Events

Dubuque Area July Activities & Events

Storywalk

July 1-31

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

This month’s Storywalk features the book, Little Bee’s Flower by Jacob Souva. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.

Find Waldo Hunt

July 1-28

All day @ River Lights Bookstore

Pick up a Find Waldo passport at River Lights Bookstore and find Waldo in participating local sites on Main Street, Millwork District, Cable Car Square, and River Harbor. Get 20+ stamps in the passport and be eligible to win a grand prize on July 28 at River Lights from 9 AM-4PM. Visit RiverLights.com.

Summer Camp: Middle School-Wild Survival

Monday & Tuesday, July 1-2

9 AM July 1 through 4 PM July 2 @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium This overnight summer camp provides children entering K-8th grade with engaging, interactive programs during the summer months. Participants must bring a sack lunch and reusable water bottle for full day camps. Campers are divided by grade level. Visit RiverMuseum.org.

Summer Teen Nights

Mondays through Thursdays, through July 31

5:30-8:30 PM @ Multicultural Family Center, 1157 Central Ave.

MFC is the place for teens to hang out and interact in a safe, fun environment that promotes unity, diversity, equity, inclusion, and empowers youth to reach their potential. Teen Nights consists of dinner, field trips, guest speakers, video games, and many other games and activities. Grades 6-12. Visit MFCdbq.org.

Dubuque Fireworks & Airshow

Wednesday, July 3

@ A.Y. McDonald Park

Located in the Hawthorne Street area by A.Y. McDonald Park, plan to get there early for the best spots. Bring blankets, chairs, and coolers, and sit back for an amazing air show in the early evening followed by fireworks display set to music at approximately 9:45 PM. Visit RadioDubuque.com/July3rd.

Heritage Day

Thursday, July 4

9 AM-4 PM @ The Mining and Rollo Jamison Museums, 405 E Main St. (Platteville, WI)

Heritage Day is the annual community celebration of Platteville’s rich history and bright future. Enjoy free special family activities and demonstrations, as well as live music. Mine Tours and Train Rides are available all day via paid registration. Visit Mining.Jamison.Museums/Tours.

Audrey Hammer Ice Cream Social

Thursday, July 4

11 AM-4 PM @ Mathias Ham Historic Site

Visitors can enjoy live music by The Americana Band, and purchase food, cake, and ice cream. Visit RiverMuseum.org/Events.

Galena Independence Day Celebration

Thursday, July 4

2-10 PM @ 101 Green St. (Galena, IL)

Enjoy live entertainment, food, and beverages. Gather at Grant Park for fireworks. Visit KiwanisClubOfGalena.com.

Gary’s Graffiti Nights

Thursdays, through September 12

5-9:30 PM @ Kennedy Mall

Celebrating their 42nd year, cars 1979 and older gather for a 1950s-1960s car show based on American Graffiti with music and door prizes. Visit Facebook.com/GarysGraffitiNights.

East Dubuque Cruisin’ Thursdays

Thursdays, through September 26

5-9 PM @ Sinsinawa Ave. (East Dubuque, IL)

Open to all years, makes, and models of classic, muscle, and unique cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Great food, closed street, open containers, and live music. Visit Facebook.com/EastDubuqueCarShow.

Food Festival Fridays

1st Fridays, through September 6

11:30 AM–1:30 PM @ Washington Park

Join area food vendors in Washington Park for a lunchtime food fest. 365ink Magazine brings the perfect side dish to your chicken sandwich, pizza, or coffee–local, live music. Hosted by Dubuque Main Street. Visit DubuqueMainStreet.com.

Dubuque Museum of Art Craft Invitational

Saturdays, through October 13

Visit DbqArt.org.

Ski Bellevue

Saturdays, July 6 & 20

6 PM and 4 PM, respectively @ South of Lock 12 on Riverview Street (Bellevue, IA)

Ski Bellevue is a water ski show team. Check them out north of Lock 12 for practice or south of Lock 12 for one of their shows featuring bare footing, jumping, human pyramids, glittery costumes, and music. Visit Facebook.com/SkiBellevue.

Cascade Rockin’ on the River

Saturday, July 6

7-11 PM @ Riverview Amphitheater (Cascade, IA)

Bring a cooler and lawn chair for a night of great music. Food available for purchase. Visit Facebook.com/RockinOnTheRiverCascade.

Heritage Trail Food Truck

Sunday, July 7

10 AM-2 PM @ Heritage Pond

Enjoy a stroll on the Heritage Trail and make a pit stop at the Heritage Pond to enjoy a snack from a food truck. On the first Sunday of every month during the summer, there will be a food truck at the pond along the trail. Visit Secure.Rec1.com/IA/Dubuque-County-IA.

Music in the Gardens

Sundays, July 7, 14, 21 & 28

6:30-8:30 PM @ Packard Pavilion, Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

The 32nd season boasts family-friendly music in a variety of styles. Food vendor onsite from 5-7:30 PM. Bring a chair or blanket. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.

Mud Lake Bluegrass

Sundays, July 7 & 21

12-6 PM @ Mud Lake

The Mud Lake Music Society, in partnership with the Friends of Dubuque County Conservation, announce the return of the Mud Lake Bluegrass Sundays Series. Visit Facebook.com/MudLakeBluegrass.

Summer Camp: Wild Survival

Tuesday through Thursday, July 9-11

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

Summer camps provide children entering K-8th grade with engaging, interactive programs during the summer months. Participants must bring a sack lunch and reusable water bottle for full day camps. Campers are divided by grade level. Visit RiverMuseum.org.

Lancaster Summer Nights  

Tuesday, July 9

6-8 PM @ Ryland Park (Lancaster, WI)

Lancaster will hold its second Summer Nights at the Plaza concert. The Night Market will be held on the south side of the library’s Ryland Park from 5-8 PM, with over 30 vendors, along with food trucks and stands. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Visit Facebook.com/SummerNightsAtThePlaza.

Mississippi River Kayaking

Thursday, July 11

10 AM @ Finley’s Landing Park (Sherrill, IA)

This is for moderate to experienced paddlers. Active paddling will be required for most of the trip. Visit Secure.Rec1.com/IA/Dubuque-County-IA.

Gardening with Native Plants

Thursday, July 11

6-7:30 PM @ Heinemann Visitor Center, Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Educational session with Dr. John Brennan. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.

Shullsburg Music in the Park

Thursdays, July 11, 18 & 25

6:30-8:30 PM @ Badger Park (Shullsburg, WI)

This Music in the Park Concert Series offers music from a variety of area artists throughout the summer. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at each event, with different vendors and offerings. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Visit ShullsburgMusicInThePark.com.

Music by the River

Thursdays, July 11 & 25

6:15 PM @ Alliant Energy Amphitheater, 600 Star Brewery Dr.

Free outdoor concerts. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Rain site: Westminster Presbyterian Church. Visit TSWS.org.

Family Fridays Canoeing

Friday, July 12

10 AM @ Catfish Creek Mines of Spain

Paddle up the creek and explore the scenery from the water of the Mines of Spain recreation area. Family Friday programs are designed for everyone in the family to experience the beautiful outdoors in Dubuque County. Visit Secure.Rec1.com/IA/Dubuque-County-IA.

Kids Musical Concert

Friday, July 12

10-11 AM @ Packard Pavilion, Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Featuring Jim Gill. Ice cream by Delaney’s Ice Cream Shoppe. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.

Music on Main Street

Friday, July 12

5-9 PM @ Town Clock, Main Street

As always, free live music under the Town Clock featuring independent national, regional, and local musicians (no cover bands). Visit DubuqueMainStreet.com.

Downtown Summer Nights

Friday, July 12

5:30-9 PM @ Downtown (Dyersville, IA)

Not to miss out on the fun, Dyersville hosts its own summer festival series. Besides live music, the event includes food and games for kids. Visit Dyersville.org.

The Addams Family

July 12, 13, 18, 19 & 20, 7:30 PM

July 14 & 21, 2 PM @ The Grand Opera House

This fast and funny musical is a bright production of song, dance, and doom that will satisfy theatergoers of all ages. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. Visit TheGrandOperaHouse.com.

ARC Corporate & Community Games

Friday, July 12

5-8 PM @ Port of Dubuque

Area Residential Care’s Annual Corporate & Community Games is a fundraiser to support the mission of empowering people with intellectual disabilities to achieve their highest quality of life. Teams of eight to 12 players from tri-state area businesses come together to compete by playing several team building, brain teasing, and physical games. Visit Facebook.com/AreaResidentialCare.

Shalom Annual Wellness Fair

Saturday, July 13

10 AM-2 PM @ Shalom Spirituality Center, 1001 Davis St.

Visit with local community vendors specializing in all facets of wellness, including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and environmental factors. Learn about the practices, tools, and resources they offer to promote, improve, and maintain overall well-being. Visit ShalomRetreats.org.

Cows, Kids & Curds

Saturday, July 13

3-5 PM @ Berning Acres, 8850 N. Menominee Rd. (East Dubuque, IL)

Begin in the farm shop with beverages and cheese curds while learning about the farm’s history and background. Then, head out to tour and interact with the animals. Milk a cow, give a calf her bottle, help with farm chores, or get cuddly with one of the farm friends (goat, sheep, pig, pony, or maybe a duck). Visit BerningAcres.com/Visit.

Dubuque Music Men Chorus

Saturday, July 13

6-7:30 PM @ Packard Pavilion, Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Food by Adobos Mexican Grill and ice cream by Vesperman Farms from 5-7 PM. Rain date is Saturday, July 27. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.

Cows, Wine & Charcuterie

Saturday, July 13

7-9 PM @ Berning Acres, 8850 N. Menominee Rd. (East Dubuque, IL)

Begin in the farm shop with beverages and farm introduction. Then, tour and interact with the animals. Finally, wrap it up back in the shop for a view of the sunset over the farm with a charcuterie boat featuring a variety of locally sourced cheeses while sipping on a beverage. Visit BerningAcres.com/Visit.

Scouting Golf Classic

Monday, July 15

1 PM @ Thunder Hills Golf & Country Club (Peosta, IA)

Get ready to tee-off for a day of fun, camaraderie, and philanthropy. Participants will make for a fantastic day on the golf course and contribute to Northeast Iowa Council’s mission to prepare young people to help others in their community, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and make ethical and moral choices. ContactMelissa.Neuhaus@Scouting.org.

Young Pioneers Camp

Monday through Thursday, July 15-18

1-3 PM @ The Mining and Rollo Jamison Museums, 405 E Main St. (Platteville, WI)

Prospect for minerals, create unique crafts, cook over a fire, play historic outdoor games, and more. For kids grades 2-5. Visit Mining.Jamison.Museum/Programs.

Summer Camp: Wildlife Trafficking

Tuesday through Thursday, July 16-18

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

Summer camps provide children entering K-8th grade with engaging, interactive programs during the summer months. Participants must bring a sack lunch and reusable water bottle for full day camps. Campers are divided by grade level. Visit RiverMuseum.org.

Love for Nature is Caught

Thursday, July 18

6-7 PM @ Heinemann Visitor Center, Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

This educational session is about how a love for nature is caught, not taught. Learn about how a new children’s garden plans to inspire lives through creative outdoor play. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.

Seussical

July 18-20 & 24-27, 7 PM

July 20, 21, 27, 2 PM

July 19, 10:30 AM @ Bell Tower Theater

This musical takes audiences into the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss. Follow The Cat in the Hat and friends as they discover the power of friendship, loyalty, and community.  This show will be performed by kids ages 7 to 16. Visit BellTowerTheater.net.

Sensory Days

Sunday, July 21

8-10 AM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Across campus, there will be dimmed lighting, limited extra and ambient sounds, and no distracting exhibit motions during this event. Visit RiverMuseum.org.

Dubuque Cars and Coffee

3rd Sundays, through October 20

9 AM-12 PM @ Veterans Memorial Plaza

Casual meet-up for cars of all makes, models, and years. Coffee, donuts, and drinks will be for sale. Proceeds go to Veteran’s Freedom Center. Visit Facebook.com/DubuqueCarsAndCoffee.

Pressed Flower Workshop

Sunday, July 21

10 AM-12 PM @ Heinemann Visitor Center, Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Create pressed flower art on handmade paper and enjoy a light breakfast on the Hafeman Veranda. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.

Summer Camp: Animalympics

Tuesday through Thursday, July 23-25

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

Summer camps provide children entering K-8th grade with engaging, interactive programs during the summer months. Participants must bring a sack lunch and reusable water bottle for full day camps. Campers are divided by grade level. Visit RiverMuseum.org.

Great Museum Race

Thursday, July 25

5:30-9 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Are you an Amazing Race fan and love the River Museum? Looking for a fun team-building experience for your family, friends, or workplace? This is the event for you. Visit RiverMuseum.org.

Seed Saving

Thursday, July 25

6-7 PM @ Heinemann Visitor Center, Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Educational session focusing on seed saving, from vegetables to medicinals. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.

Juggling Jeff

Friday, July 26

10-11 AM @ Packard Pavilion, Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Enjoy this interactive comedy show. Ice cream by Delaney’s Ice Cream Shoppe. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.

Family Friday Mountain Biking

Friday, July 26

10 AM @ Proving Grounds Recreation Area

Discover the thrill of mountain biking. Bring a bike and helmet. A mountain bike is not needed to participate; most kid bikes that have thread will work for these easy trails. Visit Secure.Rec1.com/IA/Dubuque-County-IA.

Kaying the Catfish

Saturday, July 27

9 AM-12 PM @ Catfish Creek Mines of Spain

Perfect for beginners to gain experience in a kayak. Kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices will be provided. Visit Secure.Rec1.com/IA/Dubuque-County-IA.

Cooking 101: Fresh Vegetables

Sunday, July 28

3-5 PM @ Convivium Urban Farmstead

Learn how to process and cook with fresh vegetables, and what is in season and when. Take home recipes and preservation techniques to get the most out of veggies. This series will be a combination of classroom learning, demonstration, and some limited hands-on experience. Visit Convivium-Dbq.com.

Summer Camp: Crazy Creators

Tuesday through Thursday, July 30-August 1

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

Summer camps provide children entering K-8th grade with engaging, interactive programs during the summer months. Participants must bring a sack lunch and reusable water bottle for full day camps. Campers are divided by grade level. Visit RiverMuseum.org.

Harley Davidson Bike Night

Wednesday, July 31

6-9 PM @ McGrath Dubuque Harley-Davidson

Bike nights aren’t just for bikes anymore. Classic cars, Jeeps, off-road vehicles, or anything with wheels is welcome. Prizes, live music, drinks, and food available. Visit DubuqueHarley-Davidson.com.

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