MARCH 2025
MARCH 1-31 . 7a-dusk
STORYWALK: Here Are the Seeds
Enjoy the joy of reading with all the benefits of being active outside!
Location: Legacy Tree Trail
Sponsors: Carnegie-Stout Public Library +
Dubuque Morning Optimist Club
TUE . MAR 4 . 6-8p
FULL!
WORKSHOP: Create a Spring Planter!
- Tired of winter? Come to this informative, fun workshop and create a spring planter using pre-chilled (forced) tulip, hyacinth, and daffodil bulbs! [Everything is supplied.]
- You'll learn the entire process so you can DIY at home for years to come!
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Rech Family Gardens
THU . MAR 6 . 6-8p
FULL!
WORKSHOP: Dried Flower + Epoxy Suncatchers
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Rech Family Gardens
THU . MAR 27 . 6-7p
EDUCATIONAL SESSION: Houseplants 101
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Planted.
APRIL 2025
APRIL 1-30 . 7a-dusk
STORYWALK: Crocodiles Need Kisses Too
Enjoy the joy of reading with all the benefits of being active outside!
Location: Legacy Tree Trail
Sponsor: Carnegie-Stout Public Library
WED . APR 2 . 4-8p
FUNDRAISER: Dine + Donate
Fundraiser Night! Come and support the DABG at Pizza Ranch in Dubuque! Enjoy a fun-filled evening with delicious pizza, great company, and plenty of laughter. Don't miss out!
During the hours, 4-8p, 10% of Pizza Ranch sales and tips will be donated to the Arboretum.
Location: 2020 Radford Road, Dubuque
Sponsor: Pizza Ranch
THU . APR 3 . 6-7p
EDUCATIONAL SESSION: Love Bugs 101
Learn about common houseplant pests and how to build a better relationship between you and your plants through proper Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. We'll discuss:
- Common houseplant pests and which are most prevalent on which plants
- IPM concepts and strategies
- Treatment options
- Biocontrol and new approaches
- Keeping your plants healthy before and after pest problems
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Planted.
ALL REGISTRATION fees are donated to the Arboretum to help them keep offering a beautiful space for our city (nearly 100% volunteer-maintained gardens and activities).
FRI . APR 4 . 6-8p
WORKSHOP: Dried Flower + Epoxy Suncatchers
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Rech Family Gardens
THU . APR 10 . 6-8p
WORKSHOP: Butterfly Art
Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop to create a stunning butterfly masterpiece using preserved flowers grown in Lancaster! No experience needed — our easy, step-by-step guidance ensures everyone can create a beautiful piece. We’ll be there to help every step of the way!
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Rech Family Gardens
SAT . APR 12 . 9a-Noon
VOLUNTEER: Spring Clean-Up No. 1
Lunch provided at 11:30a inside Visitor Center
Location: Gardens + Porch
Sponsor: DABG
SAT . APR 26 . Noon-2:30p
CELEBRATION: Arbor Day
Welcome, Spring! With the first blooms of the season, Rech Family Gardens’ Bloom Bar will feature vibrant tulips and daffodils, ready for you to handpick or choose from stunning pre-made bouquets. Stop by and bring home a touch of spring!
- Tree Planting Ceremony
- Tree Identification Walk
- Tree-Themed Storytime with Special Guest Readers and MORE!
Location: Gardens
Sponsors: Dubuque Trees Forever + Rech Family Gardens + Trolleys of Dubuque
Serving great coffee
from 11a-1p!
SAT . APR 26 . 9a-Noon
VOLUNTEER: Spring Clean-Up No. 2
Lunch provided at 11:30a inside Visitor Center
Location: Gardens + Porch
Sponsor: DABG
SAT . APR 26 . 10a-5p
OPENING DAY:
Gardens Gift Shop
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Serving great food!
SUN . APR 27 . 7a-dusk
OPENING WEEKEND:
Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Location: the DABG grounds
Gardens Gift Shop Hours: 10a-5p
Serving great food!
MAY 2025
MAY 1-31 . 7a-dusk
STORYWALK: Nosotros Means Us
Enjoy the joy of reading with all the benefits of being active outside!
Location: Legacy Tree Trail
Sponsor: Carnegie-Stout Public Library
SAT . MAY 3 . 8-11a
2025 Dubuque Area HeartWalk
Join the American Heart Association in the fight against heart disease and stroke!
Location: The Dubuque Arboretum + Botanical Gardens Grounds
Sponsor: American Heart Association
SUN . MAY 4 . 11a-1p
TEA PARTY + POTTING + FOOD
Tea tasting + planting in a decorative teapot. Tea available for purchase.
Location: Hafeman Veranda + Visitor Center Lot
Sponsors: Planted + ByzanTEAum + Hibachi Time
11a-2p
SUN . MAY 4 . 2-4p
WORKSHOP: Mommy & Me
Create. Bond. Have fun together. Join us for a creative Mommy & Me workshop with gorgeously pressed flowers!
Location: Hafeman Veranda
Sponsor: Upland Creative
THU . MAY 8 . 6-7p
EDUCATIONAL SESSION
Shinrin-Yoku: The Art of Forest Bathing
Discover Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese practice of forest bathing, with Jean Daoud. Learn how mindful time in nature can reduce stress, boost well-being, and enhance mental clarity. This session includes breathing exercises, sensory awareness, and practical techniques to deepen your connection with nature. Registration required.
Location: Dubuque Arboretum grounds
Hosted by Jean Daoud.
SAT . MAY 10 . 7a
EXCURSION: Birding
Location: The Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Grounds
Sponsor: Dubuque Audubon Society
THU . MAY 15 . 6-7p
EDUCATIONAL SESSION: Bees in the (Legacy) Trees
Presented by Belle Lensing
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: DABG
THU . MAY 22 . 6-8p
CLASS:
Honey Tasting + Bee-utiful Cookie Decorating Class
BEE SWEET: Join us for this dual learning experience:
- Full Sensory Honey-Tasting, led by Dry Creek Beekeeping. Use all your senses to become honey connoisseurs as you explore the flavors, textures, colors, and aromas of light, medium, and dark-colored honey plus creamed, crystallized, and combed honey!
- Cookie Decorating by Pies & Cakes by Mackensie. Learn the basics of cookie decorating with royal icing on bee-themed cookies. Skills taught include: Royal Icing Basics / Piping / Tipless bags / Outlining/flooding / Writing with icing / Sugar cookie dough tips + tricks. You'll leave with six bee-themed decorated cookies, a royal icing recipe, and a sugar cookie recipe. You can tell your friends, “I made that!”
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsors: Dry Creek Beekeeping + Pies & Cakes by Mackensie
SAT . MAY 31 . 7a-Noon
DABG at the Summer Farmers Market
The Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens will be at the Dubuque Farmers Market on Saturday, May 31. Come out and say "Hi!" and learn more about us!
Location: Iowa Street x 11th-13th blocks
Sponsor: DABG
JUNE 2025
JUNE 1-30 . 7a-dusk
STORYWALK: Summer Color
Enjoy the joy of reading with all the benefits of being active outside!
Location: Legacy Tree Trail
Sponsor: Carnegie-Stout Public Library
SUN. JUNE 1 . 6-8p
MUSIC IN THE GARDENS
Elton Jeff & the Honky Cats
Elton Jeff & The Honky Cats is not just another tribute act. It’s a musical celebration spanning over six decades, featuring a review of Elton John’s chart-topping favorites that have been embraced by multiple generations. Their performance gives music enthusiasts a well-crafted experience featuring the heaviest hitters from the Elton John catalog.
Location: Packard Pavilion Amphitheater
Sponsor: McNamer Family Foundation.
[In memory of Joey McNamer, treasured son of Marty and Nancy McNamer.]
Serving great food!
WED . JUNE 4 . 1-2p
EDUCATIONAL SESSION: Animal Art
What do drawings, spider webs, and fur all have in common? They’re forms of animal art!
Step into the shoes of a scientist to explore how both animals and people create art. Meet animal ambassadors and explore interesting artifacts as you discover the creative world of animals. Don’t miss this fun, hands-on experience—perfect for young explorers and animal lovers alike!
Registration required.
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
THU . JUNE 5 . 6-7:30p
EDUCATIONAL SESSION: Garnishing 101
Learn to use herbs and edible flowers to create beautiful food.
Registration required.
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Herb Society of Dubuque
SUN . JUNE 8 . 11a-1p
WORKSHOP: Plant Journal 101
Join us for a relaxed Plant Journal 101 class where you will learn how to apply botanical observational skills to a hand-crafted journal utilizing simple drawing techniques, watercolor pencils, and pens for basic line work.
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Planted.
SUN . JUNE 8 . 4-7p
Centrally Rooted Spring Recital
Enjoy music by Centrally Rooted students!
Location: Packard Pavilion
Sponsor: Centrally Rooted
Serving great food!
THU . JUNE 12 . 6-7p
EDUCATIONAL SESSION: Urban Landscapes
Eco-Friendly Urban Landscapes: Beyond the Grass. Rethink your outdoor space! Join us for an eye-opening session on sustainable landscaping and discover eco-friendly alternatives to traditional lawns. Learn how to create a low-maintenance, biodiverse, and water-efficient landscape that benefits both your home and the environment.
Location: Inside Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Dubuque County Conservation
FRI . JUNE 13 . 10-11a
FAMILY FUN: Wesley Waffles
Family educational fun! Bring your lawn chairs or blankets, and get ready for a show! Join Wesley on a musical adventure as he encourages kids to use their imaginations, embrace their unique selves and, of course, get up and DANCE! With fun props, engaging music, and audience participation, it's kids’ music that's fun for the entire family!
No rain dates. All ages. No registration required.
Location: Packard Pavilion
Sponsors:
SUN. JUNE 15 . 6-8p
MUSIC IN THE GARDENS
Ocean's Rat Pack
Ocean's Rat Pack is the ultimate tribute group devoted to the music of:
. Dean Martin by Tony Ocean,
. Frank Sinatra by Bill Serritella, and
. Sammy Davis Jr. by Elliot Wimbush.
Ocean's Rat Pack brings the audience back in time when Vegas and Hollywood was king. Delight in their authentic performances that bring to life the vibe of the Rat Pack era and proving that these classics will never go out of style, but rather create new fans of the legendary performers of the Rat Pack.
Location: Packard Pavilion Amphitheater
Sponsors:
Seiji & Mary Yoshioka
Serving great food!
THU . JUNE 19 . 6-8p
Charcuterie & Honey Tasting Experience
Relax on our gorgeous screened porch, overlooking breathtaking gardens, as you immerse yourself in the art of crafting a beautiful and delicious charcuterie board. Learn how to pair a variety of meats, cheeses, and honey to create a stunning spread that delights both the eyes and the palate.
But the experience doesn’t stop there! Embark on a sweet journey with our exclusive honey-tasting experience. Sample seven unique honeys from across the United States, each with its own distinctive flavor, aroma, color, and texture. Discover the fascinating floral sources that make each honey special and gain a deeper appreciation for this golden delicacy.
Location: Hafeman Veranda
Sponsors: Dry Creek Beekeeping + Lynnie's Kitchen
SUN . JUNE 22 . 9a-1p
FESTIVAL: HerbFest 2025
Celebrating CHAMOMILE!
Silent auction, Herb Garden tours, tasty herbal treats, handcrafted items for sale, plant giveaway: herbal sample plants.
Location: Herb Garden Area
Sponsor: Herb Society of Dubuque
TUE+WED . JUNE 24-25 . 9-11a
2-DAY CLASS: Plein Air for Kids!
Get some fresh air and paint outside with artist Mercedes Pfab! Mercedes will take this class outside and share fun techniques on how to paint what you see on canvas, also known as Plein Air Painting!
Registration required.
Location: Meet in Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Captured on Canvas
THU . JUNE 26 . 6-8p
WORKSHOP: Pressing Roses 101
The Art of Pressing Roses: An Introduction to Preserving Nature's Beauty.
Registration required.
Location: Hafeman Veranda
Sponsor: Upland Creative
FRI . JUNE 27 . 10-11a
FAMILY FUN: Hooked on Science
Family educational fun! Bring your lawn chairs or blankets, and get ready for a show! Engineer a blast of color with America's "Mr. Science" as student scientists help create a colorful twister, rainbow streamers, an explosion of colorful confetti, and more.
No rain dates. All ages. No registration required.
Location: Packard Pavilion
Sponsors:
JULY 2025
JULY 1-31 . 7a-dusk
STORYWALK: Five Little Ducks
Enjoy the joy of reading with all the benefits of being active outside!
Location: Legacy Tree Trail
Sponsor: Carnegie-Stout Public Library
THU . JULY 10 . 6-7:30p
EDUCATIONAL SESSION: Tussie Mussies
Discover the history and mechanics of making tussie mussies.
Registration required.
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Herb Society of Dubuque
FRI . JULY 11 . 10-11a
FAMILY FUN: Duke Otherwise
Family educational fun! Bring your lawn chairs or blankets, and get ready for a show! The Duke’s zany show features his clever and thoughtfully composed original songs, wild dancing, and storytelling. Duke captivates audiences with his witty songs and his unique showmanship; while encouraging and stimulating creativity through storytelling and excellent musicianship.
No rain dates. All ages. No registration required.
Location: Packard Pavilion
Sponsors:
THU . JULY 17 . 6-7p
EDUCATIONAL SESSION: Prairie Power
Prairie Power: The Magic of Native Plants
Presenter: Laurana Snyder, Dubuque Trees Forever
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor:
SUN. JULY 20 . 6-8p
MUSIC IN THE GARDENS
Renegade Wildflower
This band has been serving up the finest Southern Rock the Midwest has to offer since 2019.
Location: Packard Pavilion Amphitheater
Sponsors:
Serving great food!
THU . JULY 24 . 6-7p
EDUCATIONAL SESSION: Nature Everywhere!
Nature Everywhere! The evidence is clear: spending time outdoors, in nature, is essential for children’s healthy development. From improving academic and social-emotional learning to supporting physical and mental health, children thrive when they have frequent access to outdoor spaces, experiences, and learning.
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Nature Everywhere of Dubuque
FRI . JULY 25 . 10-11a
FAMILY FUN: The Jolly Pops
Family educational fun! Bring your lawn chairs or blankets, and get ready for a show! Come rock with The Jolly Pops Band. Enjoy a blast of high-energy music, movement, fun learning, and even puppet friends! The band was built around Dads who love to play music for kids. The Jolly Pops are an awesome good time!
No rain dates. All ages. No registration required.
Location: Packard Pavilion
Sponsors:
AUGUST 2025
AUGUST 1-31 . 7a-dusk
STORYWALK: Roll, Roll, Little Pea
Enjoy the joy of reading with all the benefits of being active outside!
Location: Legacy Tree Trail
Sponsor: Carnegie-Stout Public Library
SUN . AUG 3 . all day
Noon-1:30p | SUNDAES IN THE GARDENS
Join us for our annual Ice Cream Social which anchors the day's activities and features dessert artistry: FREE sundaes with all the fixings!
Location: McKay Plaza
throughout the day | LOCAL ARTISTRY
In conjunction with this fun, sweet event, you'll find a variety of local artist vendors with nature-based artistry available for purchase that day.
Location: Hafeman Veranda
SUN . AUG 3 . 6-8p
MUSIC IN THE GARDENS
Jonny Lyons & the Pride
Combining Influences of Rock and Roll, Country, Blues, Soul, Surf, and Rockabilly, Jonny Lyons celebrates a musical style that will take you on a journey back in time to the golden era of music and showmanship!
Location: Packard Pavilion Amphitheater
Sponsor:
Serving great food!
THU . AUG 7 . 6-7p
EDUCATIONAL SESSION: Branching Out
Branching Out: Fruit Trees 101
Presenter: Laurana Snyder, Dubuque Trees Forever
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor:
SAT . AUG 9 . 11a-2p
2nd Annual
Picnic + Play!
- A back-to-school bash!
- Bounce houses
- Fun games to play
- Emergency service heroes to meet
- Live music: Amy West performs flute, violin, cello, and trumpet in the Japanese Garden ... songs for children and families!
- DJ music: fun, family-friendly tunes
- MORE!
Location: Packard Pavilion + Gardens
Sponsor:
Serving great food!
THU . AUG 14 . 6-7p
EDUCATIONAL SESSION: Medicinal Preparations
Harnessing Nature's Remedies. Discover how to create herbal remedies from natural ingredients! Learn the basics of tinctures, salves, and more!
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Briana Cushman, Clinical Herbalist
SUN . AUG 17 . 6-8p
MUSIC IN THE GARDENS
The Moods
Relive the Soulful Sounds of Motown & R&B with The Moods ... perfect for fans of Bruno Mars, The Commodores, Diana Ross, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Four Tops, The Jackson 5, James Brown, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson, Prince, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and The Temptations.
This celebrated tribute act is dedicated to recreating the magic of the world's top Motown and R&B legends. Whether you're a die-hard Motown fan or simply looking for a night of unforgettable music and dance, The Moods always give a fun, high-energy performance.
Location: Packard Pavilion Amphitheater
Serving great food!
THU . AUG 21 . 6-7p
EDUCATIONAL SESSION: Kitchen Herbalism
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Briana Cushman, Clinical Herbalist
THU . AUG 28 . 6-8p
WORKSHOP: TBD
Details coming soon! Please check back.
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Coco & Sage
SEPTEMBER 2025
SEPTEMBER 1-30 . 7a-dusk
STORYWALK: Backyard Fairies
Enjoy the joy of reading with all the benefits of being active outside!
Location: Legacy Tree Trail
Sponsor: Carnegie-Stout Public Library
THU . SEPT 4 . 6-7p
EDUCATIONAL SESSION:
Medicinal Uses of Common Herbs
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Briana Cushman, Clinical Herbalist
SUN . SEPT 14 . 1p-5p
Art Show + Sale
Unique masterpieces by local artists: Sue Lemon, JoAnn Hackbarth, Rita Persian, Ellen Henkels, Alda Kaufman, Sharon Krapfl, RoseAnn Derks, Donna Gibson, Kim Daykin.
Step onto the Hafeman Veranda and immerse yourself in a curated collection of extraordinary creations. Celebrate the beauty of local artistry in a serene and inspiring setting. 20% of all sales will be donated to the DABG!
Location: Hafeman Veranda
Sponsor: DABG
11a-3p
FOOD TRUCK:
Food + alcohol will be available for purchase!
SUN . SEPT 14 . 5-7p
MUSIC IN THE GARDENS
SecondHand News
SecondHand News recreates the experience of seeing Fleetwood Mac in their heyday. Made up of veteran local musicians (Melissa Brausch, Josh Chicoine, Mike Holtz, Dan Ingenthron, Mike Vanier, and Lindsay Weinberg), the band features spot-on vocal harmonies, careful attention to detail, and electric live shows. Through the talents of these seasoned performers, the spirit and musicianship of Mick Fleetwood, John and Christine McVie, Stevie Nicks, and Lindsey Buckingham come to life on stage. Audiences are energized by dynamic deliveries of favorites from the band's extensive catalog of hits as well as deep cuts beloved by superfans. The fun these musicians have recreating these classic songs together is infectious and will bring you to your feet in shared appreciation for one of the greatest bands of all time.
Location: Packard Pavilion Amphitheater
Sponsor:
Serving great food!
SAT . SEPT 20 . 10a-Noon
WORKSHOP: Pressed Flower Pumpkin
Join us for a blooming good time as we craft beautiful pressed flower pumpkins to celebrate the beginning of the Fall season!
Location: Hafeman Veranda
Sponsor: Upland Creative
FRI . SEPT 26 . 6-8:30p
Hat Bar + Honey Bar
Gather your friends and family for a one-of-a-kind experience at our Hat Bar and Honey Bar Event:
- Create your custom hat: Choose from Western, Fedora, or Flat-Brimmed hats and try your hand at burning a gorgeous bee and sunflower design onto your hat using specialized tools.
- Sip, savor, and sample seven unique varieties at the honey tasting bar: Dive into a full sensory honey experience as you learn about how honey gets its unique color, texture, aroma, and flavor from the nectar that is collected by the bees in the area where they live.
All-Inclusive Fun: Your registration fee ($65) covers everything: instruction, tools, hat, band, accessories, and honey education/tasting.
Location: Hafeman Veranda
Sponsor: Dry Creek Beekeeping + Marie's Wood Carvings
OCTOBER 2025
OCTOBER 1-31 . 7a-dusk
STORYWALK: Little Owl's Night
Enjoy the joy of reading with all the benefits of being active outside!
Location: Legacy Tree Trail
Sponsor: Carnegie-Stout Public Library
SAT . OCT 25 . 9a-Noon
CLEAN-UP DAY #1
Free lunch provided.
Location: Gardens + Hafeman Veranda
Sponsor: DABG
SUN . OCT 26 . 10a-Noon
WORKSHOP: Pressed Flower Ornament
Bloom with us on the Hafeman Veranda and create a pressed flower ornament to treasure!
Location: Hafeman Veranda
Sponsor: Upland Creative
NOVEMBER 2025
NOVEMBER 1-30 . 7a-dusk
STORYWALK: We All Play
Enjoy the joy of reading with all the benefits of being active outside!
Location: Legacy Tree Trail
Sponsor: Carnegie-Stout Public Library
SAT . NOV 1 . 9a-Noon
CLEAN-UP DAY #2
Free lunch provided.
Location: Gardens + Hafeman Veranda
Sponsor: DABG
SUN . NOV 2 . 10a-5p
LAST DAY OPEN: Gardens Gift Shop (Season 2025)
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
THU . NOV 6 . 6-8p
WORKSHOP: Winter Porch Pot
Create Your Own Unique Winter Porch Pot!
Rech Family Gardens will provide everything you need to design a beautiful winter porch pot, including planters, fresh evergreens, decorative branches, pine cones, ribbons, and a variety of accents (red berries, glitter twigs, and gold and silver details). Follow the step-by-step guidance, get inspired by sample designs, and learn tips to keep your creation looking great all season long and into the new year. Perfect for all skill levels — even beginners!
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Rech Family Gardens
THU . NOV 13 . 6-8p
WORKSHOP: Winter Porch Pot
Create Your Own Unique Winter Porch Pot!
Rech Family Gardens will provide everything you need to design a beautiful winter porch pot, including planters, fresh evergreens, decorative branches, pine cones, ribbons, and a variety of accents (red berries, glitter twigs, and gold and silver details). Follow the step-by-step guidance, get inspired by sample designs, and learn tips to keep your creation looking great all season long and into the new year. Perfect for all skill levels — even beginners!
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Rech Family Gardens
THU . NOV 20 . 6-8p
WORKSHOP: Christmas Tree Night Light
Paint your own ceramic Christmas tree or Christmas tree night light!
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Captured on Canvas
SAT . NOV 29 . 5:30-7:30p
FAMILY EVENT: Holiday Luminaria
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Enjoy hot cocoa + treats!
MORE!
Location: Meet at Japanese Garden Parking Lot + Heinemann Visitor Center
Registration required.
Sponsor: Douglas Timber Solutions
DECEMBER 2025
THU . DEC 11 . 6-8p
WORKSHOP: DIY Vanilla Extract Lab + Lecture
Location: Heinemann Visitor Center
Sponsor: Planted.