DBQFest 2026

Join us for DBQFest, Iowa’s longest-running arts fair and festival, returning to historic Washington Park in downtown Dubuque on August 8–9, 2026! ✨ This free, family-friendly celebration transforms the park into a vibrant two-day hub of art, music, creativity, and community featuring:

• 57 regional artists and makers
• 150+ professional musicians and performers
• Hands-on art activities 🎨
• Youth performances 🎭
• Theater, yoga, poetry, and community organizations
• Local food trucks 🌮

Festival Hours:

• Saturday, August 8: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Headlining act: Allison Mahal from 4:30–6:00 PM 🌅
• Sunday, August 9: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Headlining act: Sun Centauri from 3:00–4:00 PM 🌞

Visual Artists & Makers Market features original paintings, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, woodworking, glass art, photography, textiles, and more—all available for purchase directly from the artists! 🖼️✨

Live Music Lineup:

• Saturday, August 8

  • Ironside (Main) Stage 🎶
    • 10:30 AM: The Groundhogs (Jazz)
    • 12:00 PM: Faye (Jazz Singer-Songwriter)
    • 1:30 PM: Addison Aronson (Singer-Songwriter)
    • 3:00 PM: Daniel.Xavier & Co. (R&B)
    • 4:30 PM: Allison Mahal (Pop/Rock)
  • Gazebo Stage 🌿
    • 10:00 AM: Groundswell Joy Collective (Participatory Arts Experience)
    • 11:30 AM: Suonare (Classical Chamber Ensemble)
    • 1:00 PM: Royal T Princesses (Family Entertainment)
    • 2:30 PM: TK Dynamic (Youth Dance Program)
    • 4:00 PM: Centrally Rooted (Youth Music Showcase)

• Sunday, August 9

  • Ironside (Main) Stage 🎶
    • 10:30 AM: Dick Rogers: Space Detective (Live Radio Theater)
    • 12:00 PM: Def Sonic (Electronic/Singer-Songwriter)
    • 1:30 PM: Lamplight Jazz Quartet (Jazz)
    • 3:00 PM: Sun Centauri (Future Pop / R&B)
  • Gazebo Stage 🌿
    • 10:00 AM: Glab II (Electronic)
    • 11:30 AM: The Driftless Guild (Shakespeare Theater)
    • 1:00 PM: Madison Loree (Classical Crossover Violin)
    • 2:30 PM: Chozen (Spoken Word)

New in 2026:

• DBQFest After Hours extends the celebration into the evening on Saturday, August 8 with free, no-cover performances at downtown venues! 🎉
  • 7:00–9:00 PM at The Goose: Lame Witch followed by Ion Alexakis.
  • 9:30–11:30 PM at The Lift: Joel Sires and Run Dog 🎸

Beyond the music, enjoy yoga, poetry, theater, youth programming, interactive art experiences, community booths, and food trucks along 6th Street 🌮🎨 with beverage sales provided by EJ’s Wine Shop 🍷.

Please Note: 6th and 7th Streets between Locust and Bluff Streets will be closed during festival hours, with parking restrictions in place around Washington Park 🚧.

DBQFest is a volunteer-powered program of the Dubuque County Fine Arts Society, supporting artists and creative experiences throughout the region 💛. For sponsorship or more information, visit dbqfest.com.