DBQfest

03/31/2026

Area visual artists and creative makers—THIS IS IT!!!

Applications for DBQFest 2026 close tonight at 11:59 p.m.

No fee to apply.
A full weekend of art, music, and community.
Thousands of people ready to see (and buy) your work.

📍 August 8 & 9 | Washington Park, downtown Dubuque
💰 $150 booth fee if accepted

If it’s been sitting on your to-do list to get your application in…consider this your sign.

👉 Apply now: https://airtable.com/app7UjIv7riMQophu/pagndtfjdKtLTngso/form

DBQfest AllTogether Dubuque Dubuque County Fine Arts Society City of Dubuque Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs Iowa Arts & Culture

03/12/2026

DQQfest would like to share this artist opportunity with our audience:

"Hills & Dales Mobility Street Mural RFQ

Hills & Dales seeks to commission an artist to design and oversee the community installation of a temporary, inclusive, mobility-themed community streetway mural in Dubuque, Iowa in May of 2026. The mural will be installed on 4th Street, a dead-end roadway in front of the city’s historic Fenelon Place Elevator. A large portion of the installation will happen at a community painting day for people of all abilities on May 16, 2026 (rain date likely on June 13, 2026). The mural will be painted on the roadway, rather than a traditional vertical wall, to allow for the inclusive participation of artists, no matter their mobility. The proposed section of roadway measures approximately 2000 sq ft, but designs do not need to cover the entire available area. A portion of this space may need to be sectioned off and go unused to ensure vehicle access for local neighbors.

This commission opportunity is a two-phase design process, beginning with a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) that will expand to an invitation and stipend-based Request for Proposal (RFP) for up to three selected finalists."

Full RFQ and additional information ➡️ https://www.hillsdales.org/mobility-mural-rfq

DuMA would like to share this artist opportunity with our audience:

"Hills & Dales Mobility Street Mural RFQ

Hills & Dales seeks to commission an artist to design and oversee the community installation of a temporary, inclusive, mobility-themed community streetway mural in Dubuque, Iowa in May of 2026. The mural will be installed on 4th Street, a dead-end roadway in front of the city’s historic Fenelon Place Elevator. A large portion of the installation will happen at a community painting day for people of all abilities on May 16, 2026 (rain date likely on June 13, 2026). The mural will be painted on the roadway, rather than a traditional vertical wall, to allow for the inclusive participation of artists, no matter their mobility. The proposed section of roadway measures approximately 2000 sq ft, but designs do not need to cover the entire available area. A portion of this space may need to be sectioned off and go unused to ensure vehicle access for local neighbors.

This commission opportunity is a two-phase design process, beginning with a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) that will expand to an invitation and stipend-based Request for Proposal (RFP) for up to three selected finalists."

Full RFQ and additional information: https://www.hillsdales.org/mobility-mural-rfq

02/10/2026

DBQfest 2026 applications are now OPEN!🎉Join us Aug. 8–9, 2026 for Iowa’s longest-running arts festival in the heart of downtown Dubuque, IA.

Artists & Makers applications close Mar. 31st, scholarships are available. Performers & Musicians applications close Apr. 30th. Stay tuned for Food & Beverage, Community Booths, and Park Activities applications, they will open by Feb. 28th. Be part of the creativity, music, and community that make DBQfest special.

👉 Apply now at dbqfest.com/apply

Apply Now Scholarships available. Application closes on March 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM, click here for art fair rules & information. Application closes on April 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM, click here for performer information. stay tuned, applications will open by February 28, 2026. stay tuned, applications w...

01/25/2026

A huge thank you to our board of directors, DBQFest planning committee, and incredible event-night volunteers for making 'An Evening of Art for DBQFest' possible.

Extra special thanks to EJ’s Wine Shop, Jubeck New World Brewing, Wicked River Event Production, Digital Dubuque, and Clarke University’s Nutrition & Food Science faculty and students for their generous support. We’re also grateful to the City of Dubuque, the McDonough Foundation, and the DRA for supporting the Dubuque County Fine Arts Society and the arts in our community.✨

01/23/2026

Part 2 of your preview for tomorrow’s An Evening of Art for DBQFest!👀🎨

More item are here—featuring 50+ original artworks, wearable and functional pieces, and art-filled experiences donated by DBQFest artists and regional creatives.

Bidding opens at 6:00 p.m. tomorrow at Dubuque Museum of Art. Come ready to discover something one-of-a-kind and support the artists who make DBQFest possible.

01/22/2026

THIS SATURDAY at "An Evening of Art for DBQfest" enjoy entertainment from ORACLE POETS✨

The Oracle Poets, Timothy Lehew-Juhl and Heidi Zull, offer a one-of-a-kind poetry on demand experience, creating personalized poems for guests in real time. After asking a few simple questions, they compose each poem on the spot using vintage typewriters, turning conversations into art. Their work blends spontaneity, curiosity, and human connection into a keepsake guests can take home.

01/22/2026

THIS SATURDAY at "An Evening of Art for DBQfest" enjoy entertainment from CHRISTINE BAKER✨

Christine Baker is a Dubuque-based spoken word artist and seasoned performer whose work blends storytelling, advocacy, and emotional truth. She has appeared on stages with Fly-By-Night Productions and other theater groups across Dubuque. Through her writing and performances, she creates space for underrepresented voices and explores themes of identity, belonging, and resilience.

01/22/2026

THIS SATURDAY at "An Evening of Art for DBQfest" enjoy entertainment from BRION BOWMAN✨

Brion Bowman is a versatile musician known for delivering a wide range of classy, crowd-captivating tunes with his smooth vocals and jazzy keyboard style. Performing under his business name, BKBMusix, Brion creates an intimate, soulful atmosphere that makes time slow down. When he’s not on stage, he teaches private music lessons from his studio on Main Street.

01/21/2026

This is your preview for Saturday’s An Evening of Art for DBQFest!👀🎨 Featuring 50+ original artworks, wearable and functional pieces, and art-filled experiences donated by DBQFest artists and regional creatives.

Bidding opens at 6:00 p.m. this Saturday at the Dubuque Museum of Art—come ready to discover something one-of-a-kind and support the artists who make DBQFest possible.