Dubuque is serving up a lively mix of entertainment and great food this weekend, with sunny skies expected after a chance of Friday storms. Highs will sit in the upper 70s to low 80s and nights will cool into the upper 50s—ideal weather for outdoor festivals, live music, and patio dining along the Mississippi.

Friday, August 21: Ease into the Weekend

Kick things off with family-friendly fun or dive straight into live music and theater.

•  Explore Vehicle Night (4–7 p.m. at 2nd Hand Play Room) lets kids check out police and fire vehicles for free.

•  Catch the comedy Love… Or Best Offer at Bell Tower Theater (7:30 p.m.). The Phil Olson play follows two singles navigating online dating with plenty of laughs; tickets start around $16–$26.

•  Live music options are plentiful: River Glen with Burn Cruise, Hannah Mae, and Liliana Asta at The Goose (all-ages show); State of Static at The Yardarm; and more local acts at spots like Stone Cliff Winery and Spirits Bar & Grill.

Saturday, August 22: The Big Day

This is the weekend’s highlight with two major events plus the classic farmers market.

Irish Hooley Music Festival takes over the new Back Waters Amp at Q Casino (11 a.m.–about 10:15 p.m.). Headlined by Gaelic Storm (known for their Titanic appearance and high-energy Celtic sound), the lineup also features Switchback, Ballyheigue, The Lads of Dubuque, Ian Gould & Lukas Jaeger, The Wee Lads, Dubuque Fire Pipes & Drums, and the McNulty School of Irish Dance. Expect Irish food, beer, shopping, and full cultural immersion. Advance tickets run about $20 (adults); kids 10 and under are free. The amphitheater setting makes this year’s edition especially appealing.

At the same time, 2X Monster Trucks Live roars into Dubuque County Fairgrounds (show around 2 p.m., with earlier pit/ride options). Trucks including Shark Bite, Roarin’ Rex, Jekyll & Hyde, King Sling, and others deliver racing, freestyle, car crushing, and FMX stunts. Kids can enjoy activities, meet drivers, and even ride a monster truck. Tickets start in the $50–$65 range depending on seating and packages.

Start the morning at the Dubuque Farmers’ Market (7 a.m.–noon near 12th & Iowa Streets). Iowa’s oldest market offers fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, crafts, and prepared foods from more than 100 local vendors, often with live music.

Other Saturday options include free B-1 Community Yoga in the Park (9:30 a.m. at Comiskey Park), an August Bee Tour at Convivium Urban Farmstead, and evening live music or Emo Night at Q Casino.

Sunday, August 23: Wind Down or Keep Going

Mopars on the Mississippi (8 a.m.–4 p.m. at Dubuque County Fairgrounds) brings the 30th annual all-Mopar car show and swap meet—rain or shine—with classic Chryslers, Dodges, Plymouths, and more. Weekly racing also happens at the fairgrounds later in the day.

Live music continues at Barrel Head Winery (Tangle Creek), Dockside Bar & Grille (Mark Zalaznik), The Yardarm, and other riverfront spots. Love… Or Best Offer has a 2 p.m. matinee at Bell Tower Theater.

Nearby options include Peosta Community Days (parade, music, and fireworks) and the final days of the Grant County Fair in Lancaster, Wisconsin.

Where to Eat

Dubuque’s dining scene pairs perfectly with the weekend energy, from upscale spots to casual favorites.

•  Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar stands out for scratch-made, locally sourced New American fare and craft cocktails in a stylish open-kitchen setting—excellent for a date night or special meal.

•  Woodfire Grille at Diamond Jo delivers USDA Prime steaks, seafood, and an award-winning wine list in an upscale atmosphere; many consider it one of the city’s top fine-dining experiences.

•  L. May Eatery, 7 Hills Brewing Company, Copper Kettle, Driftless Pizza Co., and Baraboo’s on Main offer reliable American, pizza, and pub options with strong local followings.

•  Newer or casual picks include Bell Street Eatery (comfort food at Diamond Jo, open late on weekends) and classic river views at places like Dockside or Timmerman’s Supper Club just across the river in East Dubuque.

•  For a quick market-day bite or post-festival refuel, the Farmers’ Market prepared-food vendors and downtown spots like Paul’s Tavern or The Lift deliver solid local flavor.

Whether you’re dancing to Gaelic Storm, watching monster trucks crush cars, browsing the farmers market, or settling in for a steak and craft cocktail, Dubuque has a full plate of entertainment and dining this weekend. Check venues for the latest ticket availability and any weather updates, then get out and enjoy the Tri-State’s best.