DBQFest 2026

DBQFest, Iowa’s longest-running arts fair and festival, returns 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, over 150 professional musicians and performers, hands-on art activities, youth performances, theater, yoga, poetry, community organizations, and local food trucks. 🎨🎶
Festival hours are Saturday, August 8 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with headlining musical act Allison Mahal performing from 4:30–6:00 PM 🌅 Sunday, August 9 runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with headlining musical act Sun Centauri from 3:00–4:00 PM 🌞
The 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 🖼️✨ Visitors will find returning favorites alongside new and emerging voices from across the region.
Live music and performances take place all weekend on two stages in Washington Park: the Ironside (Main) Stage and the Gazebo Stage 🎤🎭
Saturday, August 8 music lineup:
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 music lineup:
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 🎉 From 7:00–9:00 PM at The Goose, enjoy Lame Witch followed by Ion Alexakis. From 9:30–11:30 PM at The Lift, performances include 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 that 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.