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Celebrating: Living Between Cultures, “Entre Tonos”

Photo Credit: James Sizer

DUBUQUE, Iowa, August 10, 2026 — Dubuque Unidos will host its sixth annual Dubuque Latinx Fiesta on Saturday, October 3, from 1- 7 p.m in the Millwork District, bringing the community together for an afternoon of music, dance, art, food, and stories that celebrate the richness of Latin American cultures.

Through the Dubuque Latinx Fiesta, Dubuque Unidos hopes to create a space where everyone feels welcome — a place where community members can come together, learn from one another, share traditions, and celebrate the many cultures that make Dubuque a stronger and more vibrant community.

Partnership with the Dubuque Museum of Art

For the second year, Dubuque Unidos is partnering with the Dubuque Museum of Art to bring the festival indoors through family friendly programming and a specially curated art experience.

This year’s Art Exhibition centers around the theme, “Entre Tonos”: Living Between Cultures, a theme reflecting the experiences of many individuals and families who carry their traditions with them while also embracing new cultures, communities, and experiences. Living between cultures means honoring where we come from while continuing to grow, create, and build a sense of belonging wherever we are.

During the fiesta, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the exhibit at the Dubuque Museum of Art free of charge.

A Day Full of Music, Dance, and Celebration

This year’s celebration will feature an exciting lineup of performers and activities for the entire family.

For the first time in Dubuque Latinx Fiesta history, the event will open with the unforgettable sounds of Mariachi Sol de Madison. Their vibrant mariachi music will bring the spirit, tradition, and energy of this beloved musical art form to the fiesta stage, setting the tone for a day of celebration.

Guests will also enjoy a beautiful performance by Fuerzas Culturales Ballet Folklórico from Cedar Rapids, showcasing the history, movement, and storytelling found in traditional folkloric dance. Returning to the fiesta stage is crowd favorite Edi Rey y su Salsera, bringing back the high-energy salsa rhythms and performances that have made them a favorite among attendees.

Fun for the Whole Family

There will be something for everyone to enjoy throughout the day, including:

  • Bessa Beauty – Fashion Braids (Time TBD)
  • Twist & Shout Balloons – 1:00–3:00 p.m.
  • Latin Thunder Luchador Meet & Greet – All day
  • Captured on Canvas Face Painting – 3:00–6:00 p.m.

Visitors can also enjoy:

  • Delicious food vendors featuring Latin American flavors
  • Local artisans and crafters
  • Community vendors and nonprofit organizations
  • Traditional Lotería games and art activities inside the Dubuque Museum of Art
  • Family-friendly activities throughout the day

The celebration continues into the night with a 21+ after-party at The Goose beginning at 9 pm.

Celebrating Local Vendors and Small Businesses

Through food, art, handcrafted goods, and cultural offerings, vendors help share their stories and traditions.

For many vendors, the Fiesta is more than an opportunity to showcase their products. It is a chance to celebrate their heritage, connect with neighbors, and take part in a community event that honors culture, tradition, and belonging. Daniel Luna and Natalie Cerón, owners of La Venta Specialty Coffee and three-time Fiesta vendors, have experienced firsthand the impact and connections the Latinx Fiesta has brought not only to their business, but to the community as a whole.

“Participating in last year’s Latinx Fiesta, organized by Dubuque Unidos, was a wonderful experience for us. The event gave us the opportunity to introduce our specialty coffee business to the community, make valuable connections, and build lasting relationships with customers and other local businesses.

We were proud to share our Colombian culture through coffee and to be part of an event that celebrates the diversity, traditions, and contributions of the Latin community. We are grateful to Dubuque Unidos for creating such a welcoming event.”

A Celebration Built Through Volunteering

The Dubuque Latinx Fiesta continues to thrive because of the many community members and organizations who have shared their time, talents, and passion to help bring this celebration to life. Over the years, volunteers have become advocates, participants have become leaders, and many have found a deeper connection to Dubuque Unidos through their involvement with the fiesta.

Every year, the fiesta reminds us that community grows when people come together. For Claire Robinson, whose journey began as a volunteer and grew into becoming an active member of Dubuque Unidos, helping continue the mission of celebrating culture, connection, and belonging.

"Seeing in the fiesta was such a wonderful celebration of community and culture. This event is so important for the Tri-State area, and I knew I wanted to support Dubuque Unidos and help how I can. It has been great participating beyond the fiesta and getting to know the DU community more. Dubuque Unidos is bringing people together all year in lots of creative ways, from Farolitos Night to the recent World Cup watch parties, and Dubuque is stronger because of it."

A Celebration Made Possible by Our Community

Dubuque Unidos extends its sincere gratitude to the sponsors whose generosity and commitment continue to make the Dubuque Latinx Fiesta possible. Their support helps create a cultural and educational celebration where our community can come together each year to learn, connect, and celebrate the many cultures that enrich Dubuque.

2026 Dubuque Latinx Fiesta Sponsors:

East Dubuque – CVR, Anderson Webber, Multicultural Family Center (MFC), Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, Conlon, Dubuque County Democrats, Dubuque Racing Association (DRA), East Central Iowa Association of Realtors, Enterprising Staffing, 7-Hills Brewery, Friday Financial, Gronen, Henkel's & Baker, PC, King Kutz, New Eagle Insurance, Sisters of the Presentation BVM, TH Media, and UMB.

We invite you to bring your family, invite your friends, and join us for a day celebrating culture, traditions, creativity, and community. Whether you are reconnecting with familiar traditions or discovering something new, we look forward to celebrating with you at the 2026 Dubuque Latinx Fiesta on October 3!

About Dubuque Unidos

Dubuque Unidos is a volunteer-led collective of Latinx professionals and community members dedicated to uplifting and uniting the Latinx community in Dubuque through cultural and educational events. The annual Latinx Fiesta reflects our mission to create joyful, inclusive spaces where Latinx culture is visible, celebrated, and connected to the larger community.

Stay connected and get the latest updates from Dubuque Unidos and the Latinx Fiesta by following us on Facebook and Instagram at @DubuqueUnidos or www.dubuqueunidos.com

Contact:

Ivonne Simmonds - President

DubuqueUnidos@gmail.com

5635809888