Ice Dinosaurs Discovery Middle School Overnight
Tuesday through Wednesday, July 1-2
9 AM Tuesday through 4 PM Wednesday @ Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Travel back to the icy world of the Late Cretaceous and uncover the secrets of the dinosaurs that once roamed the Arctic Circle. Explore how these ancient creatures adapted to survive extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and long winters. Grades 6-8. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Wild West Wednesdays
Wednesday, July 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30
7-11 PM @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds
Come for country dance music and fun. All ages. Visit DBQFair.com.
Millwork Night Market
Second Thursday, July 10 through October 9
5-8 PM @ Jackson Street between 7th and 9th
Shop the Millwork Night Market the 2nd Thursday of every month to find the Driftless Region’s best local food, art, and entertainment. Visit MillworkNightMarket.com.
East Dubuque Cruisin’ Thursdays
Thursdays, through September 25
5-9 PM @ Sinsinawa Ave. (East Dubuque, IL)
Open to all years of classic, muscle, and unique cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Great food, closed street, open containers, and live music. Visit Facebook.com/EastDubuqueCarShow.
Dubuque Fireworks & Air Show
Thursday, July 3
@ A.Y. McDonald Park
Air show begins at 5:30 PM. Fireworks at dusk. Visit Facebook/DubuqueJaycees.
Fourth of July Ice Cream Social
Friday, July 4
11 AM-4 PM @ Mathias Ham Historic Site
Enjoy live music by The Americana Band, purchase picnic food, refreshments, cake, and ice cream. Victorian games and crafts will take place throughout the day. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
First Fridays
Friday, July 4
@ Various Locations in Dubuque
First Fridays is Downtown Dubuque’s monthly visual art series, hosted by galleries, museums, and venues, celebrating Dubuque’s great visual arts scene. Visit FirstFridayDubuque.org.
Dubuque Farmers Market
Saturdays, through October 25
7 AM-12 PM @ Iowa Street at 11th through 13th Streets
Rain or shine, the market stretches over three city blocks. October operating hours will be 8 AM-12 PM. Visit DubuqueFarmersMarket.org.
Footloose
Saturday & Sunday, July 5-6
Saturday, 2 PM & 7:30 PM; Sunday, 2 PM @ The Grand Opera House
Based on the explosive rock ’n’ roll musical movie, this Broadway hit tells the story of Ren McCormack, a big-city teen who finds himself out of place in a rural town. He is not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the preacher. Visit TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
311
Saturday, July 5
7 PM @ Back Waters Stage at Q Casino + Resort
Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, and with 13 albums to their credit, 311 has sold over 10 million albums, achieved over 1.5 billion streams globally, and landed 10 consecutive Top 10 charting albums. Visit QCasinoAndResort.com.
Live Music & Events Featuring Various Artists
July 6-27 @ O So Good Winery, 2093 20th Ave., SE (Dyersville, IA)
Come for live music, food, and events throughout the month. Gather with friends and have a fun evening with a favorite glass of wine or try something new. Visit them at the Dubuque Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. Checkout the website for all upcoming events. Visit OSoGoodWinery.com.
Summer Day Camp
Tuesday, July 8
9 AM – 4 PM @ Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Dive into the fascinating world of plants. From learning how roots grow to discovering how plants blossom and bear fruit, explore what makes a plant thrive. Grades 1st and 2nd, and 3rd through 5th. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Museum After Hours
Thursdays, July 10-31
4 -8 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
The Museum is offering extended hours on Thursdays through July 31. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Tussie Mussies
Thursday, July 10
6-7:30 PM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Educational Session. Discover the history and mechanics of making tussie mussies. Registration required. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
Tri-State Wind Symphony “Music by the River Concerts”
Thursday, July 10 & 24
6:15 PM @ Alliant Amphitheater/Star Brewery
Free outdoor performances. Bring chairs or blankets. Goodwill donations accepted. If raining, concert is indoors at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Visit TSWS.org.
Disney Descendants
Thursday through Saturday, July 10-19
7 PM: July 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18 & 19; 2 PM: July 12, 13 & 19; 10:30 AM: July 11
@ Bell Tower Theater
Based on popular Disney movies, Descendants is packed with comedy, adventure, and hit songs from the films. When kids of Disney villains attend prep school with kids of Disney heroes, they have a choice to make: be wicked or learn to be good? Performed by kids ages 7-18. Visit BellTowerTheater.net.
Duke Otherwise
Friday, July 11
10-11 AM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
The Duke’s zany show features his clever and thoughtfully composed original songs, wild dancing, and storytelling. Duke captivates audiences with his witty songs and unique showmanship. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
Food Festival Fridays
Friday, July 11
11:30 AM-1:30 PM @ Washington Park
Join area food vendors the 2nd Fridays through September 12 for a lunchtime food fest. 365ink brings the perfect side dish to your chicken sandwich, pizza, or coffee: local, live music. Visit DubuqueMainStreet.com.
Music On The March
Friday, July 11
7 PM @ Dalzell Field, Dubuque Senior High School
Music On The March has been a Dubuque summer tradition for over 60 years and is hosted by the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps. Visit Colts.org/Music-On-The-March.
Dino-Mite Overnight
Saturday through Sunday, July 12-13
Saturday, 5 PM through Sunday, 10 AM @ Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Explore Ice Dinosaurs: The Lost World of the Alaskan Arctic after dark, kick back with a movie on the big screen, and sleep among the aquariums. This experience is open to families with children ages 6 and older. Adults may not attend the overnight without a child between the ages of 6-12. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Sail On: Beach Boys Tribute
Sunday, July 13
6:30-8 PM @ Dubuque Star Brewery
Direct from Nashville, this band brings the music of the Beach Boys just the way they would have done it. Visit DubuqueArtsCouncil.com/music-at-the-star.
Summer Day Camp
Tuesday, July 15
9 AM – 4 PM @ Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Set in a mysterious museum filled with ancient relics, hidden treasures, and forgotten stories, this immersive camp invites young explorers to join a thrilling scavenger hunt for lost artifacts. Grades 1st and 2nd, and 3rd through 5th. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
The Magic of Native Plants
Thursday, July 17
6-7 PM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Educational Session. Presenter: Laurana Snyder, Dubuque Trees Forever. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
UPA Iron Battle on the Mississippi
Saturday and Sunday, July 19-20
9 AM @ Grand River Center
Contest lifts include full power, bench only, ironman, and deadlift only. UPA Events hosts powerlifting and bodybuilding competitions in 10 states including Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Visit UPAPower.com.
Amy Friedl: Women of Country Music
Saturday, July 19
7 PM @ Ohnward Fine Arts Center (Maquoketa, IA)
Step into the heart of country music and experience a rocking show celebrating the powerful voices and timeless melodies of women in country music. Visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.
Music in the Gardens
Sunday, July 20
6-8 PM @ Packard Pavilion, Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Enjoy live music from Renegade Wildflower. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
Secrets
Sunday, July 20
6:30-8 PM @ Dubuque Star Brewery
Enjoy regional hits with Secrets, performing popular music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s in rock, country, and rhythm and blues. Visit DubuqueArtsCouncil.com/music-at-the-star.
Student Film Camp
Monday through Sunday, July 21-27
8 AM daily @ Loras Collage
Campers will gain hands-on experience from industry professionals in all aspects of film production. Campers will participate in creating a short film that will screen at JDIFF 2026. Ages 15-19. Visit JulienFilmFest.com.
Summer Day Camp
Tuesday, July 22
9 AM-4 PM @ Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Explore the wetland area as we collect water samples, search for frogs, and uncover tiny aquatic insects with magnifying glasses. Grades 1st and 2nd, and 3rd through 5th. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Dubuque County Fair
Tuesday through Sunday, July 22–27
@ Dubuque County Fairgrounds
The Dubuque County Fair is a celebration for all of Dubuque County with a midway, free live music, stock car races, a tractor pull, a demolition derby, livestock, numerous contests, and loads of food and fun for everyone. Visit DBQfair.com.
Great Museum Race
Wednesday, July 23
5:45-9 PM @ Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
The River Museum campus will be transformed into a thrilling adventure racecourse with lots of laughs, excitement, activities, and games. Teams of four to six registrants will race against the clock to win games, challenges, brainteasers, and other activities. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Nature Everywhere!
Thursday, July 24
6-7 PM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Educational Session. Spending time outdoors, in nature, is essential for children’s healthy development. From improving academic and social-emotional learning to supporting physical and mental health, children thrive when they have frequent access to outdoor spaces, experiences, and learning. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
The Jolly Pops
Friday, July 25
10-11 AM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and come rock with The Jolly Pops Band. Enjoy a blast of high-energy music, movement, fun learning, and even puppet friends. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
Warren Zeiders
Saturday, July 26
8 PM @ Back Waters Stage at Q Casino + Resort
Warren Zeiders, an award-winning, double Platinum-charting country singer and songwriter, will bring The Relapse Tour to the stage for an evening of live music. This performance is a part of the annual summer concert series. Visit QCasinoAndResort.com.
Kids from Wisconsin
Sunday, July 27
6:30-8 PM @ Dubuque Star Brewery
Widely recognized for their versatile talents and groundbreaking performances, the 57th troupe showcases “The Heat Is On” featuring 22 singers and 14 musicians. Visit DubuqueArtsCouncil.com/music-at-the-star.
Summer Day Camp
Tuesday, July 29
9 AM-4 PM @ Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Explore four distinct periods of Earth’s past. From the coldest corners of the Triassic to the frosty tundra of the Late Cretaceous, uncover how different groups of ice-adapted dinosaurs survived harsh climates and developed extraordinary traits to thrive in the face of extreme cold. Grades 1st and 2nd, and 3rd through 5th. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Dementia Simulation Experience
Wednesday, July 30
2-4 PM @ Caregiver Resource Center, 3485 Windsor Ave.
This educational workshop will help participants understand in a small, but impactful way, what it’s like to live with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias through simulation experiences. RSVP required. For more information, call (563) 690-9679.
Honeybee Explorers
Thursday, July 31
5:30-7 PM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Buzz on over for sweet, sticky, science-y fun: Kids ages 6–12 and their grown-ups will explore the magical world of honeybees. Learn how bees live, pollinate, and make honey. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
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