CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2024

JULY 2024

JULY 1-31 . 7a-dusk 

StoryWalk: LITTLE BEE'S FLOWER

Author: Jacob Souva

Location: Legacy Tree Trail

Sponsor: (Morning) Optimist Club of Dubuque

MON . JULY 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 . 5:45p

QIGONG at The Arboretum | with Tom

Location: Japanese Garden (parking in lower lot)

In case of rain, class will meet in Packard Pavilion.

Donation-Based Classes: B-1 Yoga is offering Monday night donation-based classes all summer long! Donations will help fund electricity in the Children's Playground Pavilion.

SUN . JULY 7 . 6:30-8:30p 

MUSIC IN THE GARDENS

Secrets

60s + 70s + 80s Variety

Presented by: the Dubuque Arts Council

Location: Packard Pavilion Amphitheater

Sponsors: Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, Home & FloorShow, DuTrac Community Credit Union, University Of Dubuque (Heritage Center)

5-7:30p: Food available for purchase from:

WED . JULY 10 . 1-3p

Silly Sketch in the Gardens!

Join Isaih Lee Hessling, Silly Sketch Artist, in this two-hour kids' class (ages 7 and up recommended) at the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, where you draw a caricature of someone you attend with!

Ticket includes supplies, material, tax, processing fees, and proceeds benefitting the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

Location: Heinemann Visitor Center

THU . JULY 11 . 6-7:30p

EDUCATIONAL SESSION: Gardening with Native Plants

With Dr. John Brennan: "Native plants can offer appeal and joy to your gardening as well as some challenges. Focusing primarily on sun-loving prairie and light shade-tolerant savanna species, this session is an introduction to the WHY, WHERE, AND HOWs of returning natives to your landscape. At the end of the program (if weather permits), we will walk out into the Arboretum’s Butterfly and Prairie Gardens to see what is happening."

Location: Heinemann Visitor Center

Sponsor: Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

FRI . JULY 12 . 10-11a

KIDS MUSICAL CONCERT: Jim Gill

  • Ages: All
  • Registration: Not Required
  • Location: Packard Pavilion
  • Sponsor: Carnegie-Stout Public Library

Get ready to sing, clap, dance and spin along during this visit from award-winning musician and author, Jim Gill. Jim Gill’s distinctive music play creates the spirit of a family room in the concert hall and is an invitation to children, parents and grandparents to sing and play together

SAT . JULY 13 . 6-7p

[RAIN DATE: SAT . JULY 27]

ARBORETUM'S GOT TALENT: Dubuque Music Men

July 13 marks the inaugural event for our new series called "Arboretum's Got Talent," kicked off by the Dubuque Music Men & Friends. In the future, the DABG will be looking to host a battle of the bands, singing competitions, etc., for all ages. Be on the lookout for more information about future AGT! events.

5-7p: Food + ice cream available for purchase from:

SUN . JULY 14 . 6:30-8:30p 

MUSIC IN THE GARDENS

Sail On

Beach Boys Tribute Band

Presented by: the Dubuque Arts Council

Location: Packard Pavilion Amphitheater

Sponsor: Anonymous Donation



5-7:30p: Food available for purchase from:

THU . JULY 18 . 6-7p

EDUCATIONAL SESSION: Intro to Wanderwood Gardens

The Wanderwood Gardens: a forest of make-believe and discovery | A Conversation with Jared McGovern, Director of the Gardens.

Location: Meet at Heinemann Visitor Center

Sponsor: Wanderwood Gardens

SUN . JULY 21 . 10a-Noon

WORKSHOP: Pressed Flower Art

During this hands-on pressed flower workshop, you'll learn the art of pressing flowers and will create your own stunning 5x7 bouquet design on handmade paper to take home. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a curious beginner, come and experience the joy of preserving nature's beauty. [A portion of ticket sales will benefit the DABG!]

Location: Heinemann Visitor Center

Sponsor: Upland Creative

SUN . JULY 21 . 6:30-8:30p 

MUSIC IN THE GARDENS

10 of Soul

This high-energy 11-piece band brings to the stage a dynamic range of classic soul, funk, and pop.

Presented by: the Dubuque Arts Council

Location: Packard Pavilion Amphitheater

Sponsors: A.Y. McDonald Manufacturing, Capra Bank, Department of Psychiatry, Medical Associates

5-7:30p: Food available for purchase from:

THU . JULY 25 . 6-7p

EDUCATIONAL SESSION: Seed Saving

Seed Saving | from vegetables to medicinals. Seed saving is the thread that weaves through human history connecting past and future generations. Join herbalist Briana Cushman to learn the fundamentals and gain hands-on experience in this time-honored art and practice. By the end of this workshop, you will feel confident to select, clean, and store your heirloom seed from your garden. 

Location: Heinemann Visitor Center

Sponsor: Briana Cushman, Clinical Herbalist

FRI . JULY 26 . 10-11a

KIDS COMEDY: Juggling Jeff

  • Ages: All
  • Registration: Not Required
  • Location: Packard Pavilion
  • Sponsor: Carnegie-Stout Public Library

An interactive comedy show with high energy, improvisation, danger, suspense, ridiculousness, audience participation, and MORE!

SUN . JULY 28 . 6:30-8:30p 

MUSIC IN THE GARDENS

Kids from Wisconsin

Song-and-Dance Band

Presented by: the Dubuque Arts Council

Location: Packard Pavilion Amphitheater

Sponsor: Fuerste Eye Clinic

5-7:30p: Food available for purchase from:

AUGUST 2024

AUG 1-31 . 7a-dusk 

StoryWalk: MIGUEL'S COMMUNITY GARDEN

Authors: JaNay Brown-Wood + Samara Hardy

Location: Legacy Tree Trail

Sponsor: (Morning) Optimist Club of Dubuque

THU . AUG 1 . 6-7:30p

EDUCATIONAL SESSION: Herbs for Relaxation

Herbs for relaxation | With today’s fast pace and uncertainty, taking time to relax is more important than ever. Join Herbalist, Briana Cushman to discover some of her favorite herbs to relieve stress and support the nervous system. During this class, you will learn which herbs are best for you and how to use them in fun and effective ways. 

Location: Heinemann Visitor Center

Sponsor: Briana Cushman, Clinical Herbalist

SAT . AUG 3 . 5:30-7:30p 

Ice Cream in the Gardens

It's HERE from 5:30 to 7:30p ...

  • Come out for the ice cream!
  • Then stay and play!

Location: Visitor Center Parking Lot

SUN . AUG 4 . 11a-3p 

EVENT: Sundaes in the Gardens

  • Ice Cream Social (FREE sundaes from Noon to 1:30p) +
  • Food +
  • Coffee +
  • Arts and Crafts Sale +
  • More!

Location: McKay Plaza + Heinemann Visitor Center

Sponsors: Jim Matz Family in Honor of Elaine Matz + the DABG

SUN . AUG 4 . 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, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis, Jr. bringing the audience back in time when Vegas and Hollywood were king.

Presented by: the DABG

Location: Packard Pavilion Amphitheater

Sponsors:

  • Bob and Judy Klauer +
  • Seiji and Mary Yoshioka
  • Trustwell Living | Eagle Pointe Place

5-7p: Food available for purchase from:

MON . AUG 5, 12, 19, 26 . 5:45p

QIGONG at The Arboretum | with Tom

Location: Japanese Garden (parking in lower lot)

In case of rain, the class will meet in the Packard Pavilion.

Donation-Based Classes: B-1 Yoga is offering Monday night donation-based classes all summer long! Donations will help fund electricity in the Children's Playground Pavilion.

TUE-WED . AUG 6-7

. 9-Noon

PLEIN AIR ART FOR KIDS // 2-Day Camp

Join us for Outdoor Painting for Kids! During this 2-day camp at the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, lead artist Mercedes will be teaching tricks and techniques for the art of Plein Air Painting!

Recommended age: 8+

Location: Meet in the Heinemann Visitor Center

Sponsor: Captured on Canvas

SAT . AUG 10 . 11a-2p 

FAMILY EVENT: Picnic + Play!

1st Annual Back-to-School Picnic

  • DJ: Combat D Productions
  • 2 bounce houses!
  • Temporary tattoos!
  • Games by the Rec-n-Roll Trailer!
  • Food by Hy-Vee
  • Ice Cream by Vesperman Farms

Location: Packard Pavilion + Children's Playground Pavilion

Sponsor:

SUN . AUG 11 . 6-8p 

MUSIC IN THE GARDENS

Fortunate Sons

The world's premier tribute to America's greatest band: Creedence Clearwater!

Presented by: the DABG

Location: Packard Pavilion Amphitheater

Sponsors:

  • Stonehill Communities +
  • Keevin and Mary Franzen +
  • DRA

5-7p: Coffee + food available for purchase from:

TUE . AUG 13 . 10a-Noon

EDUCATIONAL SESSION:

Explore the Gardens with a Naturalist

Bring your Pack-In/Pack-Out Lunch* to eat on the Hafeman Veranda.

Location: Meet at Heinemann Visitor Center

Sponsor: Dubuque County Conservation

THU . AUG 15 . 6-7p

EDUCATIONAL SESSION: Herbal Immune Boosters

Herbal Immune Boosters | Cold and flu season is just around the corner and now is the perfect time to give your immune system some extra support. Join Herbalist, Briana Cushman, to explore herbal immune boosters and sample some easy-to-make recipes. You will come away from this workshop with easy ways to use herbs to support your winter health. 

Location: Heinemann Visitor Center

Sponsor: Briana Cushman, Clinical Herbalist

SUN . AUG 18 . 10a-1p 

FLOWER BAR

Fresh. Local. Beautiful. [Bouquets grown in Grant County.] Each bouquet will showcase the very best of the week's harvests with focal and specialty varieties ... whatever is in bloom.

Sponsor: Rech Family Gardens

Location: Visitor Center Lot

Food available for purchase from:

SUN . AUG 18 . 6-8p 

MUSIC IN THE GARDENS

Anthem's Grand Illusion

A tribute to the Music of Styx. Performing all the hits of Styx from their classic catalog!

Presented by: the DABG

Location: Packard Pavilion Amphitheater

Sponsors:

  • Caring Transitions +
  • Premier Bank

5-7p: Coffee + food available for purchase from:

SUN . AUG 25 . 6-8p 

MUSIC IN THE GARDENS

Jonny Lyons & the Pride

Old-time rock'n'roll and soul recreating the electrifying energy from 50s and 60s sock hops to the soulful sounds of 60s and 70s R&B music.

Presented by: the DABG

Location: Packard Pavilion Amphitheater

Sponsor: The Butler Family Foundation

5-7p: Coffee + food available for purchase from:

SEPTEMBER 2024

SEPT 1-30 . 7a-dusk 

StoryWalk: I LOVE INSECTS!

Author: Lizzy Rockwell

Location: Legacy Tree Trail

Sponsor: (Morning) Optimist Club of Dubuque

THU . SEPT 5 . 6-7p

EDUCATIONAL SESSION: Tree Problems + Maintenance

With Ray Kruse

Location: Meet at the Heinemann Visitor Center

Sponsor: Dubuque County Extension Office

THUR . SEPT 12 . 6-8p

WORKSHOP: Pumpkin Decorating

Decorate a real pumpkin with dried flowers!

Location: Heinemann Visitor Center Parking Lot

Sponsor: Rech Family Gardens

SUN . SEPT 22 . 10a-3p

PUMPKIN + GOURD WAGON

Growing the most unique varieties of pumpkins and gourds, come get your Fall decorations! Pumpkins, gourds, ornamental corn, squash, and broom corn bunches!

Location:

Heinemann Visitor Center Parking Lot

Sponsor: Rech Family Gardens

Food available for purchase from:

SUN . SEPT 22 . 1-3p

GARDEN TEA BLENDING LAB

Rose and lavender tea-blending lab.

With Grace Deane, Master Herbalist and Tea Blender.

Location: Heinemann Visitor Center

Sponsor: ByzanTEAum

SUN . SEPT 29 . 11a-3p

30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION:

JAPANESE GARDEN

Location: Japanese Garden

Demonstrations by:

Sponsor: TBA

11a-2p: Food + tea available for purchase from:

OCTOBER 2024

OCT 1-31 . 7a-dusk 

StoryWalk: LET IT GROW

Author: Mary Ann Fraser

Location: Legacy Tree Trail

Sponsor: (Morning) Optimist Club of Dubuque

TUE . OCT 8 . 6-8p

WORKSHOP: Make Your Own Fall Swag

Create a fall swag with broom corn, Amaranth, Indian corn, and dried flowers.

Location: Heinemann Visitor Center

Sponsor: Rech Family Gardens

SAT . OCT 12 . 4-6p

WORKSHOP: Girls' Night Out!

Create a custom-pressed flower ornament frame from your own choice of many pre-pressed flowers provided. Enjoy charcuterie boards and MORE!

Location: Heinemann Visitor Center

Sponsor: Upland Creative

SAT . OCT 19 . 9a-Noon

FALL CLEAN-UP DAY #1

Clean-up activities. Lunch provided.

Location: Heinemann Visitor Center

SUN . OCT 27 . 9a-5p

LAST DAY: THE GARDENS GIFT SHOP

Location: Heinemann Visitor Center

NOVEMBER 2024

NOV 1-30 . 7a-dusk 

StoryWalk: BABY BEAR COUNTS ONE

Author: Ashley Wolff

Location: Legacy Tree Trail

Sponsor: (Morning) Optimist Club of Dubuque

SAT . NOV 2 . 9a-Noon

FALL CLEAN-UP DAY #2

Clean-up activities. Lunch provided.

Location: Heinemann Visitor Center

THUR . NOV 7 . 6-8p

WORKSHOP: Indian Corn Centerpiece

Create your own primitive Fall Indian corn centerpiece.

Location: Heinemann Visitor Center

Sponsor: Rech Family Gardens

DECEMBER 2024

TUE . DEC 3 . ALL DAY 

GIVING TUESDAY

Location: Online

THUR . DEC 5 . 6-8p

WORKSHOP: Evergreen Centerpiece

Create holiday evergreen decor!

Location: Heinemann Visitor Center

Sponsor: Rech Family Gardens