Distinctively Dubuque
Wednesdays, October 1-29
5:30–8:30 PM @ Greater Dubuque Development Corporation
This five-night interactive course is designed to connect newcomers with one another and their new hometown. Each night takes place at a different venue, covering topics including local government, arts, recreation, volunteerism, and more. Spots are limited. RSVP required. Visit bit.ly/dd_registration.
Live Music & Events Featuring Various Artists
October 1-31 @ 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.
Wild West Wednesdays
Wednesday, October 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
7-11 PM @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds
Come for country dance music and fun. All ages. Visit DBQFair.com.
Bluff Strokes Paint Out
Friday and Saturday, October 3-4
Friday, 6-9 PM; Saturday 9 AM-4 PM @ Steeple Square, 101 E. 15th St.
Visit BluffStrokes.org.
First Fridays
Friday, October 3
@ Various Locations in Dubuque
First Fridays is a free downtown monthly community arts event with open galleries, artists’ studios, and live entertainment Visit FirstFridaysDubuque.org.
The New Fangled Four
Friday, October 3
7:30 PM @ University of Dubuque, Heritage Center
The Newfangled Four is one of the top barbershop quartets in the world and they are proud to introduce the barbershop artform to aspiring young singers around the world. Visit Dbq.edu/HeritageCenter.
Swiss Valley Trail Races
Saturday, October 4
7 AM @ Swiss Valley Nature Preserve (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, 25k, and 50k all set against the backdrop of Swiss Valley Nature Preserve. Visit SwissValleyTrailRaces.com.
Dubuque Farmers Market
Saturdays, through October 25
8 AM-12 PM @ Iowa Street at 11th through 13th Streets
Rain or shine, the market stretches over three city blocks. Visit DubuqueFarmersMarket.org.
Kids Expo
Saturday, October 4
10 AM-2 PM @ Grand River Center
Visit over 40 booths to learn more about resources in the community; pick up information and giveaways. Exhibitors include arts, sports, recreational groups, educational services, health care services, social service groups, family-friendly businesses, and more. Visit Facebook.com/KidsExpo2025.
Early Explorers: S is for Snake
Saturday and Tuesday, October 4 & 7
10-11 AM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Programs include a variety of hands-on activities, including a craft and a game. Ages 2-5 with a parent/caregiver. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
DSO Season Opener: An American Playlist
Saturday and Sunday, October 4-5
Saturday, 7:30 PM; Sunday, 2 PM @ Five Flags Theater
Join the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra in a joyful, heartfelt tribute to an American musical genius. Grammy Award-winning pianist Michelle Cann is featured in Florence Price’s “Piano Concerto in One Movement” & Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”. Visit DubuqueSymphony.org.
Chanticleer
Sunday, October 5
4 PM @ University of Dubuque, Heritage Center
Founded in 1978 Chanticleer quickly took its place as one of the most prolific recording and touring ensembles in the world. Visit Dbq.edu/HeritageCenter.
Active Aging Week
Monday through Friday, October 6-10
@ Stonehill Communities
Adults are invited to celebrate active aging and participate in a variety of free activities throughout the week that address different aspects of wellness including physical, social, spiritual, financial, cognitive, and more. Some activities require pre-registration. Visit StoneHillDbq.com/ActiveAgingWeek.
Wendt Character Lecture
Monday, October 6
7 PM @ University of Dubuque, Heritage Center
Josh Freedman, co-founder and CEO of Six Seconds: The Emotional Intelligence Network, will deliver his presentation on leading with emotional intelligence—an essential skill for navigating and driving positive change in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world. Visit Dbq.edu/Wendt.
Homeschool Day
Thursday, October 9 @ Mathias Ham Historic Site
Homeschool Days are held the second Thursday through February. Explore history through hands-on activities, play games, do chores, and learn about lead mining. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Millwork Night Market
Thursday, October 9
5-8 PM @ Jackson Street between 7th and 9th
Shop the Millwork Night Market the second Thursday of every month to find the Driftless Region’s best local food, art, and entertainment. Visit MillworkNightMarket.com.
Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Thursday, October 9
7-8 PM @ EB Lyons Interpretive Center
Wildlife photographer Paul Winer will present a program on Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Northwest Nebraska, featuring photos from his visit last April. Winer is an active member of the Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge, a “friends’ group” for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Savanna District. Visit AudubonDubuque.org.
School’s Out Day Camp
Friday October 10
9 AM-4 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
Step into the lives of 18th-century voyageurs on the Mississippi through hands-on activities, crafts, and storytelling. Camps are full-day programs held on weekdays when the Dubuque Community School District is not in session. K-5th grade. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
The Second-to-Last Chance Ladies League
Friday through Sunday, October 10-26
@ Bell Tower Theater
When Deedra purchases an historic wedding venue, her friends rally and launch “Occasionally Yours,” an events center for all kinds of fresh, new gatherings. With these women so involved in each other’s lives, what could possibly go wrong? For show times, see website. Visit BellTowerTheater.net.
Windsor Park Bake & Craft Sale
Saturday, October 11
9 AM-12 PM @ Windsor Park, 801 Davis St.
Windsor Park residents and community vendors will hold a bake sale and craft sale. Enter via the lower-level community room doors. For more information, call (563) 582.0646.
River Museum Pawspital
Saturday October 11
9:30 AM – 12 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Bring a stuffed animal or doll for a checkup from local healthcare professionals and meet doctors and clinicians. An on-site emergency room will handle minor repairs. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
DuMA in the Millwork District Grand Opening
Saturday, October 11
1-7 PM @ Dubuque Museum, 1000 Jackson St.
Celebrate the opening of the Dubuque Museum of Art’s (DuMA) temporary residency in the Historic Millwork District, with a free daylong festival of music, performance, games, food, exhibitions, and art making. Museum members are invited to preview the galleries from 12-1 PM, and the public is invited from 1-7 PM. Visit DbqArt.org.
Dubuque Latinx Fiesta
Saturday, October 11
1-7 PM @ 10th & Washington Streets
A celebration of Latinx heritage through live music, food, dance, and resources all in Dubuque’s Millwork District. All ages. Visit DubuqueUnidos.com.
Iowa Power Arena Football vs St. Paul Bears
Saturday, October 11
7 PM @ Five Flags Arena
The Iowa Power is a newly launched franchise in the United Indoor Football Association (UIFA) that brings fast-paced, high-energy indoor football to the heart of downtown Dubuque. Visit IowaPowerFootball.com.
Art Sale
Sunday, October 12
11 AM-2 PM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Discover the artistry of Dennis Powers of Dogwoods. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
She Unites
Wednesday, October 15
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. Visit SheUnitesIowa.com/events.
Twenty Dirty Hands Self-Guided Pottery Tour
Friday through Sunday, October 17-19
10 AM-6 PM @ 704 Dewey Ave. (Galena, IL)
Self-guided adventure across seven stops in Dubuque, Asbury, Maquoketa, Elizabeth, IL, Galena, IL, and Hazel Green, WI. Discover the works of 24 artists and enjoy live demonstrations. Visit TwentyDirtyHands.com/Tour-Map.
Caregiver Wellness Retreat
Thursday, October 16
10 AM-3:30 PM @ Shalom Spirituality Center
This retreat for non-professional caregivers will include keynote speaker, a vendor fair and sack lunch, caregiver networking, and individual self-care and activity sessions. Visit StoneHillDbq.com/Event/Caregiver-Retreat.
Figure Drawing Open Studio
Thursday, October 16
6-8 PM @ Bluff Strokes Art Center
Come for open figure drawing sessions. No instruction is provided. Experienced figure models, a great space, and a wonderful community. Nude models; must be 18+. Visit BluffStrokes.org.
Colors in Motion Quilt Show
Friday and Saturday, October 17-18
Friday, 12-7 PM; Saturday, 9 AM-4 PM @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds
The show features talents of Cable Car Quilt Guild members as well as quilters
from the area. Over 100 Quilts on display. Visit CableCarQuilters.com.
Dracula – A Comedy of Terrors
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 17-26
Fridays & Saturdays, 7:30 PM; Sundays, 2 PM @ The Grand Opera House
Ever wondered what would happen if you took Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire tale and put it into a blender with Mel Brooks, Monty Python, and The 39 Steps? That’s just what happens in this lightning-fast, laugh-out-loud, gender-bending romp. Visit TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
Middle School Art Adventure
Saturday, October 18
10 AM-12 PM @ Bluff Strokes Art Center
Explore how color choices and shading can bring artwork to life. Visit BluffStrokes.org.
Grades 3-5 Art Adventure
Saturday, October 18
1-2:30 PM @ Bluff Strokes Art Center
Come make art and make friends. Visit BluffStrokes.org.
Dubuque Halloween Parade
Saturday, October 18
7 PM @ Washington park to Jackson
Come to the Dubuque Halloween Parade sponsored by the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF). This community event will feature spectacular floats, marching bands, costumes, and more. Visit JulienFilmFest.com.
The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute
Saturday, October 18
7 PM @ Ohnward Fine Arts Center (Maquoketa, IA)
Shawn Gerhard’s live performance is a celebration of Garth Brooks and has ignited crowds across the country. All ages. Visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.
The Little Mermaid
Tuesday, October 21
9:45 AM-12:15 PM @ University of Dubuque, Heritage Center
Part of the Schoolbus Performance Series.Recommended Grades: PreK-5. Visit Dbq.edu/HeritageCenter.
An Evening with Raul Malo
Friday, October 24
8 PM @ University of Dubuque, Heritage Center
Raul Malo is the frontman for The Mavericks. His freewheeling, swaggering style seamlessly blends neotraditional country, rock ’n roll, and Latin rhythmic fervor. Visit Dbq.edu/HeritageCenter.
Clean-Up Day #1
Saturday, October 25
9 AM-12 PM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Free lunch provided. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
Paper Mâché Masquerade
Saturday, October 25
10 AM-12 PM @ Bluff Strokes Art Center
Start building a hat, mask, or headpiece from upcycled materials and paper mâché. High-school aged students. Visit BluffStrokes.org.
Iowa Power Arena Football vs Ohio Boom
Saturday, October 25
7 PM @ Five Flags Arena
The Iowa Power is a newly launched franchise in the United Indoor Football Association (UIFA) that brings fast-paced, high-energy indoor football to the heart of downtown Dubuque. Visit IowaPowerFootball.com.
Beatles vs. Stones
Saturday, October 25
8 PM @ Five Flags Theater
Enjoy alternating power sets with the two bands coming together on stage for an amazing encore makes this show a once-in-a-lifetime event. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Pressed Flower Ornament
Sunday, October 26
10 AM-12 PM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Create a pressed flower ornament. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
School’s Out Day Camps
Thursday, October 30
9 AM-4 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
From gooey snails to slithering snakes, come discover the wild and wiggly world of all things slimy and scaly. Camps are full-day programs held on weekdays when the Dubuque Community School District is not in session. K-5th grade. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
School’s Out Day Camp
Friday, October 31
9 AM-4 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Get into the Halloween spirit and meet some of nature’s creepiest (and coolest!) critters. Camps are full-day programs held on weekdays when the Dubuque Community School District is not in session. K-5th grade. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
48th Annual National Farm Toy Show
Friday through Sunday, November 7-9
Friday, 5 PM; Saturday & Sunday, 9 AM @ Multiple Locations (Dyersville, IA)
Attend the largest farm toy show in the U.S. with over 200 vendors from more than 15 states. The show is in Beckman High School, National Farm Toy Museum, Commercial Club Park, and 2 outdoor sales locations. For more information, email WLarson@ToyFarmer.com.
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