experience

Come celebrate music, art, & culture for all ages at DBQfest. Enjoy this FREE summer festival held in Washington Park in picturesque downtown Dubuque, IA. Features live music, local food, & art fair on BOTH Saturday & Sunday. Free admission for all.

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 Macramé | 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

Music

Saturday

Tribal O’Fire – 11:00 AM

What do they sound like? Tribal O’Fire blends upbeat new-age folk with sun-soaked grooves that echo the spirit of ’60s and ’70s festival culture. Their sound is rhythmic, rootsy, and made for swaying in the grass with friends.

Why did we invite them to DBQFest? We wanted a band that could ease us into Saturday with warmth and rhythm. Their energy is perfect for stretching out in the late morning sun and setting a joyful tone for the day.

Where do I start? Come Home

DZ Combo – 12:30 PM

What do they sound like? A tight four-piece jazz unit weaving together timeless standards and inventive originals. Their sound is crisp, soulful, and full of playful surprises.

Why did we invite them to DBQFest? It’s hard to talk about the DBQ music scene without invoking the DZ Combo. From drawing big crowds at the town clock plaza to packing Monks at their regular open mike to spawning buzzy side projects like Them Witches, this band is making waves.

Where do I start? Perpetual Stew is a quick trumpet-forward jam. For a longer listening session, check out this set they performed at Smokestack.

Ethan Keller – 2:00 PM

What do they sound like? Mellow, easylistening rock infused with funk and light blues—think sunny Jack Johnsonstyle singersongwriter set with Chicago vibe. 

Why did we invite them to DBQFest? From the first note we knew this group would pair well with a warm summer afternoon. His soulful melodies and laidback rhythms will be perfect to warm up the crowd before our Saturday headliner.

Where do I start? Refill

Awful Purdies – 4:00 PM

What do they sound like? Five-piece all-women bluegrass group where every member takes turns at the mike. All members play multiple instruments, including banjo, accordion, cello, guitar, mandolin, and bass.

Why did we invite them to DBQFest? They’re Eastern Iowa legends who haven’t played in the area in way too long. Their joyful stories, stage banter, and rotating vocals will reenergize you as you head into evening festivities.

Where do I start? Something in the Water

Sunday

Pennyroyal – 10:30 AM

What do they sound like? 

Why did we invite them to DBQFest? Their sound will be such a perfect opener to gently wake us up on Sunday. They’re prolific local mainstays who pour time and energy into building community in our DBQ music scene.

Where do I start? 

Wolfskill & The Wild – 12:00 PM

What do they sound like? Folk powered by violin and growling vocals. Melodic but with an edge.

Why did we invite them to DBQFest? Because we want more people to hear the unique sounds from their buzzy debut EP Feral Heart. They’ll be a perfect lunchtime vibe.

Where do I start? Pursuit

Dick Rogers: Space Detective – 1:30 PM

What do they sound like? A campy sci-fi comedy radio show in the vein of old-school serials.

Why did we invite them to DBQFest? They’ve become a DBQFest favorite—perfect for the lateafternoon, kidfriendly lawnchair crowd. With plenty of laughs, space mysteries, and charm, it’s the ideal low-key spectacle before the festival winds down.

Where do I start? The first episode of their podcast is a great intro to the concept.

Cumbia Cachaca – 3:00 PM 

What do they sound like? Cumbia is a style of Latin-American dance music featuring syncopated rhythms. This group brings electronic elements that make for a unique and infectious take on the genre.

Why did we invite them to DBQFest? We couldn’t imagine a better way to close out the weekend. Their set promises one last joyful burst of energy—just the right spark to end things dancing. And don’t worry if you’re new to the rhythm—Adams Dance Connection will offer a quick tutorial right before they hit the stage!

Where do I start? La Pava echá

Full schedule

Saturday

Ironside Stage

Tribal O’Fire 11:00am

DZ Combo 12:30pm

Ethan Keller 2:00pm

Awful Purdies 4:00pm

Gazebo

Royal T Princesses and Superheroes 12:00pm

Turnt Kidz 3:30pm

Sunday

Ironside Stage

Pennyroyal 10:30am

Wolfskill & The Wild 12:00pm

Dick Rogers: Space Detective 1:30pm

Adam’s Dance Connection 2:30pm

Cumbia Cachaca 3:00pm

Gazebo

Centrally Rooted 11:30am, 1:00pm, and 2:30pm

Food

Coming soon

More information coming soon!

Coming soon

More information coming soon!

Coming soon

More information coming soon!

Activities