faculty, and students in this cabaret-style program. The event will begin with hors d’oeuvres followed by the musical entrée in Jansen Music Hall. Visit Clarke.edu/ArtsatClarke.
Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery
April 12, 13, 18-20, 25, 26, 7:30 PM
April 14, 21, 27, 28, 2 PM @ Bell Tower Theater
Holmes and Watson are on the case in this fast-paced comedy mystery. The world’s greatest detective must solve the case of The Hound of the Baskervilles before a family curse dooms its newest heir. Watch as they try to escape a dizzying web of deceit, silly accents, and disguises. Can our heroes discover the truth in time in this wildly funny comedy? Thursday night performance is “Girl’s Night Out,” and everyone will get a free glass of wine before the show. Admission: $12-$24. Visit BellTowerTheater.net.
Sex n’ the City: A (Super Unauthorized) Musical Parody
Friday, April 12
7:30 PM @ Five Flags Theater
Everyone’s favorite New York City singles are bringing their city scene to the Five Flags Theater stage. Sex n’ the City tackles serious topics like “Will I ever find the one?,” “Can you ever really be over your ex?,” and “For the third time, it’s a neck massager!” Take a trip to the Big Apple, and join Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha on a hilarious trip through New York in the 1990s. Admission: $32-$69. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Charlie Berens: Good Old Fashioned Tour
Saturday, April 13
5 PM and 8 PM @ Five Flags Arena
Charlie Berens is a comedian, New York Times best-selling author, Emmy-winning journalist, musician, and creator of the Manitowoc Minute. The Wisconsin native has been featured on Comedy Central, Fox, CBS, Funny or Die, TBS, Variety, MTV News, and more. He creates weekly content for his various social platforms and has amassed over 7.5 million followers. Admission: $29.50+. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Picturing Dubuque Baseball Symposium
Saturday & Sunday, April 13-14 @ Hotel Julien Dubuque
A two-day symposium inspired by Picturing Dubuque Baseball. Session topics include the history of baseball in Dubuque and Iowa, the negro leagues, umpiring in the major leagues, memorabilia, and more. Tour the historic baseball sites in the Dubuque area, Dubuque Museum of Art exhibition, and visit the Field of Dreams. Visit DBQart.org.
Horse Play
10:30-11:30 AM @ Shendandoah Riding Center, 200 N. Brodrecht Rd. (Galena, IL)
This is a great experience for those who want to interact with horses without having to get into the saddle or ride in an outdoor environment. Over the course of your visit, we will engage in several different horse-related activities: groom, tack, and lead the horses around the property. Admission: $25. Visit ShenandoahRidingCenter.com.
Afternoon Tea: Children’s Garden Party
Sunday, April 14
1-3 PM @ Mathias Ham Historic Site
Bring the kids to this springtime tea. Herbs or flowers will be planted for them to take home. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with a garden theme. Enjoy an assortment of finger sandwiches, treats, and a variety of teas or lemonade. Admission for members: $10-$20; non-members, $15-$25. Visit Rivermuseum.org/Ham/Hamsite.
Museum X: Source of the Mississippi River to Dubuque by Canoe
Wednesday, April 17
6-8 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium Journey Theater
Mark and John Wagner recount their journey from Lake Itasca to Dubuque. This presentation features photographs, engaging stories, and valuable insights into their expedition along the Mississippi River. Admission for members is free; non-members, $10. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
She Unites
Wednesday, April 17
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. All are welcome. All are worthy. All belong. Admission is free. Visit SheUnitesIowa.com/events.
Coppersmithing 101
Friday through Sunday, April 19-21
9 AM-4 PM @ Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts, 18 Shake Rag St. (Mineral Point, WI)
Learn how to work with copper and take home four finished pieces. Vickie “Doc” Schertz has been sharing her coppersmithing skills for several years and welcomes beginners as well as those with some experience. You’ll learn how to move, manipulate, and reshape copper. Visit ShakeRagAlley.org.
The Haunted Galena Conference
Friday & Saturday, April 19-20
4-11:30 PM @ DeSoto House Hotel, 230 S Main St. (Galena, IL)
Embrace the darkness with Haunted Galena Tour Company at the haunted DeSoto House Hotel. The Haunted Galena Conference features speakers and workshops on hauntings, dark history, ghosts, mediumship, and various aspects of the paranormal. You will get to experience specialty exhibitors and vendors. There are also optional special after-hours events, including paranormal investigations with regional research group Transcendent Paranormal Society. Admission: $70 for weekend-long event.
Visit HauntedGalena.com.
Asian Pork Buns Class
Friday, April 19
6-7:30 PM @ Galena ARC, 11084 W US HWY 20 (Galena, IL)
Celebrate Earth Day and spring by learning to make these yummy Asian buns filled with a delicious pork filling and sauce for dipping. Each person will need to bring a baking/ cookie sheet pan with edges and a small 6-ounce jar with lid. Admission: $45. Visit GalenaArc.org.
Girls Night: The Musical
Friday, April 19
7:30 PM @ Five Flags Theater
Share the fun and laughter at this hilarious, feel-good comedy as five girlfriends go from heartbreak to happiness during a wild night of karaoke. This touching and hilarious “tell-it-like-it-is” musical takes audiences on a journey into the lives of a group of female friends. Admission: $32+. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Git Hoan Dancers: People of the Salmon, Tsimshian
Friday, April 19
7:30 PM @ University of Dubuque Heritage Center John and Alice Butler Hall
Git Hoan Dancers: People of the Salmon, Tsimshian – Representing Indigenous People of the Pacific Northwest showcases the culture of the Tsimshian Tribe from Metlakatla, AK. The performance is filled with stunning, hand-carved masks, authentic skin and wood drums, and colorful, hand-made regalia emblazoned with symbols of the culture. Admission: $20-$29. Visit Dbq.edu/HeritageCenter.
Mary Poppins
Friday & Saturday, April 19-20, 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 21, 2 PM @ The Grand Opera House
Everyone’s favorite practically perfect nanny takes the stage in this musical adventure presented by Wahlert Catholic High School. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, and even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny. All ages. Admission: $15-$17. Visit TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
Kiwanis River Trail Run
Saturday, April 20
8 AM-12 PM @ Depot Park, 91 Bouthillier St. (Galena, IL)
The Kiwanis Club of Galena invites you to sign up for their annual Run for the Parks with proceeds benefiting the parks in Galena Country’s Community. Runners and walkers will travel south along the trail and the backwaters of the Mississippi River on an out-and-back trail course. All registered participants receive a racing shirt, bib numbers, and pins. There will be prizes for the overall winners in each race. Admission: March 1-April 18, $45; day of race, $50. Visit KiwanisClubofGalena.com.
Three-Dimensional Wet-Felted Bird Pods
Saturday & Sunday, April 20-21
Saturday, 9 AM-4 PM; Sunday, 9 AM-12 PM @ Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts, 18 Shake Rag St. (Mineral Point, WI)
Explore the process of wet-felting around balloons to create hollow vessels for bowls, bird pods, or anything else you may imagine. We will explore felting over a resist, creating texture with bamboo, silk, flax, wool locks and nepps, angelina, as well as various specialty wool and yarns. On day two we embellish your vessel by needle felting in accents and locks, rolling wool-roping, and putting the final touches on your finished product. Instructor: Terri Wolf. Visit ShakeRagAlley.org.
Party for the Planet
Saturday, April 20
10 AM-2 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Help us celebrate Earth Day and all the great things about our planet. The day will be filled with fun activities and exhibitors such as our sponsor, Southwest Tech’s Sustainable Energy Management Program, Wagner Nursery and their Yellow Birch Sapling donation, and celebration of the 100th anniversary of the USFWS. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Adult Horse Camp
Saturday & Sunday, April 20-21
10 AM-1 PM @ Shenandoah Riding Center, 200 N. Brodrecht Rd. (Galena, IL)
Feeling a bit jealous of your child or grandchild having fun at camp? Interested in learning to ride but not sure if it’s really for you? Learn how to approach a horse, halter, tie, groom, tack up, and the very basics of riding. We also touch on equipment, how much horses cost, and daily needs of the animals. Class size is small and very hands on. This camp includes riding. Age 21+. Admission: $125. Visit ShenandoahRidingCenter.com.
Pocket Poems
Saturday, April 20
10:30 AM-12:30 PM @ River Lights Bookstore, 1098 Main St.
A poetry on-demand experience. Give us a prompt, give us 15 minutes, and walk away with an original poem written on an actual typewriter. Visit RiverLights.com.
Clarkefest
Saturday, April 20
4 PM @ Clarke University, 1550 Clarke Dr.
The fourth annual Clarkefest is an outdoor festival celebrating the end of the year at Clarke. The jazz ensemble, Melos Singers, and other area guest performers fill the street with sounds during this carnival-like event. Visit Clarke.edu/ArtsatClarke.
The Neverly Brothers Rock n’ Roll Tribute
Saturday, April 20
7 PM @ Ohnward Fine Arts Center, 1215 E. Platt St. (Maquoketa, IA)
The Neverly Brothers concerts take you on a guided musical virtual tour of the birth, near death, and resurrection of rock n’ roll from 1955 to 1965. You’ll learn rock history and be thoroughly entertained with their chronological song sequence, stories behind the music, and vintage wardrobe changes. Admission: $25-$28, adults; $15-$18, ages 18 and younger. Visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.
Free Fallin’ – The Tom Petty Experience
Saturday, April 20
8 PM @ Five Flags Center
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers’ music has become the soundtrack for the 20th century and beyond. Free Fallin’ has been performing Petty’s music internationally for more than 16 years, evolving into a complete and spectacular live music production. Their show, featuring all of Petty’s hits, re-creates the authentic experience of a Tom Petty concert.
Mary’s & Mimosas: A Sunday Funday Brunchfest
Sunday, April 21
10 AM-1 PM @ Steeple Square, 101 E. 15th St.
Join us for a fabulous Sunday Funday at Steeple Square, including mouthwatering samples, refreshing drinks, a casual fashion show, and live music by Kristina Marie Casteneda. Tickets include three mimosas and food samples from the vendors. Full cash bar available for Bloody Mary’s and other drinks. All proceeds benefit Steeple Square. Admission: $45-$50. Visit Eventbrite.com/e/804204696897.
Beauty and The Beast
Sunday, April 21
1 PM @ University of Dubuque Heritage Center John and Alice Butler Hall
A talking teapot, an enchanted rose, and a talking clock…it could only be Beauty and the Beast. The Panto Company USA brings the beloved musical to life with comic banter and lavish dance routines, providing impressive festive entertainment for all ages. Join all your favorite characters to find out in this unforgettable and magical adventure. Admission: $29. Visit Dbq.edu/HeritageCenter.
Julien Winds and Clarke Wind Ensemble
Sunday, April 21
2 PM @ Clarke University Jansen Music Hall
This concert includes wind works that are based on visual art. The performance opens with the wind-band standard Scenes from the Louvre by Norman Dello Joio. It will also feature Jeff Tyzik’s Images, as well as Steven Danyew’s This World Alive with video. We will end with a band arrangement of Mussorgsky’s musical painting, The Great Gate of Kiev. Visit Clarke.edu/ArtsatClarke.
Julien Dubuque International Film Festival
Wednesday through Sunday, April 24-28
@ Downtown Dubuque
Independent films, including documentaries, features, and shorts, will be screened in venues throughout downtown Dubuque, as well as special panels and evening events. Join directors, producers, actors, and filmmakers as they showcase their films and are available for Q&As. Visit JulienFilmFest.com.
Photo and Encaustic: Into the Blues
Thursday through Sunday, April 25-28
9 AM-4 PM @ Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts, 18 Shake Rag St. (Mineral Point, WI)
This workshop is designed for both painters and photographers interested in gaining new skills and pushing boundaries of their studio practice through the combination of encaustic, collage, and photography. Demonstrations introduce you to the basics of encaustic painting and digital printing. You will explore ways to further alter your photographic images through a series of markings and underpainting combined with monochromatic imagery that borrows from the look and feel of traditional cyanotypes. Instructor: Sarah Rehmer. Visit ShakeRagAlley.org.
Independent Bookstore Day
Saturday, April 27
9 AM-4 PM @ River Light Bookstore, 1098 Main St.
Celebrating independent bookstores across America. We’ll have book discounts, enter to win prizes, refreshments, exclusive book swag only available on Independent Bookstore Day. Visit RiverLights.com.
Mending Hearts: Stitching Recycled Fibers Into Sculpture
Saturday, April 27
9 AM-4 PM @ Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts, 18 Shake Rag St. (Mineral Point, WI)
This workshop explores trauma, loss, hopes, and dreams. You will create 3-D fiber sculptures through wrapping and meditative stitches. Thread, needle, and fabric become vehicles that aid the repair of our lost and broken hearts. Learn to transform personal grief and longing into powerful pieces of art. You are encouraged to bring broken objects, keepsakes, or souvenirs you would like to place inside the heart. Instructor: Lorraine Reynolds. Visit ShakeRagAlley.org.
Grant’s Home Front Reenactment & Encampment
Saturday & Sunday, April 27-28
9 AM-4 PM @ Depot Park, Galena River Levee, 91 Bouthillier St. (Galena, IL)
Experience life in the 1860s through a living history encampment and Civil War battle. Enjoy the Sanitary Fair with beautiful handmade items for sale. This is a family friendly event with the chance to interact with re-enactors portraying both military and civilians in the 1860s during the war. Meet General Grant and his staff, see a medical demonstration, and have your child “drill” with the troops. Battles: Saturday,11:30 AM; Sunday, 1:30 PM. Admission: ages 12+, $5. Visit TriStateHistoricalPresentations.BlogSpot.com.
SheShed Fest
Sunday, April 28
10 AM–3 PM @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds
Shop over 100 Tri-State area makers, artisans, crafters, upcyclers, bakers, and antiquers. Admission: $5. Visit Facebook.com/JodiandKT.
DB&T Days
Sunday, April 28
10 AM-4 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Dubuque Bank & Trust members will receive a 35% discount at the box office on select days through May 2024. Just pay with your DB&T debit or credit card OR show customer proof, and you’ll receive the discount at the door. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Readings Under the Influence
Tuesday, April 30
7 PM @ Smokestack, 62 E. 7th St.
RUI is a themed, interactive live and local arts showcase. Sometimes it’s edgy, sometimes sweet, sometimes controversial, sometimes downright vicious, but always artful. RUI also loves audience participation, and they love giving away their infamous “Burden Prizes,” so prepare for nerdy, wordy trivia outbursts between readings as well as a shots-infused volunteerish interactive audience participation game. Admission is free. Visit Facebook.com/RUIDBQ.
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