Iowa’s longest-running arts festival returns to Washington Park this weekend, August 8 and 9, 2026. It’s completely free, family-friendly, and packed with art, music, and local food.

When and where

Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (live music running until about 6), Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Everything happens in Washington Park at 700 Locust Street in the heart of downtown.

The lineup

Two stages keep the music and performances going all weekend.

Saturday highlights include The Groundhogs playing jazz, Faye with her jazz singer-songwriter set, Addison Aronson, Daniel Xavier & Co. bringing R&B, and headliner Allison Mahal closing the main stage with pop-rock from 4:30 to 6. You’ll also catch classical from Suonare, family entertainment from the Royal T Princesses, youth dance and music showcases, plus the Groundswell Joy Collective’s big participatory arts experience with puppet-making and a community dance.

New this year is DBQFest After Hours on Saturday night. Head over to The Goose on Main Street for Lame Witch and Ion Alexakis, then down to The Lift for Joel Sires and Run Dog. No cover.

Sunday brings live radio theater with Dick Rogers: Space Detective, electronic and singer-songwriter sets from Def Sonic and Glab II, the Lamplight Jazz Quartet, classical crossover violin from Madison Loree, Shakespeare from The Driftless Guild, spoken word from Chozen, and headliner Sun Centauri wrapping things up with future pop and R&B.

Food vendors

You’ll find a solid spread of local options right in and around the park:

•  Tu Wayy Catering serving BBQ brisket, jerk chicken, and seafood

•  La Patrona Taco Wuey with authentic Mexican

•  Hot Diggity Dogz for Chicago dogs, Italian beefs, and Maxwell Street Polish

•  The Rice is Nice with internationally inspired rice bowls

•  Sour Joes offering savory and sweet kolaches

•  Tesy’s Treats with baked breads, handmade chocolates, and sweets

•  ElevateHER Network for snow cones and sweet drinks

•  EJ’s Wine Shop with slushies and other adult beverages

More to do

Shop the juried Art & Makers Fair with 57 regional artists selling original work—paintings, ceramics, jewelry, wood, glass, textiles, and more. There are hands-on activities all weekend, including a Creation Station, on-demand poetry, a photo booth, and DIY T-shirt silkscreening.

Bring a chair or blanket, wander the park, and enjoy a classic Dubuque summer weekend. Full details and the latest schedule are at dbqfest.com.