August 8-9, 2026
Dubuquefest
Join us for An Evening of Art
A fundraiser supporting DBQFest by Dubuque County Fine Arts Society
Join us for An Evening of Art for DBQFest, an intimate winter fundraiser celebrating creativity, connection, and community in support of Iowa’s longest-running arts festival.
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
🕕 6:00–9:00 p.m.
📍 Dubuque Museum of Art – Millwork District
1000 Jackson Street, Dubuque, IA
🎟 Admission by free will donation at the door
What to Expect
🎨 A curated silent art auction featuring donated works from regional artists
🎶 Live music by Brion Bowman
🎤 Spoken word performance by Christine Baker
✍️ On-demand poetry created throughout the evening by Oracle Poets
🥂 Cocktails, mocktails, and light hors d’oeuvres
🤝 A chance to gather with artists, supporters, and arts advocates from across the community
Proceeds from the evening directly support DBQFest 2026 and the work of the Dubuque County Fine Arts Society, helping ensure that the festival remains free and accessible while artists are paid, supported, and showcased in a high-quality setting.
Why Your Support Matters
Founded in 1979, DBQFest is a cornerstone of Dubuque’s cultural calendar, bringing together more than 60 visual artists, live performances, hands-on art activities, culinary experiences, and thousands of attendees in downtown Dubuque each summer.
By attending An Evening of Art for DBQFest, you’re investing in artists, culture bearers, and the creative infrastructure that makes community-centered arts and culture experiences possible year-round.
📆 DBQFest 2026 will take place August 8–9, 2026, in downtown Dubuque.
Learn more at DBQFest.com and follow along for updates on artists, auction donations, and event details.
Interested in donating artwork for this event to support DBQFest? Click here to complete the artwork donation form.
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.
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 around 50+ regional artists, the fair celebrates creativity with cash prizes, community art projects, kids’ activities, and an evening artist reception. Thank you to all artists who attended our 2025 festival — watch for details on how to apply for 2026 in the near future.
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. From local favorites to regional acts, the performances offer something for every taste and age, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the free, two-day event. Thank you to all the performers who graced our 2025 stages — keep an eye out for announcements about 2026 opportunities to showcase your talent.
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.
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.
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!
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