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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

ARTISTRY IN BLOOM

From food to sculptures to music and more, ARTISTRY takes center stage at the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

LEARN MORE

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

Sponsors:

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:

RSVP + PAY ($5)

FRI . AUG 8 . 6-7p

HEALING CIRCLE in the Japanese Gardens

The heart of the Healing Circle is to give and receive healing; all modalities and skill levels are welcome. The event's purpose is to raise our vibration and fill the Arboretum and all in it with unconditional love and healing energy! You will have the opportunity to write a name, place, or issue on a piece of paper for healing to be sent. You're welcome to participate and simply receive. You'll have the opportunity to find a space to sit or lie down, or flow through the gardens at your own pace, soaking in the unconditional love and energetic support surrounding you. Stay for as little or as long as you’d like!

This is a free event; donations will be accepted in support of the Koi Pond Project if you feel drawn to support financially. 

PLEASE REGISTER | IT'S FREE: $0

SAT . AUG 9 . 11a-2p 

2nd Annual

Picnic + Play!

  • A back-to-school bash!
  • Face painting with Captured on Canvas
  • Rec -n- Roll!
  • 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 by COMBAT D PRODUCTIONS: fun, family-friendly tunes
  • MORE!

Location: Packard Pavilion + Gardens

Sponsors:

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 

RSVP + PAY ($5)

THU . AUG 14 . 5-7:30p

FOOD TRUCK: The Rice Is Nice 

The Rice is Nice, LLC will be serving up their delicious dishes right here in our beautiful gardens! 🌸 Come enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by nature and great food.

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

Sponsor:

Serving great food!

THU . AUG 21 . 6-7p

EDUCATIONAL SESSION: Kitchen Herbalism 

Location: Heinemann Visitor Center

Sponsor: Briana Cushman, Clinical Herbalist 

RSVP + PAY ($5)

THU . AUG 28 . 6-8p

WORKSHOP: Candle-Making!

 #FallWorkshop #CozyVibes Get cozy with us this fall! In this charming workshop, you’ll create your own candle using a beautiful fall-colored vessel, topped with handcrafted beeswax leaves—so dreamy! Plus, enjoy a sweet treat while you craft.

Space is limited—don’t miss out on this perfect fall vibe! 🍁 

Location: Heinemann Visitor Center

Sponsor: Coco & Sage

RSVP + PAY ($45)

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 

RSVP + PAY ($5)

SUN . SEPT 7 . 3-5p

AGT! featuring Faye, pianist

Join us for a fun and inspiring free concert showcasing local talent, headlined by the amazing Faye!

A genre-bending musician and artist, Faye's eclectic sound blends classical and blues influences. With a background in classical piano, Faye's original compositions are emotionally charged, technically precise, and creatively nuanced. Her music is a testament to the power of creativity to touch the human heart.

Bring a chair, soak in the beauty of the gardens, and enjoy an afternoon of live music and community spirit! While admission is free, donations for Faye are greatly appreciated.

Location: Packard Pavilion

TUE . SEPT 9 . 5-8p

Culver's Share Night

Eat delicious! Do good! 

🍔🐟 

Join us at the Dubuque Culver’s on Tue / Sept 9 / from 5-8p and a portion of your purchase will support our Koi Pond Project at the Arboretum!

Location: 4800 Asbury Road / Dubuque

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!

SUN . SEPT 28 . 1-3p

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

A portion of each ticket sold will benefit the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

RSVP + PAY ($48)

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

RSVP + PAY ($40)

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.