Wild West Wednesdays
Wednesday, June 3, 10, 17 & 24
7-11 PM @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds
Come for country dance music and fun. All ages. Visit DBQFair.com.
Family Nature Night for English Language/Mixed Language Learners
Thursday, June 4
4-5:30 PM @ E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center
English Language Learners (ELL) and Mixed Language Learners (MLL) are invited to attend with their family for a special Nature Night. Join staff from Dubuque County Conservation and Dubuque Community School District for a guided hike, live animal presentation, and a nature craft. For more information, email Jason.Denlinger@DubuqueCountyIowa.gov.
The Crocus Foundation Gala
Thursday, June 4
5 PM @ 7 Hills Ballroom & Event Center
Join the Crocus Foundation for their 3rd Annual Gala, “A Night of Inspiration.” This special evening brings the community together to celebrate hope, resilience, and the power of support for individuals and families navigating cancer. Visit CrocusFoundation.com.
Music by the River
Every other Thursday, June 4 through July 30
6:15 PM @ Alliant Energy Amphitheater/Star Brewery
Come and enjoy music from Accordion Divas and Dubuque’s Community Band Concerts every other Thursday evening starting June 4. The audience may bring chairs and blankets. Rain site at Bread of Life Church. Visit TSWS.org.
First Fridays
Friday, June 5
@ 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.
Quiet Intersections: Opening Reception
Friday, June 5
5:30-9 PM @ Voices Studios
As part of a First Fridays event, four Chicago-based artists present concurrent solo exhibitions across the galleries of Voices Studios – together forming Quiet Intersections. Exhibition runs through July 31. For more information, email Mulgrew1962@gmail.com.
What the Constitution Means to Me
Friday through Sunday, June 5-13
Friday & Saturday, 7:30 PM; Sunday, June 7, 2 PM @ Bluff Strokes Art Center
This play one-woman tour de force is based on teenage Heidi Schreck’s personal experience participating in high school American Legion US Constitution contest debates and then revisiting with the audience her questions and thoughts in her adult age. Visit FlyByNightDubuque.com.
Dubuque Farmers’ Market
Saturdays through October 31
7 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.
Millwork Night Market
Thursday, June 11
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.
Pollinators
Thursday, June 11
6-7:30 PM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Explore the amazing world of native bees, flies, beetles, moths, and dragonflies. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
Family Concert
Friday, June 12
10-11 AM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Featuring performing songwriter, author, and teaching artist Jennifer Daniels. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
DBQ Dog Expo
Saturday, June 13
11 AM–2 PM @ 3rd and Bell Streets
Bring your four-legged friends for a tail-wagging good time along the Mississippi River. Discover new products and services for your pup, shop for unique handmade goods, grab a bite to eat from local vendors (plus free pup cups), and win prizes. Visit DBQDogExpo.com.
Adaptive Outdoor Adventure Day
Saturday, June 13
11 AM @ Rupp Hollow Road
Join Dubuque County Conservation for a free, inclusive Adaptive Outdoor Adventure Day for individuals with physical or neurological challenges and their families. Try track chairs, adaptive fishing, petal boats, and biking, plus guided hikes, art, and birding. Connect with local organizations supporting accessibility, recreation, and outdoor experiences for all abilities. For more information, email Kaytlan.Moeller@DubuqueCounty.us.
Summer Exhibition Opening Reception
Saturday, June 13
5-8 PM @ Dubuque Museum of Art
Attend the opening reception of What Now? A Reunion of Artists from the First Voices from the Warehouse District. The original artists reunite for an evening that channels the spirit, grit, and revelry of the first Voices exhibition. Visit DbqArt.org.
A Taste of Ireland
Saturday, June 13
7:30 PM @ Five Flags Center
Bringing the spirit and energy of modern Ireland to life with a pint of Irish wit. Watch world-class performers blend melodic folk mashups, live jaw-dropping acapella tap battles, and heartfelt storytelling in a live celebration of Irish music and dance. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Music in the Gardens
Sunday, June 14
6-8 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.
KinderKamp: Animal Heroes
Monday through Friday, June 15-19
9 AM-12 PM @ the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Animal Heroes is an exciting adventure camp for kids entering Kindergarten, inspired by the puppy heroes of PAW Patrol™. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Drawing Exercises
Wednesday, June 17 & 24, July 1
1:30-3:30 PM @ Bluff Strokes Art Center
Take your beginning drawing skills to the next level by exploring different methods of drawing from observation that will result in drawings that are expressive and energetic. Some prior drawing experience will be helpful. Ages 14+. Visit BluffStrokes.org.
The Great Museum Race
Wednesday, June 17
5:45-9 PM @ the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Gather a team of 4 to 6 members and race against the clock to conquer games, challenges, brainteasers, and much more. Ages 21+. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
She Unites
Wednesday, June 17
6:30-7:30 PM @ The Innovation Lab
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.
Mamma Mia
June 19-July 2 @ The Grand Opera House
A mother, a daughter, three possible dads, and a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. Features ABBA’s timeless songs. Ages 12+. See website for show times. Visit TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
From Stone to Color: Making Pigment from Place
Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21
9 AM-12 PM @ Bluff Strokes Art Center
This two-day workshop introduces students to the origins of pigment by transforming locally collected stone into usable watercolor paint. Ages 14+. Visit BluffStrokes.org.
Hunter Fuerste & His American Vintage Orchestra
Saturday, June 20
6 PM @ Turner Hall (Galena, IL)
Free round-trip transportation will be provided by Jo Daviess County Transit from Galena Rec Park,1721 Field Street. Park at the Northern Lights Pavilion (first parking lot on the west side). Visit GalenaFoundation.org.
Rhythms & Flavors of the Summer Solstice
Saturday, June 20
6-8 PM @ Finley’s Landing Park (Sherrill, IA)
Celebrate the longest day of the year at Finley’s Landing Park with a family-friendly sensory experience. Enjoy a guided hike exploring wild edibles, forage ingredients for herbal mocktails, craft drinks at a mixing station, then gather at beach for an interactive drum circle and bonfire honoring the start of summer. For more information, email Kaytlan.Moeller@DubuqueCounty.us.
Tribute to Glen Campbell
Saturday, June 20
7 PM @ Ohnward Fine Arts Center (Maquoketa, IA)
Featuring Carl Acuff, Jr. Visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.
Kathy Mattea
Saturday, June 20
7:30 PM @ Five Flags Center
Kathy Mattea has enjoyed much success and acclaim during her 35-year career in Country, Bluegrass, and Folk music. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Music at the Star
Sundays, June 21-July 26
6:30 PM @ Alliant Amphitheater
This popular summer concert series offers six free live performances for the whole community. Featuring Hunter Fuerste, Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, Switchback, Jason Petty, The Moonlighters, and the Kids from Wisconsin. See the website for specific performance information. Visit DubuqueArtsCouncil.com/Music-At-The-Star.
Art Camp: Rising Middle Schoolers
Monday through Friday, June 22-26
9 AM-12 PM @ Bluff Strokes Art Center
Rising Middle Schoolers (for those in or going into Middle School). This is week one; register for one or both weeks with instructor Jess Ochoa. Visit BluffStrokes.org.
KinderKamp: Superpower Camp
Monday through Friday, June 22-26
9 AM-12 PM @ the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Superpower Camp is an action-packed adventure where kids entering Kindergarten can discover the amazing, real-life superpowers of nature and animals. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Magic Show
Friday, June 26
10-11 AM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Jeff Quinn’s Farm Fresh Magic Show filled with humor, surprises, and audience participation. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
Steve + Randy
Saturday, June 27
11 AM-1 PM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Musical performance. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
HerbFest
Sunday, June 28
9 AM-1 PM @ Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Silent auction, herb garden tours, tasty herbal treats, handcrafted items for sale, plant giveaway. Visit DubuqueArboretum.net.
Museum Xtra: A Study of the Rockdale Flood, 1876
Tuesday, June 30
6-8 PM @ the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
On July 4, 1876, torrential rain caused a dam on Catfish Creek to fail, unleashing a flood that destroyed Rockdale near Dubuque. It became Iowa’s deadliest forgotten disaster. RSVP. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
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