With DBQFest just three weeks away, the community is invited to kick off the countdown to Iowa’s longest-running arts festival at A Night at The Lift: Live Music for DBQFest on Thursday, July 16. The evening fundraiser brings together local music, community, and charitable giving in support of DBQFest, helping keep the annual festival free and accessible for all. Thanks to the generosity of The Lift, 20% of all sales throughout the evening will benefit DBQFest.

Hosted at The Lift, 180 Main Street in downtown Dubuque, the evening begins at 7:00 p.m. with the Thrifty Art Raffle and time to gather with friends before live music takes over later in the evening.

Live Music

Beginning at 9:00 p.m., Dubuque’s Marzipan Mailbox will take the stage with an energetic blend of roots rock, psychedelic jams, blues, jazz, and folk-inspired songwriting. At 11:00 p.m., Neoterics will close out the night with its signature mix of power pop and garage rock inspired by the British Invasion, American garage rock, proto-punk, and indie rock.

Support the Festival

Guests can also take part in the Thrifty Art Raffle, featuring artwork and prizes generously donated by local artists, makers, and businesses. The raffle closes at 9:00 p.m., and participants must be present to win. Raffle proceeds, along with a suggested $10 donation at the door, help keep DBQFest free, accessible, and volunteer-powered for the community. Whether you stop in for one drink after work or stay all evening, every purchase, raffle ticket, and donation supports making Iowa’s longest-running arts festival possible.

Event Details

A Night at The Lift: Live Music for DBQFest
Thursday, July 16, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. until close
The Lift, 180 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa

Live Music

• Marzipan Mailbox | 9:00-11:00 p.m.

• Neoterics | 11:00 p.m. to close

Admission & Activities

• Suggested $10 donation at the door

• 20% of all sales benefit DBQFest

• Thrifty Art Raffle featuring artwork and prizes from local artists, makers, and businesses

• Raffle closes at 9:00 p.m.; winners must be present to claim prizes

DBQFest returns to downtown Dubuque’s Washington Park on Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, featuring 51 regional artists and makers, live music and performances on two stages, family activities, food vendors, poetry, theater, and the new DBQFest After Hours concert series. For more information about A Night at The Lift: Live Music for DBQFest or the August festival, visit DBQFest.com.

About DBQfest: DBQfest is a volunteer-powered program of the Dubuque County Fine Arts Society, a 501c3 organization, whose mission is to support artists and creatives by serving as a fiscal sponsor for collaborative, community-based arts experiences in Dubuque and its surrounding areas. To volunteer, get involved, or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit dbqfest.com.