Events

Dubuque Area November Activities & Events

Sunshine Holiday Fair

Sunday through Monday, November 1-2

Sunday, 9 AM–3 PM; Monday, 7:30 AM–1 PM @ UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital

Showcasing homemade baked goods, flower arrangements, home decor, gifts, jewelry, handmade items, and RADA cutlery. The Sunshine Circle has been raising funds for Finley Hospital supporting patients in need since 1889. The event is held in the Auditorium and Sunshine Gift Shop.

Early Explorers: “C” is for Catfish

Saturday and Tuesday, November 3 & 7

10-11 AM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Discover the ABCs of the world around us through hands-on and active activities, including a craft and game. Space limited. Ages 2–5 with parent/caregiver. Visit RiverMuseum.org.

Wild West Wednesdays

Wednesday, November 4, 11, 18 & 25

7-11 PM @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds

Come for country dance music and fun. All ages. Visit DBQFair.com.

National Farm Toy Show

Friday through Sunday, November 6-8

Friday, 2 PM; Saturday & Sunday, 8 AM @ Dyersville, IA

Located at Beckman High School, The National Farm Toy Museum, Commercial Club Park, and outdoor sales in Dyersville, IA. Free shuttle. Early bird with weekend passes available. Visit ToyFarmer.com.

DSO Sound Bites Luncheon

Friday, November 6

11:30 AM–1 PM @ Dubuque Golf & Country Club

Dubuque Symphony Orchestra (DSO) Music Director and Conductor, William Intriligator, offers insightful commentary on the upcoming concert program. Guest soloists also attend and share information about their education, careers, and thoughts about the music. RSVP by 11/4. Visit DubuqueSymphony.org.

First Fridays

Friday, November 6

@ Various Locations in Dubuque

First Fridays is a free downtown monthly community arts event with open galleries, artists’ studios, and live entertainment, fostering community and celebrating arts in Dubuque.Visit FirstFridaysDubuque.org.

Little River Band

Friday, November 6

7 PM @ Five Flags Center

The Little River Band will perform the hits the way you remember them but with even more feeling, vibe, and energy than ever before. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.

Dubuque Farmers’ Market

Saturdays, November 7 through April 24, 2027

9 AM-12 PM @ Kennedy Mall

Come for a variety of locally grown produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, coffee, honey, eggs, jams, salsa and spices, hand-crafted items, and more. There will be no market on December 26th. Visit DubuqueFarmersMarket.org.

Mac N Cheese Fest

Saturday, November 7

3 PM @ Midtown Marina (East Dubuque, IL)

Grab a drink and prepare to get cheesy! Live music from Joie Wails at 4-7 PM. Reservations recommended. For more information, email Brenda@MidTownMarina.com.

An Evening of Vanity Theatre

Saturday, November 7

7 PM @ Voices Studio

Fly-By-Night Productions presents the 2nd Annual Evening of Vanity Theatre. Have a monologue you have been dying to perform, but no one will do that play, or won’t cast, or you don’t have time to be in a play? Here is your chance. Visit FlyByNightDubuque.com.

DSO Classics 2: Connection

Saturday and Sunday, November 7-8

Saturday, 7:30 PM; Sunday, 2 PM @ Five Flags Theater

Featuring Marcus DeJesus on guitar. Free Musical Musings pre-concert lecture with DSO Music Director and Conductor William Intriligator are held prior to each Sunday Classics concert at 1 PM. Visit DubuqueSymphony.org.

Nurse Blake Comedy Tour

Tuesday, November 10

7 PM @ Five Flags Theater

Nurse Blake (Blake Lynch) is a nurse, creator, advocate, and touring comedian whose humor and storytelling have made him a viral sensation and a beloved figure in the healthcare community. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.

Sayaka Ganz Artist Gallery Tour

Wednesday, November 11

5:30 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium 

Join artist Sayaka Ganz for a gallery walk through Reclaimed Creations, where she will share the stories, materials, and ideas behind her sculptures made from reclaimed plastic. Visit RiverMuseum.org.

Homeschool Days

Thursday, November 12

9 AM-5 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium 

Held the second Thursday of each month through February. Homeschool Days offers themed scavenger hunts for homeschoolers of all ages. Visit RiverMuseum.org.

Holiday Porch Pot

Thursday, November 12

6-8 PM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens 

Create your own one-of-a-kind winter porch pot. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.

Dubuque Audubon November Program

Thursday, November 12

7-8 PM @ EB Lyons Interpretive Center

Learn about Nebraska with Tye Smedes. Discover the state’s wonderful variety of birds and other wildlife. Visit AudubonDubuque.org.

Annual Maquoketa Community Christmas / Festival of Trees

Saturday through Monday, November 14 – 29

Monday-Friday, 10 AM-4 PM; Saturday & Sunday, 12-4 PM @ The Ohnward Fine Arts Center (Makoqueta, IA)

The Ohnward Fine Arts Center is planning our 22nd Festival of Trees with bidding on creative trees and beautiful wreaths. Ask about the Family Holiday Gift Pass. Visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.

Polar Plunge

Saturday, November 14

11 AM @ Houlihan’s Restaurant at Hilton Garden Inn

The Polar Plunge is a signature fundraiser for Special Olympics and offers a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to raise money and support Special Olympics Iowa athletes by jumping into frigid waters. Visit SoIowa.org.

Fall Into the Holidays

Sunday, November 15

10 AM–3 PM @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds

Shop the most-anticipated market of the year. Hop from over 100 local and regional makers, crafters, bakers, and small businesses. Find one-of-a-kind gifts. A portion of the door proceeds benefit a local nonprofit. Visit FB.com/JodiAndKT.

She Unites

Wednesday, November 18

6:30-7:30 PM @ The Innovation Lab

Come together for an evening of socialization and education. Rotating speakers talk about anything and everything pertaining to women in a chill environment. Visit SheUnitesIowa.com/Events.

Christmas Tree Night Light

Thursday, November 19

6-8 PM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens 

Paint a light-up Christmas Tree night light. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.

Cowboy Christmas

Sunday, November 22

10 AM–3 PM @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds

This equine and country lifestyle market brings together regional vendors, makers, and small businesses under one roof for a full day of festive shopping. Find new and used equine tack, gear, and equipment; Western, boho, and country-inspired apparel; rustic farmhouse and holiday home decor; children’s items; and one-of-a-kind finds. Visit FB.com/JodiAndKT.

The Vienna Boys Choir

Wednesday, November 25

7:30 PM @ Five Flags Theater

The Vienna Boys Choir performs almost 300 concerts per year, with almost half a million people attending. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

November 27 through December 6

@ The Grand Opera House

Because of his shiny nose, Rudolph doesn’t feel like he belongs in Christmastown and sets off to find a place that accepts him. Along his journey, he encounters fellow misfits, only to realize that home is where he has belonged the whole time. See website for performance days and show times. Visit TheGrandOperaHouse.com.

Nashville Country Christmas

Saturday, November 28

2 PM @ The Ohnward Fine Arts Center (Makoqueta, IA)

Get ready for a toe-tappin’ good time this holiday season with this brand-new show   direct from Music City. Visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.

A Tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Saturday, November 28 @ Five Flags Theater

Featuring powerful vocals, accomplished musicians, dazzling lighting effects, and a high-energy stage production, The Prophecy Show recreates the excitement and grandeur that have made Trans-Siberian Orchestra performances a holiday tradition for millions.  See website for show time. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.

Glenn Miller Orchestra: In the Christmas Mood

Monday, November 30

7 PM @ Five Flags Theater

The World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will perform their greatest hits. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.

Read Julien’s Journal from the Comfort of Your Home!

Click Here or call 563.557.7571 for convenient delivery to your home or business by mail for a low annual price.

Comment here