August 8-9, 2026
Dubuquefest
Volunteer
Become a fan on VolunteerDBQ to stay up to date with volunteer opportunities throughout the year and for the upcoming festival! DBQFest needs your helping hands to make this community arts celebration a success. Volunteers are needed for setup and during the event—choose the shifts that work best for you. Every bit of help makes a difference!
Shop Artists & Makers
Art & Makers Fair
DBQFest’s Art & Makers Fair is a lively, juried showcase of fine arts and handcrafted goods held in scenic Washington Park during the free, two-day DBQfest. Featuring original work from:
ABIGAIL BUTCHER • AARON BUTCHER ART • A JOURNALED MIND • ANNIE LICHTER ARTS • ARTEM MATHEMATICA • ARTISAN JEWELRY BY ERICA GOODING • BERLYN DESIGNS • BLUE KOI FINE ART • BRENDA PEASE • BROKERUD DESIGN • BRITTANY MAE’S CLAY • BURRO BRANCH STUDIOS • CLAIRE THOELE ART & DESIGN • COURTNEY DIEDRICH CERAMICS • CRICKET HILL POTTERY • CUTE N COZY CO • DANK ARTISTRY • DAPPER RAPTOR STUDIOS • DARON KRUEGER PHOTOGRAPHY • DAYDREAM ILLUSTRATION • DENA DUNDEE STAINED GLASS ARTIST • DES ART DESIGNS • DEVIANT HENNA LLC • FAITH & FINDINGS • GABRIELA STANGL • GEEK WITH WOOD • GLEN ARTHUR LOWRY • HALEY HOLZER • HINOKI FLORALS AND GIFTS • HOMESTEAD AND HAMMER • HERB JONES DESIGNS • JEREMY MARQUIS ART • JILL ESTELLE ART • JUBILATION CERAMICS • KELSEY BENTON ART • KETTLER PADDLES • LAURA LARABEE • LEMONGRASS ART • LOOT OF LUNE • MARY BETH’S ARTICULTURE • MERFOLK • MOEN JEWELRY • MARTIN VANAGS • NASH COX • NORM’S CREATIONS BY TIM NELSON • NV DESIGN • OPALLIOS ART • ORACLE POETS • PAPER RAINBOW • PAUL STOLEN PHOTO • RESONATING ART • SIMPLY LUSH STUDIO • STARLIT CANVAS • TAB LINK HANDWORKS • TILSAAN TEA • TIFFANY CARR • TINY CHAPEL PHOTO BOOTH • TOM CACCIA
Music & Stage Performers
DBQFest’s Music and Stage Performers bring the festival to life with a dynamic lineup of live music, theater, and performance art across multiple stages in Washington Park.
Saturday, August 8
The Groundhogs (Jazz), Faye (Jazz Singer-Songwriter), Addison Aronson (Singer-Songwriter), Daniel.Xavier & Co. (R&B), Allison Mahal (Pop/Rock), Groundswell Joy Collective (Participatory Arts Experience), Suonare (Classical Chamber Ensemble), Royal T Princesses (Family Entertainment), TK Dynamic (Youth Dance Program), Centrally Rooted (Youth Music Showcase)
DBQFest After Hours
Presented by Driftless Frequencies
The Goose (920 Main St.) featuring Lame Witch (Jazz Fusion Group) & Ion Alexakis (Rapper & Producer)
The Lift (180 Main St.) featuring Joel Sires (Singer-Songwriter) & Run Dog (Indie Americana Rock Band)
Sunday, August 9
Dick Rogers: Space Detective (Live Radio Theater), Def Sonic (Electronic/ Singer-Songwriter), Lamplight Jazz Quartet (Jazz), Sun Centauri (Future Pop / R&B), Glab II (Electronic), The Driftless Guild (Shakespeare Theater), Madison Loree (Classical Crossover Violin), Chozen (Spoken Word)
Park Activities
DBQFest’s Park Activities offer fun and engaging experiences for all ages throughout Washington Park during the free, two-day festival. From interactive art projects and family-friendly games to hands-on workshops and community events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and get involved in.
All weekend Long:
DIY T-Shirt in Partnership with Olliwood Action Sports: Learn how to silkscreen the shirt you bring, or buy one from us.
Oracle Poets Heidi Zull and Timothy Lehew-Juhl will be in the park, taking your ideas to write on-demand poetry
Tiny Chapel Dubuque debuts their Photo Booth with instant print film in Washington Park. The first 150 photos are on us. Come get a photo to commemorate the weekend!
Saturday 2:00-5:00pm:
Groundswell Joy Collective Puppet Making table will have all the supplies you need to make some paper mache puppets. Plus, they will have a Community Song and a spiral dance with their larger-than-life Snake puppet.
Food & Beverage
DBQFest’s Food and Beverage offerings feature a delicious variety of local vendors serving up everything from savory meals to sweet treats and refreshing drinks throughout the free, two-day festival in Washington Park. Whether you’re craving festival classics or unique local flavors, there’s something to satisfy every appetite.
EJ’s Wine Shop • Serving Slushies and other alcoholic beverages
ElevateHER Network • Snow Cones & other sweet drinks
Tu Wayy catering • BBQ Brisket, Jerk Chicken, and Seafood
The Rice is Nice • internationally inspired rice bowls
La Patrona Taco Wuey • Authentic Mexican
Hot Diggity Dogz • Chicago Dogz, Italian Beefs, and Maxwell Street Polish
Sour Joes • Kolaches with both savory and sweet fillings
Tesy’s Treats • Baked breads, handmade chocolates, and other treats
support the arts & 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.
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