October 9–11, 2026

Dubuque is serving up a lively fall weekend with hockey, tribute concerts, the farmers market, theater comedy, and solid fine-dining options. Weather looks excellent—sunny and mild (highs near 80°F Saturday, upper 70s Sunday)—so outdoor markets and evening walks along the river will feel especially good. 

Concerts & Live Music

Saturday, Oct. 10

•  Steely Dane (Steely Dan tribute) at Five Flags Center Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Sophisticated jazz-rock arrangements of the classic catalog. Tickets from roughly $44–$57. 

•  Vixen (’80s hard-rock band) at Mississippi Moon Bar inside Diamond Jo Casino, 8:00 p.m. High-energy classic material. 

Sunday, Oct. 11

•  The Dream Concert – Celebrating Bobby Darin and Paul Anka at Mississippi Moon Bar, 5:00 p.m.

•  Mania – The ABBA Tribute at Five Flags Center Theatre, 7:30 p.m. (some listings note 6:30 p.m. start). Expect the full disco-pop spectacle. Tickets from about $38. 

Other venues that regularly host live music (check same-day listings): The Goose, 7 Hills Brewing Company, The Lift, Wicked Dame, and Smokestack in the Millwork District.

Sports

Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL hockey) vs. Youngstown Phantoms

•  Friday, Oct. 9, 7:05 p.m.

•  Saturday, Oct. 10, 7:05 p.m.
ImOn Arena. Affordable family entertainment with tickets starting around $8–$10. 

Markets

Dubuque Farmers’ Market – Saturday, Oct. 10, 8 a.m.–noon (October hours)

Iowa Street between 10th & 13th Streets (and nearby side streets). Iowa’s longest-running market with 100+ vendors offering local produce, meats, baked goods, honey, crafts, and more. Rain or shine. 

Nearby option: Galena Farmers Market (IL), also Saturday 7 a.m.–noon.

Comedy & Theater

No major stand-up headliners this exact weekend, but strong local comedy theater:

The 39 Steps at Bell Tower Theater

•  Friday, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m.

•  Saturday, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m.

•  Sunday, Oct. 11, 2:00 p.m.

A Tony Award-winning farce mixing Hitchcock, Monty Python energy, and rapid-fire character changes—pure laugh-out-loud theater. 

(Upcoming comedy later in the month includes Becky Robinson at Mississippi Moon Bar on Oct. 24.)

Fine Dining

Top spots for a polished dinner before or after shows:

•  Brazen Open Kitchen Bar (Millwork District) – Consistently ranked the city’s best fine-dining option. Elevated New American, excellent service, stylish space.

•  Pepper Sprout (downtown) – Seasonal Midwest-focused cuisine; refined but approachable.

•  Woodfire Grille (Diamond Jo Casino) – USDA Prime steaks, seafood, Wine Spectator recognition. Convenient if you’re already at the casino for a concert.

•  L. May Eatery – Strong cocktail program, seafood, and upscale casual vibe on Main Street. 

Reservations recommended, especially Saturday night.

Quick Weekend Planner

•  Saturday daytime: Farmers Market → lunch downtown or Millwork District.

•  Saturday evening: Choose hockey, Steely Dane, Vixen, or The 39 Steps, then dinner at Brazen or Pepper Sprout.

•  Sunday: ABBA tribute or the Bobby Darin/Paul Anka show, or a matinee of The 39 Steps.

Dubuque’s compact downtown and Port of Dubuque make it easy to walk between venues, grab a craft beer, and enjoy the Mississippi River views. Have a great weekend!