Sundaes in the Gardens

SUNDAY | AUGUST 6

ARTISTRY THROUGHOUT THE DAY

Dessert + Food + Painters + Sculptures + Gardens + Music

Learn more below.

Sunday / August 6 / all day

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

2-3:30p | DESSERT ARTISTRY [FREE!]

The Main Event — Sundaes in the Gardens, our annual Ice Cream Social — will anchor the day’s activities and feature dessert artistry: sundaes with all the fixings!

Location: McKay Plaza.

This year’s Sundaes in the Gardens is sponsored by the Jim Matz Family in honor of the late Elaine Matz (1949-2021).

11a-2p + 5:30-8:30p | FOOD ARTISTRY

FOOD ARTISTRY will come in the form of Dubuque’s newest food truck: The Hangry Hobo. Parked and serving in the upper parking lot, you’ll find a variety of food offerings to choose from including gyros, smash burgers, and more!

[A portion of food sales will go to support the DABG.]

1-8p | PAINTING ARTISTRY

Throughout the day, Arboretum Artists will stage an art show in the Visitor Center’s Hafeman Veranda and Garden Room. Garden-inspired artwork will be on display and available for purchase in this popup gallery all afternoon and during Music in the Gardens’ evening intermission.

Featured artists include Barbara Heitzman, Deb Otto, Donna Gibson, Ellen Hartman Henkels, Julie Ferring, Lisa Towers, Mercedes Pfab, Michelle Quinn, Pam Hiatt, Rabecca Jayne Hennessy, Renee Meyer, Rita Persian, Rose Ann Derks, and Sue Lemon. Watch for artists painting on location around the gardens, too!

[A portion of art sales will go to support the DABG.]

all day | GARDEN ARTISTRY

With more than 60 different types of gardens, volunteer-created and volunteer-maintained, many at peak bloom, it’s the perfect time to stroll the grounds and enjoy nature’s beauty on display.

all day | SCULPTURAL ARTISTRY

Sculptural artistry throughout the 56-acre grounds will be worth a viewing. More than 50 sculptural pieces are always on display by local and area creators, including two of the latest installations:

  • REACHING. Location: Between Legacy Tree Trail and the Hydrangea Garden on the right-hand side of the roadway.
  • BUTTERFLY’S DINNER. Location: Legacy Tree Trail by the fence near the NW Arterial.

6:30-8:30P | MUSICAL ARTISTRY

Music in the Gardens concludes the day’s events with CLASSICAL BLAST. This contemporary instrumental group’s Bach to Rock show is a thrill ride through history … unique, exciting entertainment featuring classic rock music all mashed with classical music by the great composers.

[Presented by the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Sponsored by Lowe’s.]