StoryWalk
October 1-31
7 AM-Dusk @ Legacy Tree Trail, Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Let it Grow by Mary Ann Fraser. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
Active Aging Week
Through Friday, October 4
@ Stonehill Communities
Join Stonehill Communities and local presenters in a week-long observance of Active Aging Week. There will be free daily activities and workshops on topics related to physical, emotional, spiritual, vocational, and social health. Visit StoneHillDbq.com/ActiveAgingWeek.
Early Explorers: “I” is for Ice
Wednesday, October 2
10-11 AM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Early Explorers is open to children ages 2-5 along with a parent or caregiver. Programs include a variety of hands-on and active activities, including a craft and a game. A parent and/or caregiver can attend the program for free with the toddler. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Distinctively Dubuque
Wednesdays, October 2-30
5:30–8:30 PM @ Various Locations in Downtown Dubuque
Distinctively Dubuque is a five-night course hosted by high-energy presenters with in-depth knowledge of the Greater Dubuque region and is designed for individuals who are new to the area within the last five years. Each night explores a different topic at a different venue and includes dinner, highlighting quintessential Dubuque dining experiences. Visit GreaterDubuque.org.
Wild West Wednesdays
Wednesdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
7-11 PM @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds
Come for country dance music and fun. Whether it’s couple dancing or line dancing, request your favorite dance music. All ages. Visit DBQFair.com.
DSO: Sound Bites Luncheon
Friday, October 4
12 PM @ Dubuque Golf & Country Club
Enjoy a lunch buffet followed by insightful commentary by Maestro William Intriligator and cellist Zuill Bailey. The Friday before each classics concert the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra League hosts a pre-concert luncheon. Guest soloists also attend and share information about their education, careers, concert experiences, and thoughts about the music. Guest artists often perform short excerpts from the featured concert. RSVP. Visit DubuqueSymphony.org.
First Fridays
Friday, October 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 DbqArt.org.
Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen
Friday, October 4
7 PM @ Five Flags Arena
Straight from England, the most amazing Queen tribute scored a No. 1 hit when they were asked to recreate Queen’s harmonies for The Real Life with Fatboy Slim. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Dubuque Fighting Saints
Friday & Saturday, October 4, 5, 18, 25 & 26
7:05 PM @ ImOn Arena
The Dubuque Fighting Saints hockey team returns for another season. Visit DubuqueFightingSaints.com.
Swiss Valley Trail Races
Saturday, October 5
7 AM @ Swiss Valley Nature Center (Peosta, IA)
This trail run will feature all the best of the Dubuque County landscape including creek crossings, steep inclines, and rugged terrain. The run will offer three distance options: 5.2 miles (9 AM start), 25k (8 AM start), and 50k (7 AM start) all set against the beautiful backdrop of Swiss Valley Nature Preserve. Visit Facebook.com/DubuqueCountyConservation.
DSO Classics 1: Pines of Rome
Saturday & Sunday, October 5-6
Saturday, 7:30 PM; Sunday, 2 PM @ Five Flags Theater
From the grandeur of the Roman pines to the mystical atmosphere of the catacombs, take an unforgettable musical journey through the Eternal City with Respighi’s Pines of Rome. Grammy Award winning and internationally renowned cellist Zuill Bailey returns to perform the Dvorák Cello Concerto. Visit DubuqueSymphony.org.
Dubuque Symphony Orchestra: Musical Musings
Sunday, October 6
1 PM @ Five Flags Theater
Prior to each Sunday Classics Concert, Maestro Intriligator gives a pre-concert lecture. Visit DubuqueSymphony.org.
Make Your Own Fall Swag
Tuesday, October 8
6-8 PM @ Heinemann Visitor Center, Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Create a fall swag with broom corn, Amaranth, Indian corn, and dried flowers. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
Homeschool Days: Mathias Ham Historic Site
Wednesday, October 9
11 AM-4 PM @ Mathias Ham Historic Site
Explore history through hands-on activities. Play games, do chores, and explore lead mining. Learn how people worked and played throughout Dubuque’s history. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Caregiver Wellness Retreat
Thursday, October 10
10 AM-3:30 PM @ Shalom Spirituality Center, 1001 Davis St.
Non-professional caregivers throughout the community are invited to attend this free event to find renewal and relaxation. The event, organized by the Caregiver Resource Center, NEI3A, and Shalom Spirituality Center, will feature author and speaker Diane Doering, a vendor fair, lunch, and individual self-care and renewal workshop sessions. This is a free event for caregivers. Register by September 30. Visit StoneHillDbq.com/Event/Caregiver-Retreat.
School’s Out Day Camps: Flex Your Mussels
Friday, October 11
9 AM-4 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
School’s Out Day Camps take place on weekdays when the Dubuque Community School District is not in session. These full-day camps are for students in K-5th grade. Students are required to bring a sack lunch and a reusable water bottle. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Jeeps on the Mountain
Saturday, October 12
9 AM-7 PM @ Sundown Mountain Resort
Enjoy live music, food trucks, primitive camping, off-roading on designated mountain trails, obstacles, and activities for the kids, lawn games, and more. All 4×4 Jeeps, military vehicles, Broncos, Scouts, K5s, Land Rovers, Toyotas, expedition, and safari vehicles are welcome. Visit SundownMtn.com.
Love, Lies & the Lottery
October 11-12, 17-19, and 24-25, 7:30 PM
October 13, 20, and 26-27, 2 PM @ Bell Tower Theater
Peter is an unlucky guy. With a treacherous soon-to-be ex-wife, an overbearing mother, and a not-so-bright best friend, he just can’t catch a break. When he finds a winning lottery ticket worth $510 million, his luck seems to turn around, but with just a couple of days left to cash in the ticket, this bizarre band of characters must navigate mistaken identities, psychics, and the home shopping network to secure the prize. Visit BellTowerTheater.net.
Diamonds Are Forever
Saturday, October 12
3 PM @ University of Dubuque
Celebrate 75 years of barbershop with The Newfangled Four, a top barbershop quartet known for their humor, harmony, and engaging performances. Visit Dbq.edu/HeritageCenter.
Pressed Flower Ornament
Sunday, October 13
10 AM-12 PM @ Heinemann Visitor Center, Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Create a pressed flower frame ornament to take home. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
Museum X: Prairie Talk & Greenhouse Fun
Tuesday, October 15
6-8 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Come for an engaging evening with Codi Sharkey, conservation program manager, as she explores the history and purpose of prairies. Discover the Charlie & Vicki Glab Family Greenhouse, learn about stratification, and create a mini greenhouse for winter stratification. Light refreshments will be available. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
She Unites
Wednesday, October 16
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. Visit SheUnitesIowa.com/Events.
Integrated Cancer Center Trunk or Treat
Thursday, October 17
5:30-6:30 PM @ Delhi Medical Center, 1500 Delhi St.
This year’s theme is Carnival for a Cure. This family friendly indoor walk-through event invites you to dress up and collect goodies from each station. Event information will be created on Facebook soon.
Twenty Dirty Hands Pottery Tour
Friday through Sunday, October 18-20
Friday & Saturday,10 AM-6 PM; Sunday, 10 AM-4 PM @ Various Tri-State Locations
Visit seven pottery studios where 25 artists will showcase their creations while enjoying the fall colors at the convergence of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. This self-guided event offers a unique opportunity for behind-the-scenes views of private studios. Visit TwentyDirtyHands.com.
Haunting on Lincoln Ave
Friday, October 18, 7 PM
Saturday, October 19, 11 AM-4 PM, 5:30 PM & 7 PM @ Mathias Ham Historic Site
Come celebrate All Hallow’s Eve. Historic ghost tales are the name of the day, and all afternoon activities are family friendly. Guided tours will be available on the hour and half-hour from 11 AM-3:30 PM. In the evening, enjoy re-tellings of ghosts, fiends, and the unexplained. The evening “tour” will take place in various rooms throughout the darkened house and consist of classic scary stories by costumed interpreters. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
The Rocky Horror Show
Thursday through Sunday, October 18-20 & 24-26
7:30 PM @ Grand Opera House
In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Ages 16+. Visit TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
Fall Clean-Up Day
Saturday, October 19
9 AM-12 PM @ Heinemann Visitor Center, Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Clean-up activities. Lunch provided. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
Comics Workshop
Saturday, October 19
11 AM-1 PM @ Dubuque County Library, 5290 Grand Meadow Dr. (Asbury, IA)
Explore comic creation with Do Art Productions. In this workshop kids will explore the different languages of comics, from the eyes to body posture, to the speech bubbles. This workshop is interactive and creative with juggling axolotls, flying giraffes, and dabbing pandas. Ages 8+. RSVP required. Visit DubCoLib.org/Events.
JDIFF Halloween Parade
Saturday, October 19
7 PM @ Downtown Dubuque
This is the 3rd annual JDIFF Halloween Parade starting on 6th and Locust to 15th and Locust. Visit JulienFilmFest.com.
Elvis Meets The Beatles
Saturday, October 19
7 PM @ Ohnward Fine Arts Center (Maquoketa, IA)
This concert will be a tribute to Elvis and the Beatles when they rocked the world. Feel the excitement and energy as these two great tribute acts portray these artists. Visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.
BritBeat: Beatles Tribute
Saturday, October 19
7:30 PM @ University of Dubuque
Celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Beatles’ U.S. invasion with BritBeat, a multimedia tribute that blends live music with captivating visuals. Visit Dbq.edu/HeritageCenter.
Dubuque Cars and Coffee
Sunday, 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.
Spot, Stop & Avoid Fraud
Tuesday, October 22
2-3 PM @ Stonehill Assisi Village, 1001 Assisi Dr.
This free workshop by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will help protect yourself and others from becoming a victim of fraud. Learn about common scams and warning signs and how to take action to protect against theft of money, property, or belongings. RSVP. For more information, contact THummer@StoneHillDbq.com.
Glimmer of Hope
Thursday, October 24
6 PM @ Hotel Julien Dubuque
The Dubuque Community Y invites you to attend the 19th annual Glimmer of Hope event, with all proceeds going to support the Crisis Services Program. Hear about stories of hope, community resources, and updates on the recent shelter renovations.
Visit AccelEvents.com/E/Glimmer2024.
Amy Bruni: Real Life Hauntings
Thursday, October 24
7 PM @ Five Flags Theater
Amy Bruni started her professional ghost hunting career just over a decade ago, but her experience with ghosts started when she was very young. She began as a paranormal investigator in 2007 when she appeared on Ghost Hunters, in which she starred in 116 episodes. Now, she’s the co-star and executive producer of The Travel Channel’s Kindred Spirits, one of the longest-running and highest-rated paranormal television shows. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Mister C Live!
Friday, October 25
9:45 AM & 2:15 PM @ University of Dubuque
Join Mister C for an amazing day of learning in the lab as he explores all things air. Mister C is no stranger to finding exciting and engaging ways to explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) in our everyday lives. Liquid nitrogen, T-shirt cannons, toilet paper and ping pong ball launchers, plus much more. Mister C is a 20-plus year educator whose sole mission is to transform how everyone feels and thinks about learning. Grades: K-12. Visit Dbq.edu/HeritageCenter.
PIPER the Steam Organ
Saturday, October 26
12:30-2:30 PM @ Dubuque County Library, 5290 Grand Meadow Dr. (Asbury, IA)
Orgelkids is an educational project designed to teach children about the pipe organ through hands-on experience. The program features a specially designed organ that allows participants to build and play a real, fully functional pipe organ. All ages can explore science and engineering by assembling and playing it. RSVP. Visit DubCoLib.org/Events.
Mad Scientist Party
Sunday, October 27
9 AM-4 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Everyone is welcome to come in costume – not just kids. There will be trick-or-treating and other activities such as games, science experiments, music by the Americana Band, and all the regular daily programming will be available throughout the day. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Brew Ha Ha Players: Spooktacular
Sunday, October 27
5-7 PM @ Stone Cliff Winery
Legendary Hollywood directors are in town to cast and shoot their new big-budget killer thriller when life suddenly imitates art in a very real and bloody way. Popular horror stars Leslie Craven, Bella Lagossi, Jason Krueger, and Freddie Voorhees vie for parts in this open-call slasher flick when suddenly someone literally gets CUT from the film. Four “corpse” meal and a show. Visit StoneCliffWinery.com.
Readings Under the Influence
Tuesday, October 29
7 PM @ Smokestack
RUI is a themed, interactive live and local arts showcase. Sometimes it’s edgy, sometimes sweet, sometimes controversial, sometimes downright vicious, but always artful. Visit Facebook.com/RUIDBQ.
Sesame Street Live!
Wednesday, October 30
6 PM @ Five Flags Arena
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends are coming to the neighborhood to say hello. Sing, dance, and play alongside furry friends, all while following Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide and seek. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.
School’s Out Day Camps: The Boney Bunch
Thursday, October 31
9 AM-4 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Join the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium for School’s Out Day Camps that take place on weekdays when the Dubuque Community School District is not in session. These full-day camps are for students in K-5th grade. Students are required to bring a sack lunch and a reusable water bottle. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
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