August 2-3, 2025
Dubuquefest
A Night at The Lift: Live Music for DBQfest
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Doors at 7 PM, Live music at 9 PM
The Lift, 180 Main Street, Downtown Dubuque
The event is free to attend, and a portion of all drink sales — including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options — will directly support DBQfest 2025.
The night will feature live performances by Nick Dittmeier & the Sawdusters, a roots-rock band known for their gritty storytelling, and Daddy Longlegs, a Dubuque favorite with a loyal local following.
Attendees can also participate in a special Thrifty Art Raffle from doors open through the live music changeover. The raffle will feature a curated collection of artworks created or donated by members of the DBQfest planning committee and the Dubuque County Fine Arts Society (DCFAS) board. Raffle tickets will be available in person only, day-of at The Lift.
Shop Artists & Makers
2025 Artists
Raeann Bowdey, Apron Love LLC | Carrol Brandt, Garden Art by Carrol | Jenni Brant, Burro Branch Studios | Holly Brimeyer, Dapper Raptor Studios | Tom Caccia | Hao Cao, 2 Dots 1 Line Clay | Amber Carlin, Berlyn Designs | Tiffany Carr | Emily Cotton Cram, Daydream Illustration | Dena Dundee, Dena Dundee Stained Glass Artist (Emerging Artist Scholarship) | Desiree Edge, Des Art Designs | Dan Fenn, DL Fenn | Stacy Fett, Blue Koi Crafts | Sarah Flicek, Felixery | Heather Gile, Gile MacramĂ© | Erica Gooding, Artisan Jewelry by Erica Gooding | Brian Graham, GeekwithWood | Michaela Gryzlo, Stitch N’ Fluff | Jeff Ignatius, Phase Change Photography | Roger Ipsen, Homeinstead | Carole M. Kasowski, Caroles Art Works | Leo Kelly, Leo Kelly Caricatures | Susan Kennicott, Kennicott Fine Art | Zoe Klosterwill (Emerging Artist Scholarship) | Rich Lammer, RMLfish | Katie Lawver, Merfolk | Tab Link, Tab Link Handworks | Leigh Macemore, Opallios Art | Jeremy D, Marquis | Allison McClain, Allison McClain Studios | Izzy Metcalf & Addy Schober, Loot of Lune | Patrice Meyerdirk, Meyerdirk Art LLC | Emily Miles, Emily Rose Artistry | Sarah Moeding, Vug Jewels | Sergiy Nagorny, NV Design | Rowan Napier, Eclectics and Elements | Tim Nelson, Norm’s Creations by Tim Nelson | Izabella Ortega, Starlit canvas | Jessica,Oye, Homestead and Hammer | Jeff Paulson, Paulson Products LLC | Megan Pike, Macrame Mama WI LLC (Emerging Artist Scholarship) | Emily Reuter, Emily Reuter Art (Emerging Artist Scholarship) | Sara Rieger | Liz & Rich Robertson, Cricket Hill Pottery | Grace Rogers, Simply Lush Studio (Emerging Artist Scholarship) | Susan Roskens, The Pressing Garden | Pete Sandker | Gabriela Stangl | Kathleen Stuart, Jacks Designs | TouKao Thao, Lemongrass Art | Rich Theobald, Donald Topp | Claire Thoele, Claire Thoele Art & Design | Crystal Wade, Faith & Findings | Brittany Wheeler, Brittany Mae’s Clay | Mary Beth Willems, Mary Beth’s Articulture | Mechelle Williams, MJ Creative Candles
Ironside stage lineup
2025 Artists
Applications are now closed for our 2025 festival. Thank you to everyone who applied! We’ll be announcing our 2025 musician lineup soon. See you at the festival, August 2–3!
Park Activities
2025 ActivitiesÂ
Applications are now closed for our 2025 festival! We’ll be announcing more information soon. See you at the festival, August 2–3!
Volunteer
DBQFest needs your helping hands to make this community arts celebration a success!
DBQFest is right around the corner, and we need volunteers to help make it happen! Opportunities are available Friday, August 1 for setup, and throughout the festival on Saturday and Sunday, August 2–3, 2025. Sign up for the shifts that fit your schedule — every bit of help makes a difference!
Want to Donate?
Interested in a way to help support the arts, community, and Dubuquefest? Good news! You can safely and securely donate a custom amount directly to Dubuquefest via the ZEFFY link below. Click now!
follow us on instagram!
