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Best events in
Dubuque

Looking for events or things to do in Dubuque, IA? The city's social life is centered around three distinct districts—Downtown, the Historic Millwork District, and the Port of Dubuque—each offering a different vibe. A strong appreciation for the arts and a scenic riverfront location shape much of the local culture.

Explore the walkable downtown core, where historic venues like The Grand Opera House and Five Flags Center anchor an arts scene near lively Main Street bars.
Catch national and regional performers at Mississippi Moon Bar or enjoy an outdoor concert at Q Casino's Back Waters Amp in the Port of Dubuque.
Experience the creative energy of the Historic Millwork District, home to live music at 7 Hills Brewing Company and the monthly Millwork Night Market.

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5k Beer Run x Dimensional Brewing| 2026 IA Brewery Running Series primary image

5k Beer Run x Dimensional Brewing| 2026 IA Brewery Running Series

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:00 AM

Dimensional Brewing Company

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3rd Annual Dubuque Halloween Ball primary image

3rd Annual Dubuque Halloween Ball

Fri, Oct 30 • 6:00 PM

The Magnolia (Millwork District)

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Journey to Yoga and Meditation | 5 Week Absolute Beginner Series primary image

Journey to Yoga and Meditation | 5 Week Absolute Beginner Series

Tue, Nov 3 • 5:30 PM

The Well Yoga DBQ

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2026 Young Professionals of Iowa Conference primary image

2026 Young Professionals of Iowa Conference

Fri, Nov 6 • 9:00 AM

Grand River Convention Center

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Five French Mother Sauces Cooking Class: Part Two primary image

Five French Mother Sauces Cooking Class: Part Two

Tue, Nov 10 • 6:00 PM

Convivium Urban Farmstead

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Dubuque Lennox 2026 Fall School primary image

Dubuque Lennox 2026 Fall School

Tue, Nov 17 • 4:00 PM

Holiday Inn Dubuque/Galena, an IHG Hotel

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DCW Harvest Havoc primary image

DCW Harvest Havoc

Sat, Nov 21 • 6:00 PM

Grand River Convention Center

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5k Beer Run x Dimensional Brewing| 2026 IA Brewery Running Series primary image

5k Beer Run x Dimensional Brewing| 2026 IA Brewery Running Series

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:00 AM

Dimensional Brewing Company

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3rd Annual Dubuque Halloween Ball primary image

3rd Annual Dubuque Halloween Ball

Fri, Oct 30 • 6:00 PM

The Magnolia (Millwork District)

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Journey to Yoga and Meditation | 5 Week Absolute Beginner Series primary image

Journey to Yoga and Meditation | 5 Week Absolute Beginner Series

Tue, Nov 3 • 5:30 PM

The Well Yoga DBQ

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2026 Young Professionals of Iowa Conference primary image

2026 Young Professionals of Iowa Conference

Fri, Nov 6 • 9:00 AM

Grand River Convention Center

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Five French Mother Sauces Cooking Class: Part Two primary image

Five French Mother Sauces Cooking Class: Part Two

Tue, Nov 10 • 6:00 PM

Convivium Urban Farmstead

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Dubuque Lennox 2026 Fall School primary image

Dubuque Lennox 2026 Fall School

Tue, Nov 17 • 4:00 PM

Holiday Inn Dubuque/Galena, an IHG Hotel

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DCW Harvest Havoc primary image

DCW Harvest Havoc

Sat, Nov 21 • 6:00 PM

Grand River Convention Center

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism primary image

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Today • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026 primary image

Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Saturday • 9:00 AM EDT

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD primary image

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026 primary image

Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:30 AM GMT+4

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett primary image

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence primary image

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026 primary image

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream primary image

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism primary image

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Today • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026 primary image

Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Saturday • 9:00 AM EDT

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD primary image

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026 primary image

Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:30 AM GMT+4

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett primary image

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence primary image

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026 primary image

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream primary image

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Business & Professional events

Dubuque, Iowa: Empower Your Finances primary image

Dubuque, Iowa: Empower Your Finances

Thu, Oct 22 • 1:30 PM + 4 more

Dubuque

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2026 Young Professionals of Iowa Conference primary image

2026 Young Professionals of Iowa Conference

Fri, Nov 6 • 9:00 AM

Grand River Convention Center

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Dubuque Lennox 2026 Fall School primary image

Dubuque Lennox 2026 Fall School

Tue, Nov 17 • 4:00 PM

Holiday Inn Dubuque/Galena, an IHG Hotel

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Dubuque, Iowa: Empower Your Finances primary image

Dubuque, Iowa: Empower Your Finances

Thu, Oct 22 • 1:30 PM + 4 more

Dubuque

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2026 Young Professionals of Iowa Conference primary image

2026 Young Professionals of Iowa Conference

Fri, Nov 6 • 9:00 AM

Grand River Convention Center

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Dubuque Lennox 2026 Fall School primary image

Dubuque Lennox 2026 Fall School

Tue, Nov 17 • 4:00 PM

Holiday Inn Dubuque/Galena, an IHG Hotel

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Free events

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Lunch & Learn: Garden Philosophies primary image

Lunch & Learn: Garden Philosophies

Wed, Oct 21 • 12:00 PM

Convivium Urban Farmstead

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Dubuque, Iowa: Empower Your Finances primary image

Dubuque, Iowa: Empower Your Finances

Thu, Oct 22 • 1:30 PM + 4 more

Dubuque

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Red Cross Blood Drive primary image

Red Cross Blood Drive

Wed, Oct 28 • 1:00 PM

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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Dubuque Lennox 2026 Fall School primary image

Dubuque Lennox 2026 Fall School

Tue, Nov 17 • 4:00 PM

Holiday Inn Dubuque/Galena, an IHG Hotel

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Lunch & Learn: Garden Philosophies primary image

Lunch & Learn: Garden Philosophies

Wed, Oct 21 • 12:00 PM

Convivium Urban Farmstead

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Dubuque, Iowa: Empower Your Finances primary image

Dubuque, Iowa: Empower Your Finances

Thu, Oct 22 • 1:30 PM + 4 more

Dubuque

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Red Cross Blood Drive primary image

Red Cross Blood Drive

Wed, Oct 28 • 1:00 PM

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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Dubuque Lennox 2026 Fall School primary image

Dubuque Lennox 2026 Fall School

Tue, Nov 17 • 4:00 PM

Holiday Inn Dubuque/Galena, an IHG Hotel

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Frequently asked questions about Dubuque

Where can I find live music events in downtown Dubuque?

Downtown Dubuque has several great spots for live music events. The Lift is a music-focused bar with regular performances, and Smokestack offers a multi-level experience with a rooftop bar. For larger concerts, the Five Flags Center hosts national touring acts.

What are some free art events in the area?

The monthly First Fridays art walk is a fantastic free event downtown. Galleries and studios open their doors to the public, often with live entertainment. You can also see the annual Art on the River, a public sculpture exhibit along the Mississippi Riverwalk.

Are there any family-friendly activities in the Port of Dubuque?

The Port of Dubuque is great for family outings. The area is home to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, which often has special programs. The scenic Mississippi Riverwalk is also perfect for a stroll and hosts the annual Art on the River exhibit.

How can I experience Dubuque's local food and drink scene?

Explore the Historic Millwork District for local craft beverages and food. 7 Hills Brewing Company pairs its brews with live music. For a different vibe, Stone Cliff Winery offers tastings in a historic building, while the monthly Millwork Night Market features local vendors.

Which neighborhood is best for nightlife in Dubuque?

Downtown Dubuque is the center of the city's nightlife and events. Its walkable layout on Main Street makes it easy to hop between venues like the multi-level Smokestack club, various bars, and historic theaters for an evening out.

What's a good date night idea that involves a performance?

A show at The Grand Opera House offers a classic date night experience. This historic theater presents a variety of plays and musicals. For a more casual performance, check the schedules at Bell Tower Theater for community productions or Mississippi Moon Bar for entertainers.

Does Dubuque have any recurring outdoor markets or festival events?

Yes, Dubuque hosts several popular outdoor events and markets. The Dubuque Farmers' Market is held weekly from May through October downtown. For annual festivals, check out DubuqueFest for fine arts or the Dubuque Dragon Boat Festival for races on the river.

Where is a good spot for comedy shows in Dubuque?

Mississippi Moon Bar at Diamond Jo Casino is a primary venue for comedy. It regularly hosts national and regional comedians in its multi-level showroom. The Five Flags Center also brings in larger touring comedy acts as part of its diverse event programming.