Events are subject to change. Please visit listing sites for the most up-to-date information.
Narwhal Farewell Party
Thursday, October 1
5-7 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Gather for an evening of mocktails and cocktails and help give the Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend exhibit a farewell to remember with light refreshments and exclusive access to the exhibit. Ages 18+. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Sound Bites Luncheon
Friday, October 2
11:30 AM–1 PM @ Dubuque Golf & Country Club
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, concert experiences, and thoughts about the music. Guest artists often perform short excerpts from the featured concert. RSVP by 9/30. Visit DubuqueSymphony.org.
Spirits of the Past
Friday, October 2
6-9 PM @ Mathias Ham Historic Site
Enjoy a cocktail experience featuring drinks at the Mathias Ham Historic Site, a historic trolley tour, and a stop at a local brewery. RSVP. Ages 21+. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
First Fridays
Friday, October 2
@ 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.
Dubuque Farmers’ Market
Saturdays, through October 31
8 AM-12 PM @ Iowa Street from 11th to 13th Streets
Come for a variety of locally grown produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, hand-crafted items, on-site prepared food, and more. Over 125 farmers, bakers, artisans, and makers from within 100 miles. Visit DubuqueFarmersMarket.org.
Early Explorers: “B” is for Butterfly
Saturday and Tuesday, October 3 & 6
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.
Entre Tonos Opening Celebration
Saturday, October 3
1-7 PM @ Dubuque Museum of Art, Millwork District
Opening with the annual Latinx Fiesta organized by Dubuque Unidos in partnership with DuMA, the Entre Tonos (In Between Tones) art exhibition is inspired by the voices and artistic expressions of Latinx and Indigenous artists in the Midwest living between cultures. Visit DBQart.org.
Dubuque Latinx Fiesta
Saturday, October 3
1–7 PM @ Millwork Historic District
Celebrate the vibrant diversity of Latin cultures with delicious cuisine, local vendors, colorful art, live music, and energetic dance performances that showcase the richness of Latin American traditions and community spirit. Visit DubuqueUnidos.com.
Dubuque Symphony Orchestra: Classics 1
Saturday and Sunday, October 3-4
Saturday, 7:30 PM; Sunday, 2 PM @ Five Flags Theater
The season opens with Glinka’s Russlan and Ludmilla Overture, the return of Ilya Yakushev in Tchaikovsky’s iconic Piano Concerto No. 1, and Brahms’ monumental 1st Symphony. Free Musical Musings pre-concert lectures with DSO Music Director and Conductor William Intriligator are held prior to each Sunday Classics concert at 1 PM. Visit DubuqueSymphony.org.
Music in the Gardens
Sunday, October 4
4-6 PM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
The Arboretum has filled the grounds with free, family music every summer since 1991. Bring a chair or a blanket. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
Wild West Wednesdays
Wednesday, October 7, 14, 21 & 28
7-11 PM @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds
Come for country dance music and fun. All ages. Visit DBQFair.com.
Homeschool Days
Thursday, October 8
9 AM-5 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Held the second Thursday of each month, October through February. Homeschool Days offers themed scavenger hunts for homeschoolers of all ages. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Millwork Night Market
Thursday, October 8
5-8 PM @ Jackson Street from 7th to 9th Streets
The Millwork Night Market is an independent farmers’ market featuring local food, art, and other unique goods, while also providing a unique nightlife experience. Second Thursdays through October 8. Visit MillworkNightMarket.com.
Dubuque Audubon October Program
Thursday, October 8
7 PM @ EB Lyons Interpretive Center
Iowa Conservation Manager for Audubon Upper Mississippi River Tucker Lutter will share how well-managed grazing can serve as an effective tool for improving grassland habitat and increasing grassland bird populations. He will also discuss the opportunities for the Audubon Conservation Ranching Program. Visit AudubonDubuque.org.
Haunted History Tour
Friday, October 9, 16, 23 & 30
6:30-9:30 PM @ Mathias Ham House
This night of thrills begins at the Mathias Ham House exploring and hearing tales of its past residents. Next, board a trolley to traverse four of the city’s most haunted locations. Purchase a cocktail at the Riverboat Lounge in the Hotel Julien and enjoy an atmosphere steeped in mysterious history. Finally, the trolley loops back to where the journey started. Ages 21+. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
MANIA: The ABBA Tribute
Sunday, October 11
6:30 PM @ Five Flags Theater
Take a chance on MANIA… the world’s No. 1 touring ABBA tribute. MANIA delivers an authentic and unforgettable homage to the legendary Swedish band. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Swan Lake: Symphony of Lights
Thursday, October 15
7 PM @ Five Flags Center
Audiences will experience a new re-imagining of Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet masterpiece. Combining world-class dancers, illuminated costumes, immersive visual effects, and vivid lighting design, this beloved classic is transformed into a contemporary spectacle.Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.
21st Annual Glimmer of Hope
Friday, October 16
5-8 PM @ Hotel Julien
An evening to support crisis survivors, the Dubuque Community Y Crisis Service line, Emergency Shelter, and Extended Stay. The Dubuque Community Y’s Crisis Services provides emergency shelter and supportive services to victimized women and their families, so they have the protection and freedom to live safely in our community. Visit
DubuqueY.org/SpecialEvents.
Clue
Friday through Sunday, October 16-25
Fridays & Saturdays, 7:30 PM; Sundays, 2 PM @ The Grand Opera House
Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects and race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Visit TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
Daniel in the Lion’s Den
Saturday, October 17
3 PM @ Five Flags Theater
Get ready to roar with the lions, stand with the Queen, and revel in the courage that echoes through the ages. Daniel in the Lions’ Den brings an epic story to the stage in an exciting musical adventure. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Elvis Tribute Show
Saturday, October 17
7 PM @ Ohnward Fine Arts Center (Maquoketa, IA)
NBC’s America’s Got Talent finalist Joseph Hall brings his all-new Elvis tribute show that will have you singing the hits of the King. All ages. Visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.
90’s Country Gold Series: Pam Tillis
Saturday, October 17
7:30 PM @ Five Flags Theater
Daughter of country music royalty, Pam Tillis carved her own path in music, recording hits like “Shake the Sugar Tree,” “Maybe It Was Memphis,” and “Mi Vida Loca.” Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.
She Unites
Wednesday, October 21
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.
Echoes of Time and Place: Sauk Art and Culture Celebration
Saturday and Sunday, October 24-25
@ Dubuque Museum of Art, Millwork District
Celebrate the first exhibition entirely composed of and curated by contemporary Sauk artists, opening October 3 at DuMA. Visit DBQart.org.
Prairie Bouquet Making
Saturday, October 24
12 PM @ EB Lyons Interpretive Center
Learn about native prairie plants while creating your own beautiful prairie-inspired bouquet alongside fellow women in the community. Pre-registration is required.Visit SheUnitesIowa.com/Events.
Lucha Libre Mexicana
Saturday, October 24
7 PM @ Five Flags Center
Masked Republic, the industry leader in expanding lucha libre beyond the borders of Mexico and UTA, is bringing authentic Lucha Libre Mexicana events to Iowa for the very first time. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Mad Scientist Fun Day
Sunday, October 25
10 AM-2 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Costumes are encouraged for everyone—not just kids. Enjoy games, crafts, science experiments, and live demonstrations. You’ll also have the chance to meet some not-so-creepy animals. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
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