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Festival partners with Dubuque Museum of Art to celebrate culture and new location

DUBUQUE, Iowa, August 29, 2025 – Dubuque Unidos proudly announces the 

5th annual Dubuque Latinx Fiesta, taking place Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 1–7 pm at 1000 Jackson Street in the Historic Millwork District.

This year marks a new milestone for the community-led festival, as it partners with the Dubuque Museum of Art (DuMA) to bring the celebration to the opening day of its new home in the Millwork District.

What began as a grassroots effort to uplift and unite Dubuque’s and the Tri-State Area Latinx community has grown into one of the city’s signature cultural events. The Latinx Fiesta is a free, family-friendly festival where the community can come together to experience the richness of Latin American culture through music, dance, food, art, and storytelling.

“Five years ago, this festival was just a dream,” said Nathalia Bernal of Dubuque Unidos. “Today, it’s a vibrant tradition. Partnering with the Museum in their new Millwork space allows us to grow even bigger—honoring Latinx and Indigenous heritage not just through music and food, but also through the visual arts.”

This year’s Fiesta is especially meaningful as it serves as the opening celebration for DuMA’s new home in the Millwork District. Dubuque Unidos is honored to be part of this historic moment, aligning our mission of visibility, connection, and cultural pride with the Museum’s commitment to engaging all communities. Together, we are creating a space where Latinx and Indigenous voices are celebrated as a vital part of Dubuque’s cultural story.

Festival Highlights:

  • More Vendors than Ever Before: Thanks to the expanded indoor–outdoor footprint in the Millwork District, this year’s Fiesta will feature double the number of artisan, merchandise, and food vendors compared to previous years. Guests can browse a colorful marketplace of handmade crafts, clothing, pottery, jewelry, and books, while also enjoying a wide range of authentic flavors from across Latin America and the Caribbean—from street food favorites to sweet treats and refreshing drinks. Together, these offerings celebrate the diversity, creativity, and traditions of Latinx culture.
  • Live Performances: Salsa music by La Combi, Latin jazz by El Alto Del Maiz, traditional Mexican dance with Danza Folklorica del Oeste, and a special appearance by Luchador Latin Thunder.
  • Special Displays & Community Features: A quinceañera dress showcase by Zazou’s Bridal Boutique and food and drink specials from Millwork District businesses will add even more local flavor and engagement to the day.
  • Threads of Belonging Exhibition: Inside DuMA’s new Millwork galleries, Fiesta guests can also experience Threads of Belonging, an exhibition featuring Latinx and Indigenous artists from Iowa, the Midwest, and beyond. Through works in printmaking, textiles, and jewelry, and multimedia, artists explore heritage, identity, and cultural storytelling—offering a powerful extension of the Fiesta’s mission of visibility and connection.
    “It’s thrilling to open our new space with Threads of Belonging in tandem with the Latinx Fiesta,” said Stacy Peterson, Curatorial Director of the Dubuque Museum of Art. “The exhibition brings forward powerful voices of Latinx and Indigenous artists, and showcasing it alongside the music, food, and traditions of the Fiesta makes the Museum truly feel like part of the community celebration.”
  • Contemporary Indigenous Photography: Also opening October 11 inside the Dubuque Museum of Art, is In Conversation: WIll Wilson, which presents the works of Diné (Navajo) photographer Will Wilson (b. 1969) and Edward Sheriff Curtis (1868-1952). In Conversation: Will Wilson is organized by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Generous support provided by Art Bridges.
  • Family Fun: Families can enjoy hands-on art activities and interactive games inside the museum, as well as outdoor play areas, live demonstrations, and community resource booths that make the Fiesta a welcoming experience for all ages.

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

The 2025 Latinx Fiesta is made possible with support from Henkels & Baker, PC, Multicultural Family Center, East Dubuque Nitrogen Fertilizer, Dubuque Main Street, Gronen, the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, Sisters of the Presentation, TH Media, and the Dubuque County Fine Arts Society, and more. See the full list of community supporters at dubuqueunidos.com.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Latinx Fiesta is powered by community members who give their time and energy. Those interested in volunteering or joining Dubuque Unidos can learn more at dubuqueunidos.com or find open opportunities posted through VolunteerDBQ.

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.

More information, volunteer opportunities (www.volunteerdbq.com), and full schedule available at: dubuqueunidos.com

Stay connected and get the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Instagram: @DubuqueUnidos